Straighten your smile with braces or aligners in a comfortable, friendly setting
A well‑aligned smile does more than look good. Properly positioned teeth are easier to clean, function better, and can reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and jaw discomfort. At Ross Creek Dental, we provide orthodontics in Fort Saskatchewan for children, teens, and adults. Whether you’re exploring braces or invisalign, our team builds a plan around your goals, timeline, and budget.
Why Orthodontics Matters
Orthodontic treatment addresses crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Beyond appearance, alignment influences how you chew, speak, and clean your teeth. Straight teeth help:
- Improve access for brushing and flossing, reducing plaque build‑up
- Distribute bite forces more evenly to protect enamel and jaw joints
- Support gum health by minimizing hard‑to‑clean areas
When treatment is planned thoughtfully and monitored regularly, you’re not just getting a smile you like—you’re supporting your oral health long‑term.
Treatment Options to Fit Your Life
Every mouth and lifestyle is different. We offer a range of orthodontic solutions in Fort Saskatchewan and Sherwood Park:
- Traditional metal braces – Durable, versatile, and effective for simple to complex cases.
- Clear braces – Tooth‑coloured brackets and wires that blend in better for a lower‑profile look.
- Clear aligners – Removable trays for gradual tooth movement; popular with adults and older teens who want flexibility.
Not sure which approach is best? We’ll review your x‑rays, digital scans, and goals, then explain the trade‑offs: visibility, hygiene routines, dietary considerations, visit frequency, and total treatment time.
What to Expect: The Orthodontic Journey
A clear roadmap helps reduce uncertainty. Here’s the typical path from consultation to retainers.
1) Consultation and Assessment
We take a full health history, digital x‑rays, and intraoral scans. You’ll discuss goals (function, comfort, esthetics), lifestyle (sports, travel, public‑facing work), and preferences (braces vs. aligners).
2) Personalized Treatment Plan
Your plan outlines projected timelines, estimated appointments, and cost ranges. We’ll note any pre‑treatment needs (cleaning, fillings, or periodontal care) to set you up for success.
3) Getting Started
- Braces: We place brackets and initial archwires, review hygiene tips, and share a food guide.
- Aligners: You receive sequential trays and wear‑time instructions (typically 20–22 hours per day).
4) Active Treatment and Check‑Ins
- Braces adjustments: Every 6–10 weeks depending on your case.
- Aligner reviews: Every 6–8 weeks with new tray pickups and progress checks.
We’ll refine as needed, make comfort tweaks, and keep you on track.
5) Finishing and Retainers
Once your teeth reach their planned positions, we remove braces or complete the final aligner series. We take new scans for custom retainers and review a maintenance schedule so your results last.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Timelines vary by case complexity and patient cooperation:
- Minor alignment tweaks: ~6–9 months
- Moderate crowding or spacing: ~12–18 months
- Comprehensive bite corrections: ~18–24+ months
Invisalign clear aligners and braces can be comparable in overall time for many cases, but compliance matters. Consistent aligner wear and keeping adjustment appointments helps you finish on schedule.
Comfort and Day‑to‑Day Life
Modern orthodontics emphasizes comfort. Still, you may feel pressure after an adjustment or switching to a new aligner set. This typically eases within a few days. Practical tips:
- Use orthodontic wax for bracket or wire irritation
- Choose softer foods after adjustments
- Over‑the‑counter pain relief as advised by your dentist
For Invisalign, you’ll remove trays to eat and drink anything except water—then brush or rinse before reinsertion. For braces, you’ll avoid sticky and hard foods (caramels, ice, uncut nuts) to protect your hardware.
Hygiene During Treatment
Hygiene is essential while teeth move:
- Brush at least twice daily and floss once daily. Floss threaders or water flossers can help around braces.
- With aligners, clean trays as directed and store them in a case when not wearing.
- Maintain your regular cleanings and exams so we can prevent plaque build‑up and monitor gum health.
Costs, Insurance, and Payments
We aim to make orthodontics in Fort Saskatchewan straightforward and accessible:
- Transparent treatment estimates with itemized inclusions (appliances, check‑ins, basic refinements)
- Guidance on insurance coverage for orthodontic benefits
- Flexible payment options that spread costs over treatment time
If budget is your main concern, let us know. We’ll discuss strategies that keep progress moving while respecting your limits.
Orthodontics for Children and Teens
Early evaluation (often around age 7–8) can identify growth patterns and bite issues. Not every child needs early treatment, but interceptive steps may help guide jaw development or create space for incoming teeth. For teens, we’ll discuss sports mouthguards, compliance expectations, and practical routines for school and activities.
Orthodontics for Adults
It’s common to start orthodontics later. Adults often choose invisalign or clear braces to minimize visibility. We’ll review any restorative or periodontal considerations first, then align teeth in a way that supports function and future dental work (such as crowns or implants, if needed).
Retainers: Keeping the Results You Earned
Teeth naturally tend to shift over time. Retainers help hold your new alignment. You may wear them full‑time initially, then transition to nighttime wear. We’ll personalize your retainer plan and show you how to keep devices clean and in good shape.
Troubleshooting and Minor Emergencies
Occasionally, things happen:
- Poking wire or loose bracket: Cover with wax and call us for a quick adjustment.
- Lost aligner: Wear the previous or next tray as instructed and contact us to replace the missing set.
- Sore spots: Saltwater rinses can soothe tissues; we’ll check fit at your visit.
Same‑day or next‑day appointments are often available to keep you comfortable and on track.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Most healthy teens and adults qualify. We’ll assess:
- Gum health and bone support
- Tooth integrity and existing restorations
- Habits (grinding, clenching) and airway considerations
If we need to coordinate with your physician or a specialist (e.g., for TMJ or sleep concerns), we’ll outline a collaborative plan.
Orthodontics and Overall Wellness
A balanced bite can reduce strain on chewing muscles and joints. Straighter teeth often improve speech clarity and chewing efficiency. Many patients report increased confidence and easier daily hygiene—benefits that support wellbeing beyond the dental chair.
Serving Your Local Community
We provide orthodontics in Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, Lamont, and nearby communities. Our location, flexible scheduling, and experienced team make it easier to fit care into a busy week without long travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are braces or clear aligners better?
Neither is universally “better”—it depends on your goals, case complexity, lifestyle, and preference. Braces are highly versatile and always “on,” which can help compliance. Invisalign are discrete and removable, offering flexibility for meals and events. We’ll show you what each option means for your specific case.
Will orthodontics hurt?
Most patients feel pressure or mild soreness after adjustments or new aligners for a few days. It’s manageable with soft foods, wax for friction points, and short‑term over‑the‑counter pain relief as advised.
How often are appointments?
Typically every 6–10 weeks for braces and every 6–8 weeks for aligners. We combine efficiency with careful monitoring so you make steady progress.
Can I switch from braces to aligners (or vice versa)?
Sometimes. If priorities change mid‑treatment, we can discuss converting your plan. We’ll evaluate timelines, costs, and clinical suitability before making the switch.
Do I need extra dental work before starting?
If there are active cavities, gum disease, or broken restorations, we’ll address those first—healthy foundations help orthodontics succeed.
How long do I wear retainers?
Expect full‑time wear at first, then night‑only long term. Retainers preserve your investment and help prevent relapse.
Your Next Step: A Clear Plan, No Pressure
If you’re considering orthodontics in Fort Saskatchewan, the easiest starting point is a consultation. You’ll leave with:
- A personalized alignment plan and timeline
- Clear expectations for visits and daily routines
- A cost outline and payment options
- Answers to your specific questions
We’ll meet you where you are—no pressure, just practical guidance built around your goals.
Book Your Orthodontic Consultation
📞 780‑998‑3376
📍 202‑10101 86 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 4P4