Braces in Winnipeg

What are braces?

Braces are an orthodontic treatment designed to straighten and align teeth by shifting them into the correct position.

The treatment addresses a variety of dental concerns. 

Odyssey Dental Care offers conventional braces. 

The brackets can be made of either metal or plastic, and the wires can be either metal or tooth-coloured.

Who is a candidate for braces?

 You may be a good candidate for braces if you have the following dental health problems:

• Misalignment or gaps between teeth. 

• Crossbite: one or more of your top teeth don’t line up properly with your bottom teeth.

• Open bite: your top and bottom front teeth don't meet as they should.

• Overbite: your top front teeth cover too much of your bottom front teeth.

• Underbite: your top teeth sit behind your bottom teeth rather than in front of them.

Do braces hurt?

Each patient experiences braces treatment differently. Usually, there is minimal discomfort when braces are applied to teeth. You may feel some discomfort as your teeth begin to shift. Over-the-counter pain medication should provide relief from this discomfort.

Most patients find the discomfort associated with braces to be inconvenient, but manageable. When it does occur, it is only for a few days following application of braces or during adjustments. 

How long is the treatment process?

On average, most patients wear braces for 1 to 2 years or more, but this can vary greatly for each person based on each unique orthodontic concern.

It also depends on the cooperation of the patient, including committing to good oral hygiene, wearing auxiliaries such as rubber bands as directed, avoiding foods that may decrease treatment progress, and ensuring commitment of follow-up appointments.

Other than making teeth look good, are braces really necessary?

Some patients get braces for mostly cosmetic reasons but there are also a number of health benefits to straighter teeth. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which may reduce long-term oral health problems such as tooth decay and gingivitis. Braces can also fix many structural problems with your teeth, bite and jaw. Today, there are plenty of options available that can make braces much smaller, less noticeable, and more comfortable.

Am I too old for braces or for orthodontic treatment? 

No, you're never too old to get braces! Many adults are correcting problems that were never treated when they were children, and can now experience the satisfaction of a great smile.

With that being said, if you're an adult looking for a more discreet orthodontic treatment option, check out our Invisalign® clear aligners. Similar to braces, they straighten teeth and correct any structural problems you may have, with the added benefit of being removable and less noticeable on your teeth.