Orthodontics Calgary
You know that feeling when you catch yourself in a photo and your first thought is about your teeth? Maybe you’re covering your mouth when you laugh, or you find yourself editing pictures before posting them online. Your smile matters to you, and that’s completely normal.
At Dr. Brent MacDonald’s dental clinic in NE Calgary’s Marlborough area, we provide orthodontic services for patients who want straighter teeth. We’re a general dental practice offering orthodontic treatment options, including Invisalign, to help Calgary residents feel better about their smiles.
Why People in Calgary Choose Orthodontic Treatment
Most people think about orthodontics because they want straighter teeth. That’s fair. But there’s more to it than looks.
When your teeth are crooked or crowded, they’re harder to clean. Food gets stuck in weird spots. Floss doesn’t reach where it needs to go. Over time, this can lead to cavities and gum problems. Some people also deal with jaw pain, headaches, or trouble chewing because their bite doesn’t line up right.
In Calgary, we see patients from all over NE Calgary – from Forest Lawn to Temple, Marlborough to Abbeydale – who finally decide they’re ready to do something about their teeth. Some are teenagers whose parents bring them in. Others are adults in their 30s, 40s, or even older who wish they’d done this years ago.
The good news? It’s never too late to straighten your teeth.
Invisalign: Clear Aligners for Calgary Patients
Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to move your teeth. You wear these aligners for about 22 hours each day, taking them out only to eat and brush your teeth. Every couple weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners. Bit by bit, your teeth shift into place.
People like Invisalign because the aligners are nearly invisible. You can take them out for important meetings or special events. There are no metal brackets to irritate your mouth. You can eat whatever you want – just pop the aligners out first.
Here’s what the process looks like at our Calgary clinic:
Your First Visit
We’ll look at your teeth and talk about what you want to fix. Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign, so we’ll be straight with you about whether it’s the right choice. If you have severely rotated teeth or complex bite issues, we might suggest a different approach.
Getting Your Aligners
If Invisalign works for you, we’ll take detailed scans of your teeth. These scans go to Invisalign, where they create your custom aligners. You’ll get several sets at once, so you’re not coming to our office every two weeks.
Wearing Your Aligners
The aligners need to stay in your mouth for at least 20-22 hours daily. Take them out to eat, brush, and floss. That’s it. Clean the aligners with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Don’t use hot water – it can warp the plastic.
Check-In Appointments
Every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come see us so we can make sure everything is moving along. These visits are quick. We’re just checking that your teeth are tracking with the treatment plan.
How Long It Takes
Most people wear Invisalign for 12-18 months. Some cases take less time. Others take longer. It depends on how crooked your teeth are and how well you stick to wearing the aligners.
What Orthodontic Treatment Actually Feels Like
Let’s be real about this. Your teeth will feel weird at first. When you start wearing aligners, there’s pressure. Your teeth are moving, and that feels strange. Some people describe it as soreness. Others say it’s just uncomfortable. Either way, it usually goes away after a few days.
You might talk a little funny for the first day or two. Your tongue needs to get used to the plastic in your mouth. Again, this passes quickly. Most people adjust within a week.
The biggest challenge? Remembering to wear your aligners. It’s tempting to leave them out when you’re at a restaurant or hanging out with friends. But if you don’t wear them enough, your treatment takes longer. Or it doesn’t work at all.
Who Can Get Orthodontic Treatment in Calgary?
Teens
Teenagers are the most common orthodontic patients. Their jaws are still growing, which can make treatment easier. But teens also need to be responsible enough to wear their aligners or take care of their braces. If your teenager keeps losing their retainer or “forgets” to brush their teeth, orthodontic treatment might be a struggle.
Adults
More adults are getting orthodontic treatment now than ever before. There’s no age limit on straighter teeth. We see patients in their 20s who just graduated and finally have dental insurance. We see parents in their 40s whose kids are done with braces and they figure it’s their turn. We’ve even had patients in their 60s who retired and decided to check something off their bucket list.
People with Dental Work
If you have crowns, fillings, or missing teeth, you can still get orthodontic treatment. It just takes more planning. We’ll need to work around your existing dental work. Sometimes we partner with other dental specialists to get you the best result.
Common Questions Calgary Patients Ask
“Will I need to wear a retainer after?”
Yes. After your teeth move into place, they want to drift back to where they were. A retainer holds them in their new position. You’ll wear it full-time at first, then just at night. Skip your retainer, and your teeth will shift. All that work will be wasted.
“Can I still play sports?”
With Invisalign, you can take your aligners out for sports. We recommend a mouthguard for contact sports. With traditional braces, you definitely need a mouthguard. A hockey stick to the mouth hurts more when there’s metal involved.
“What if I lose an aligner?”
Call us right away. Don’t skip ahead to the next aligner. Don’t go back to the old one. We’ll figure out the best plan. Sometimes you can move forward. Sometimes we need to order a replacement. Either way, don’t just wait and hope it works out.
“Does it hurt?”
There’s pressure and soreness, especially right after you get new aligners. Most people take over-the-counter pain relievers for the first day or two. But it’s not unbearable. Think of it like the soreness you feel after a good workout – you notice it, but it doesn’t stop you from living your life.
Life in Calgary with Orthodontic Treatment
Calgary weather throws everything at us. Chinooks in January. Snow in May. Scorching heat in July. Your orthodontic treatment keeps going through all of it.
In winter, you might notice your aligners feel tighter in the cold. That’s normal. The plastic contracts a bit. In summer, keep your aligners away from direct sunlight in your car. The heat can warp them.
Calgary tap water is safe to use for cleaning your aligners. Just use cool water. If you’re downtown for work or shopping at Marlborough Mall, you can rinse your aligners in any public bathroom. It’s not a big deal.
When you go to Stampede or catch a Flames game, your aligners come with you. Take them out to eat your burger or hot dog. Put them back in when you’re done. Carry a small case so you’re not wrapping them in napkins (that’s how people throw them away by accident).
Paying for Orthodontic Treatment
We’re not going to pretend orthodontic treatment is cheap. It costs several thousand dollars. But there are ways to make it work.
Many dental insurance plans cover part of orthodontic treatment. Usually they cover about $1,500-$3,000 for a lifetime. That doesn’t cover everything, but it helps. Check your plan before you start treatment.
We also offer payment plans. You can spread the cost over the length of your treatment. Instead of paying everything up front, you make monthly payments. This makes treatment more manageable for most families.
Some people use their health spending account or flex spending account from work. These accounts let you pay with pre-tax dollars, which saves you money.
Why Choose Dr. Brent MacDonald for Orthodontic Services in Calgary
Dr. MacDonald has been practicing dentistry in Calgary for over 25 years. He’s helped more than 1,500 patients with their dental care needs. Our clinic is located in Marlborough in NE Calgary, right off 52nd Street SE.
We’re a general dental practice that offers orthodontic treatment options. This means you can get your regular cleanings, fillings, and orthodontic care all in one place. You don’t need to drive across the city to see a different specialist.
Our team has seen just about every dental situation. Crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites – we’ve worked with all of it. We’ll tell you honestly what we can help with and what might need a different approach.
Getting Started with Orthodontic Treatment in Calgary
Ready to talk about your teeth? Here’s how to get started:
Call our office at (403) 273-6959. Tell them you’re interested in orthodontic treatment. They’ll set up a consultation where we can look at your teeth and talk about your options.
Our clinic is located in Marlborough, which makes us easy to reach from anywhere in NE Calgary. We’re close to major roads and there’s plenty of parking.
Our hours are:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What Happens During Your Consultation
Your first visit is about understanding what you want and what’s possible. We’ll examine your teeth, take some pictures, and talk about treatment options. This visit usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
We’ll explain what each treatment option involves – how long it takes, what it costs, what the daily experience is like. Then you can decide what works for you. There’s no pressure to commit right away. Take time to think about it. Talk it over with your family. Come back with questions.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your next appointment and get the process started.
Maintaining Your Smile After Treatment
Once your teeth are straight, the work isn’t quite over. You need to take care of your new smile.
Wear your retainer as directed. Clean your teeth twice a day. Floss daily. Come in for your regular dental checkups and cleanings. These simple habits keep your smile looking good for years.
Some people notice their teeth want to shift back a little over time. That’s normal. Your retainer prevents major changes. But if you notice movement, call us. Sometimes we need to adjust your retainer or make a new one.
Your Smile, Your Choice
Straight teeth won’t fix everything. But if you’re tired of hiding your smile or dealing with crooked teeth, orthodontic treatment might help. We’re here in NE Calgary, ready to answer your questions and help you figure out if this is right for you.
Contact Dr. Brent MacDonald’s dental clinic today. Let’s talk about your teeth and what we can do to help. No pressure, no judgment – just honest advice about your options.
Visit us online at https://drbrentmacdonald.ca/ or call (403) 273-6959 to schedule your orthodontic consultation.
Our Orthodontic Treatment in Calgary
