Want straighter teeth without the look of metal?

Both options discreetly straighten teeth. The best choice depends on goals, lifestyle, and case complexity. Here’s how we help you pick.

Ceramic Braces (Tooth-Coloured Brackets)

Best for: Moderate to complex movements; rotations; certain bite corrections.

Look: Brackets are tooth-coloured with slim wires; from a few feet away they’re far less noticeable than metal.

Visit cadence: Regular adjustments keep things moving efficiently.

What professionals like: Reliable control on each tooth, great for precise detailing near the finish line.

Things to know: Elastic ties can pick up stains between visits (we change them at each check); brackets are a bit more delicate than metal—good brushing and mindful eating help.

Invisible Braces (Clear Aligners)

Best for: Mild to moderate crowding/spacing; relapse after past treatment; people who value flexibility.

Look: Clear trays that sit close to teeth; most people won’t notice them in day-to-day interactions.

Visit cadence: Fewer, shorter check-ins—many reviews can be done quickly with progress photos.

What professionals like: You can remove aligners briefly for meals and important presentations, then wear them the recommended 20–22 hours/day.

Things to know: Success depends on consistency. If aligners aren’t worn as directed, movements slow and refinements add time.

Not sure? Choose a Hybrid Plan

Some cases benefit from a short ceramic phase to gain control, followed by aligners for finishing and refinement. We’ll show you where each method excels so the plan matches your goals and calendar.

1. Consult & scan — We review goals, take digital scans and photos, and discuss whether Edmonton ceramic braces or Edmonton invisible braces is the smarter fit.

2. Personalized roadmap — You’ll receive a clear plan with the estimated months in treatment, appointment rhythm, and an itemized fee proposal.

3. Start day — For ceramic braces, we place brackets and a light archwire; for invisible braces, you’ll receive your first sets of aligners with wear instructions.

4. Progress visits — Short, purposeful appointments: tighten or swap wires, replace elastic ties, or issue new aligners. We’ll answer questions and adjust the plan as needed.

5. Finishing & detailing — Minor tweaks for bite and symmetry; retainer planning begins.

6. Retention — Custom retainers (fixed, removable, or both) protect your investment. We’ll discuss wear schedules and easy maintenance.

Comfort you can manage

It’s normal to feel pressure or tenderness for a day or two after adjustments or new aligners. Most patients do well with over-the-counter pain relief, salt-water rinses, and a soft-food day. Orthodontic wax handles any friction points with ceramic brackets while tissues adjust.

Stain-smart strategies for ceramic braces

Clear brackets resist stain; the elastic ties are what tend to darken. We replace ties at each visit. Between visits:

• Rinse after coffee, tea, red wine, or curry.
• Use a straw for darker drinks when possible.
• Keep a travel toothbrush at work; two minutes after lunch pays off.
• Choose lighter sauces on days close to a big presentation or photos.
  
  

Eating & speaking

• Ceramic: Avoid very hard or sticky foods (ice, hard candies, caramels) that could stress brackets.
• Aligners: Remove trays to eat and brush before reinserting. A quick water rinse is a fine stand-in when you’re between meetings.
  
  

Oral hygiene that fits your routine

We’ll show you fast techniques with interdental brushes, floss threaders, or a water flosser. For aligners, a weekly tray soak keeps them fresh.

You’re likely a candidate if you have one or more of the following:

• Crowding or spacing you notice in photos
• Relapse after past braces/aligners
• Mild to moderate overbite/underbite/crossbite that affects wear or aesthetics
• Teeth that are healthy enough for movement (we’ll treat any cavities or gum concerns first)
  
  

We’ll recommend ceramic braces, invisible braces, or a hybrid based on tooth movement needed, the shape of your bite, and how much responsibility you want day-to-day. If your goals would be better served by a specialist, we’ll coordinate and share all records.

Every case is different, but this outline helps you plan:

• Consultation & digital records — Photos, scans, and clinical assessment
• Treatment — All active adjustments or aligner sets, planned refinements
• Comfort & maintenance kit — Wax, travel brush, aligner case or brace-care tips
• Retention — Custom retainers and your post-treatment review
• Follow-ups — Short retention checks to ensure stability
  
  

You’ll see fee ranges at the consult and a choose-your-pace payment plan. If you have orthodontic coverage under your benefits, we’ll help you estimate coverage and submit pre-determinations when required.