Orthodontic Braces in North Vancouver

The cost of treatment with orthodontic braces can vary considerably 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 treatment. 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 translucent (polycrystalline) braces at Westview Orthodontics.

Translucent braces have brackets that are made from a tooth-coloured polycrystalline material, allowing them to blend in with your smile. You can learn more about translucent braces on this page under 'Types of Braces'.

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

Treatment times vary significantly from patient to patient, but the average treatment time for braces is 12 to 24 months. 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 will likely need a week or two to become fully accustomed to your new braces. 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 bands, you can update their colour every time you come in for an adjustment appointment. Orthodontic elastics 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 e-chain 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 happens for 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. This type of pain is usually easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers until it has passed.

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.

Yes, adults can get braces!

In fact, so many adults are opting for orthodontic treatment that braces no longer cause the awkward self-consciousness they once did. Many adults finally feel free to undergo the orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger. After all, a straight, healthy smile is an asset at any age! 

For adult patients who would still prefer a lower profile, more streamlined orthodontic treatment, we are proud to offer translucent ceramic braces or clear aligners. Both 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. Before the adult teeth come in, we are often able to work with and guide a child's 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 is a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.

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

Oral hygiene becomes more important than ever while you're wearing braces. The presence of braces in your mouth introduces a multitude of tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. It's very easy for food particles to get caught in these tiny 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 is fairly 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. (Orthodontic floss threaders can help make this easier.) Gently pull the end of the floss towards the back of the tooth and draw it 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 eat many of the foods you love.

You will 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 altogether.

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

For most sports 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.