Cosmetic Dentistry
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are still the most predictable way to correct complex orthodontic issues, and we do most cases in-house at Diamond Valley Dental. For teens, adults, and anyone whose case clear aligners can't handle. Complex cases that need a specialist orthodontist still get referred when that's the right call.
Why it matters
Benefits
- Most predictable system for complex bite corrections.
- Most cases done in-house, with one team coordinating your care from start to finish.
- Modern brackets are smaller and less visible than the braces you remember.
- Clear aligner alternative available if your case is a good fit for it.
- Reliable, time-tested results.
What to expect
The process
- 01
Consultation and assessment
We discuss your goals, take a 3D scan and x-rays, and walk through whether traditional braces or clear aligners are the better fit for your case. Some cases genuinely need braces; some can choose either; some are better with aligners.
- 02
Treatment planning
Your case is mapped out in detail — which teeth move when, how the bite changes over time, and how long the whole treatment will take.
- 03
Bracket placement
Small brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected by a thin wire. Placement is quick, painless, and takes about an hour. You leave with braces on.
- 04
Adjustments
Quick check-ins every 4–8 weeks let us tighten or change the wires as your teeth shift. Each appointment is under 30 minutes.
- 05
Removal and retention
Once treatment is complete, the brackets come off (also painless) and we fit you with retainers to keep your new alignment in place long-term.
When braces are still the right choice
Clear aligners get most of the attention these days, but traditional braces haven’t gone anywhere — and for good reason. They remain the most predictable, most controllable orthodontic tool we have. For specific cases, they’re genuinely the better answer:
- Severe crowding that needs significant tooth rotation.
- Large bite corrections — pronounced overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
- Younger patients whose treatment compliance with removable aligners isn’t reliable.
- Cases requiring tooth extractions as part of treatment.
- Anyone who’d rather not manage a removable appliance — braces are bonded on and do the work without your input.
Modern braces aren’t what you remember
The bulky brackets and bright bands of 20 years ago are largely a thing of the past. Modern braces are:
- Smaller and lower-profile than older systems.
- More efficient — new bracket and wire designs move teeth faster and with less soreness.
- Easier to keep clean with the right tools, which we’ll show you at the start of treatment.
If you want a discreet treatment, clear aligners (Invisalign and other systems) are the way to go — we’ll talk through whether you’re a candidate at your consultation.
What sets our orthodontic work apart
- In-house treatment for most cases. Dr. Hall has advanced training in both traditional braces and clear aligner systems (Invisalign) and handles most orthodontic cases right here. For complex cases that need a specialist orthodontist, we’ll tell you straight up and refer when that’s the right call.
- Honest scoping. We won’t recommend braces over aligners (or vice versa) for financial reasons — we recommend what’s right for your case.
- Coordinated with other treatments. If you’re combining orthodontics with whitening, veneers, or restorative work, we sequence everything so nothing has to be redone.
- One clinic, one team. From consultation through retention, you stay with the people you already trust.
Book a consultation or call 403-933-2225 — we’ll talk through whether braces or aligners fit your goals better.
FAQ
Questions we hear most often
- Braces vs. clear aligners — which should I choose?
- If your case is complex — severe crowding, large rotations, big bite corrections — traditional braces are still the gold standard. For mild-to-moderate cases, aligners work just as well and are more discreet. We give you an honest recommendation at your consultation; we don't push one over the other.
- How long does treatment take?
- Most cases are 12–24 months. Mild cases can finish in 9 months; severe cases can take 30+. We give you a clear timeline at your consultation, not a vague 'eventually'.
- Do braces hurt?
- Bracket placement and removal are painless. You'll feel pressure and mild soreness for 2–3 days after each adjustment as your teeth shift — manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients say it's less than they expected.
- How much do braces cost in Calgary?
- Cost depends on case complexity and treatment length. We provide a complete written quote at your consultation, and we direct-bill most insurance plans with orthodontic coverage. Many plans cover a meaningful portion of orthodontic work for both kids and adults.
- Can I eat normally?
- Mostly. Avoid very hard foods (whole apples, hard candy, crusty bread) and very sticky foods (caramel, gum) that can damage brackets. We give you a complete list at your placement appointment — it's shorter than people expect.
- Can adults get braces?
- Absolutely. Adult orthodontics is one of the fastest-growing areas of dentistry. Many adults choose braces or aligners to correct issues they've lived with for decades, or because earlier orthodontic work has shifted over time.
- Are there discreet options?
- Yes — clear aligners (Invisalign and other systems) are virtually invisible and the right call for most adults who want a discreet treatment. We'll talk through whether aligners or traditional braces are appropriate for your case at your consultation.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a consultation.
We'll listen first, then build a plan around your goals and comfort.