Frequently Asked Questions | Calgary Invisalign

Booking an appointment with us could not be easier! Simply call our practice or enter in your information in our secure online form. Our front office team will be happy to help and book you in for an appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all of the information you need.

An Orthodontist is a dental specialist, trained to diagnose and treat an improper bite and/or malpositioned teeth. In addition to earning the same degree as a general dentist, an extra 2-3 years of education are required to earn the specialty designation of an Orthodontist. In Canada, the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC) protects the public by administering a rigorous examination where a successful result is a requirement for licensure as a dental specialist. Look for the FRCD(C) designation to know for sure you are working with a qualified specialist or orthodontist. There is no other dental specialist better qualified to move teeth safely and effectively than an orthodontist, with mutual goals of improving the function and overall appearance of your smile. Learn more about Dr. Chen here!

What is the right age for braces?

It’s essential for parents to know that early orthodontic screenings are vital to assess the health and function of the jaws, the lips, the teeth and the way these teeth fit together. Many a time a child comes to the orthodontist too late, and a problem has gotten progressively worse so that simple treatments are no longer feasible. It is important to remember that both the Canadian and American Association of Orthodontists recommend a child’s first visit to the orthodontist to begin around the age of 7 for an orthodontic screening. This first visit can provide you with valuable peace of mind to know that your child’s mouth is growing normally. Should we find something that would cause a future problem or painful situation, we can make simple recommendations or intervene to make sure your child is back on track towards optimum oral health. Learn more about Early Treatment Here!

Dr. Chen can help determine the answer and provide additional information on the length of time needed for braces, the best time to begin and even discuss other options. Orthodontics goes way beyond crooked teeth, and we can help with thumb/finger sucking habits, watch for abnormal growth of the jaws, and evaluate symptoms of mouth/jaw pain, mouth breathing and sleep apnea, which may require intervention by other specialists. You can see Dr. Chen without a referral from a dentist so do not hesitate to get Dr. Chen’s professional opinion. Your initial consultation is complimentary and personalized and it’s a great way of becoming more educated about your child’s oral condition.

Braces are much smaller and more comfortable than ever before. Did you know that some orthodontic wires were actually developed by aerospace engineers and NASA had a large role in the testing of these space-aged wires? They found that these wires could be soft and gentle at lower room temperatures then become more rigid as the mouth gradually warmed up the wires to move the teeth at body temperature. So if you are a little sore from your braces, the simple act of rinsing with cold water may provide some relief! If you are experiencing significant discomfort, please call us. Do not feel that any pain associated with your treatment is something you need to “tough out.”

How much does receiving braces cost?

Costs can vary but are very much related to the extent of correction you or your child’s smile requires. Dr. Chen is always very thorough in his assessments, and his staff will gladly answer any questions about treatment payments and insurance you may have.

What kind of emergencies are there?

Fortunately, in orthodontics, emergencies are few and far between. While the braces are on, there will always be regular maintenance appointments; however, every now and then, the wires, bands and/or brackets on your braces may become loose or even fall off. If this happens, simply call us so we can walk you thru it and determine if a repair of the brace is needed. If any piece of your appliance comes off be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you, so it can be examined.

What is Phase 1 treatment?

The goal of Phase 1 treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and/or improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or too little can be recognized at an early age. If children are found to have this jaw discrepancy or other bite issues, they may benefit from early orthodontic intervention such as Myobrace, specialized appliances or sometimes partial braces. Also, if a child around the age of eight has very crooked front teeth, early treatment may prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later. It is also important to see if excessive pacifier use or thumb/finger sucking has deformed the shape of the mouth and teeth, and how we can help improve the situation. Please click here to read more about Phase 1 problems and treatments.

How are braces to be cleaned?

Keeping braces clean requires a consistent approach. Though regular toothbrushes can often get good results, a power/electric toothbrush is often recommended for children to help with the circular brushing that often requires a bit more dexterity. Learning how to floss properly can be key in keeping your gums healthy and less prone to cavities. A oral fluoride rinse is also helpful to make the teeth more resistant to bacterial acids.

We recommend at minimum that you brush your teeth and braces at least three times a day and floss daily to get those areas where your brush cannot reach, which is in between the teeth and near the gumline. Our orthodontic team are experts at teaching you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed and we will even help monitor the brushing level throughout the treatment visits. This team approach allows the parents to be involved to ensure that the brushing/flossing needs are being met at home and at school.