Orthodontic Braces

The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary significantly based on the nature and severity of the misalignment being treated, as well as the type of braces being used. Your orthodontist will provide you with an estimate of the treatment cost at the outset.

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

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 metal and translucent braces at Wentz Orthodontics.

Translucent braces have ceramic brackets that match the colour of your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile. You can learn more about both these types of braces on this page under 'Types of Braces'.

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

The average treatment time for braces is 12 to 24 months, but this can vary significantly from patient to patient. 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.

You'll probably need a week or two to become fully accustomed to your braces after you first get 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’re wearing metal braces with rubber bands, you’ll have the chance to update the color of your bands at each adjustment appointment. Orthodontic elastics come in a wide variety of shades, giving you the freedom to personalize your braces and add a little fun to the treatment process.

We also often use e-chains to help close spaces between teeth, and these are available in plenty of colors too. Whether you want to match the season, celebrate a holiday, or simply show off your personal style, you can make your braces uniquely yours.

It’s normal to experience some discomfort at different stages of your braces treatment. The good news is that any pain is temporary and typically goes away within a few days, or sometimes just a few hours.

Most patients notice soreness during the first week after getting braces and for a short time following adjustment appointments, as the teeth begin to shift. This is often described as a feeling of pressure or a dull ache, and it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers until the discomfort subsides.

You may also experience some irritation if the brackets or wires rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips, especially at the beginning of treatment or after adjustments. Applying orthodontic wax to the braces in those spots creates a smoother surface and helps reduce irritation. Pain relievers can also provide temporary relief until the discomfort passes.

Yes, adults can get braces! 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 their smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, or Invisalign. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases. 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, it’s important to brush your teeth after every meal during your braces treatment. Oral hygiene matters more than ever with braces, since the brackets and wires create tiny spaces where food particles can easily get trapped. These hard-to-reach areas can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria.

Being extra diligent with your brushing and flossing helps prevent cavities, staining, and bad breath. A little extra attention to your oral hygiene can help keep your smile healthy and breath fresh throughout your treatment.

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

To floss your teeth with braces, feed the floss down through the space between the arch wire and your teeth. We supply floss threaders for our patients 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 extra care, but you should still be able to enjoy many of your favorite foods.

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 refrain from 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 could involve regular direct blows to the face while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable.

Other contact sports, such as 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, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.

Braces and Invisalign 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 Invisalign 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.