Braces in Prince George

The cost of treatment with orthodontic braces can vary considerably from one patient to the next based on the nature and severity of the misalignment being treated. It can also vary depending on the type of braces being used. Translucent braces, for example, tend to be more expensive than traditional metal ones.

Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces. That said, braces may not be suitable for some people with significant recession or oral health conditions.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from braces.

We offer ceramic translucent (polycrystalline) braces at Lo Elliott Orthodontics.

Translucent braces have brackets made from polycrystalline material that is colour-matched to your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile. You can learn more about both types of braces on this page under 'Types of Braces'.

Clear aligners are also an option for low-profile orthodontic treatment.

The average treatment time for braces is 18 to 24 months, but this can vary significantly. The duration of your orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the type and severity of your misalignment. As you might expect, mild or moderate cases are quicker to treat than more complex ones.

Most patients find that it takes a week or two to become fully accustomed to braces after first getting them. You may find it hard to resist poking them with your tongue as you get used to how the wires and brackets feel.

You may also notice that certain areas of your mouth rub against the braces and get sore. Orthodontic wax can be placed on the braces in these areas to help create a smoother surface with less friction as your mouth adjusts. Again, this discomfort is temporary, and after a couple of weeks, your mouth will likely feel normal again.

If you have metal braces with rubber ties, you can update the colour of your braces each time you come in for an adjustment appointment. Orthodontic ties come in a rainbow of different colours for you to choose from. Having the option to personalize your braces in this way can make the orthodontic treatment process a little more fun!

We also often use power chains to close the spaces between teeth, and these come in lots of colours as well.

You can change the colour of your braces based on the season, upcoming holidays, or your personal style.

You will almost certainly experience some discomfort at different points of your orthodontic treatment with braces. However, any pain you feel during your braces treatment is temporary and usually resolves over a few days or even hours.

Discomfort from braces usually occurs a week or so after you first get them and also for a few hours or days after your adjustment appointments as the teeth begin to shift. Patients tend to describe it as a sensation of pressure or an ache. Until the pain passes, it is usually easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen.

Another type of temporary discomfort you may experience during your braces treatment is when the brackets rub against the inside of your mouth. This can also happen when you first get your braces and directly after adjustment appointments. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the braces in the areas where the rubbing occurs to create a smoother surface against the inside of your mouth. You can also use painkillers to manage this discomfort until it passes.

Absolutely, braces are an ideal orthodontic treatment for many adults! In fact, more and more adults these days are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger, to improve their oral health and the appearance of smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces or clear aligners. Both of these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, in some cases, children as young as eight years old may be candidates for braces. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young, when we can work with and guide their oral development rather than undoing issues that are already established later on.

With all that being said, we take a very conservative approach to braces for children, and only prescribe them when there's a serious risk of future orthodontic problems. 

Yes, to protect your oral health, it's a good idea to brush your teeth at least after each meal throughout your braces treatment.

The presence of braces in your mouth introduces a multitude of tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. Food particles can easily get caught in these spaces, making them a breeding ground for bacteria.

To avoid developing cavities (not to mention tooth discolouration and bad breath) extra vigilance with your oral hygiene is essential.

Flossing with braces may seem complicated, but it's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it!

To floss your teeth with braces, feed the floss down through the space between the archwire and your teeth. Floss threaders are available to make this easier. Pull the end of the floss gently towards the back of the tooth and draw the floss up and down between the teeth. Then repeat this process between each pair of teeth.

Eating with braces requires some extra care, but you should still be able to continue eating many of the foods you love.

You'll need to avoid hard, crunchy, or overly sticky/tacky foods. In general, it's important to chew carefully while wearing braces and take your time. Avoid biting into foods like apples or corn on the cob (cut your apple into bite-sized pieces and shell your corn instead!) and avoid chewing gum completely.

For the most part, though, you can go on eating your normal diet – with a few modifications along the way.

We generally recommend avoiding any sports that involve direct blows to the face as a matter of routine while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable.

Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well.

For most sports, though, you should be able to keep playing with no problem. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, mouth, and braces from damage.

Braces and clear aligners are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but there are differences between them that may affect their suitability for different individuals. 

Factors to consider when choosing between braces and aligner treatment include your personal preferences and lifestyle, aesthetics, the nature and severity of your misalignment, and cost. You can learn more here.

Your orthodontist will assess your specific case and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.