How can we help you?
Whether you’re getting braces for the first time, exploring clear aligners, or just curious about how orthodontic treatment works, we’re here to answer your questions. At St. Albert Orthodontics, we believe informed patients feel more confident and comfortable throughout their smile journey.
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we hear from our patients and their families. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just give us a call — we’re always happy to chat.
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Our Expertise
New Patients
Payment & Insurance
Life with Braces
Life with Clear Aligners
Orthodontics for Kids & Teens
Our Expertise
What qualifications does Dr. Tarek El‑Bialy have?
Dr. Tarek is an orthodontic specialist with nearly 40 years of experience, a Ph.D. in Bioengineering, and advanced training from the University of Illinois.He is an Associate Professor and lecturer at the University of Alberta and has published dozens of research articles and textbooks. Known for developing safe, faster treatment methods, he’s also lectured internationally for organizations like Align Technology (Invisalign).
Do you handle complex cases or surgical cases?
Yes, Dr. Tarek has years of specialized training and experience to address a wide range of orthodontic issues, including severe misalignment, bite issues, and jaw concerns. It may be possible to treat difficult cases with Invisalign and braces without the need for surgery.
Which orthodontic treatments do you offer?
We offer orthodontic solutions for kids, teens, and adults — including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign for even complex cases. We also provide Phase 1 Treatment for children.
What makes your practice different?
Affordable care, proven results, and decades of experience, all backed by cutting-edge research you won’t find just anywhere. Dr. Tarek’s clinical innovations help many patients finish treatment faster and more safely. Pair that with our warm team and modern space, and you’ve got an orthodontic experience that feels as good as it looks.
Do you treat adults?
Absolutely! A perfect smile doesn’t have an age limit. Whether you missed out on braces as a teen or your teeth have shifted over time, Braces Orthodontics offers care for adults and all ages.
Do you have patient result stories?
We do, and the results speak for themselves. From teens straightening their smiles to adults achieving lifelong goals, we’re proud to help patients of all ages look and feel their best. Check out our smile gallery.
New Patients
Where is your office located?
We have two convenient locations: our original clinic in St. Albert at 101 St. Albert Trail, Unit 40-B (in the same parking lot as Superstore with plenty of free parking), and our new Braces South Edmonton office at 110, 4445 Calgary Trail NW.
Do I need a referral to book at Braces Orthodontics?
Nope! You can book a consultation directly. Whether you’re a parent, teen, or adult looking to straighten your smile, we’re happy to see you, referral or not.
How do I book an appointment at Braces Orthodontics?
We make it easy! You can call, text, or contact us online, whatever works best for you. No referral is needed, and your first consultation is free.
What happens at my first visit?
- Digital scans and photos (no goopy impressions!)
- A personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
- An insurance and payment review with a treatment coordinator
In many cases, we can even get started with your treatment on the same day. Learn more about what to expect as a new patient here.
Payment & Insurance
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity and length of your treatment. At Braces Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment plans, direct insurance billing, and a free initial consultation to give you a clear idea of what to expect before you commit. Talk to us about 0% financing starting at $250/month.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, we’ll help you maximize your benefit to keep your costs low. We offer direct billing to insurance for your convenience.
How much does a consultation cost?
We offer free initial consultations. Get started today.
Life with Braces
Will braces hurt?
You might feel some soreness for a day or two after getting your braces on or after adjustments — kind of like a workout for your mouth. It’s normal and goes away quickly. A soft diet and over-the-counter pain relief can help.
What foods should I avoid?
Sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods (like gum, popcorn, or hard candies) can damage your braces. We’ll give you a full list of foods to enjoy and what to skip when you start treatment.
Can I still drink coffee or wine with braces?
Yes, but be mindful! Dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain the elastic ties around your brackets. Drinking through a straw and rinsing with water afterward can help reduce staining.
How do I keep my braces clean?
Brushing and flossing are more important than ever with braces. Our team will demonstrate how to keep your teeth and brackets clean using tools like floss threaders or interdental brushes.
How do I manage irritation from brackets or wires?
It’s common to feel some irritation on the inside of your cheeks or lips at first. Orthodontic wax is your best friend; just pinch off a small piece and place it over the trouble spot. If a wire is poking or something feels off, give us a call.
How do I deal with broken brackets or loose wires?
If something breaks or feels loose, don’t panic. Call us so we can guide you on what to do next. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can help cover sharp edges and reduce discomfort.
Life with Clear Aligners
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
You’ll need to wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day — basically all day and night, except when you’re eating, drinking anything but water, or brushing your teeth. The more consistently you wear them, the better (and faster) your results.
Can I eat and drink with aligners in?
Only water is safe to drink while wearing your aligners. Hot drinks can warp the plastic, and anything sugary or acidic can trap bacteria against your teeth. Always take them out when eating or drinking anything else.
How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse them regularly and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Avoid toothpaste as it’s too abrasive. For a deeper clean, use aligner cleaning crystals or soak them in a retainer-safe solution.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
You might notice a small lisp or slight change in your speech during the first few days. Don’t worry, most people adjust quickly as their tongue learns to work around the aligners.
What if I lose or damage an aligner?
Call us as soon as you can. In most cases, we can get you a replacement or let you know whether it’s safe to move on to your next set. Always keep your previous aligner as a backup, just in case.
Orthodontics for Kids & Teens
How do I know if my child needs braces or Invisalign?
The best way to find out is to book a free consultation at Braces Orthodontics. During your visit, we’ll examine your bite, take digital scans (no goopy impressions!), and walk you through your treatment options, whether it’s traditional braces, Invisalign, or something else.
What age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
We recommend an orthodontic check-up around age 7. At this age, we can spot and gently guide developing issues—like crowding, bite problems, or jaw growth—with Phase 1 Treatment if needed. This early, interceptive care (usually between ages 6-10) helps set the stage for a healthier smile and can even shorten or simplify future treatment.
Is Invisalign a good option for teens?
Invisalign Teen is designed specifically for growing smiles. It’s a great choice for teens who want a more discreet treatment option, and it comes with features like compliance indicators and replacement aligners. We’ll let you know during the consultation if your teen is a good candidate.
Will braces affect my child’s speech?
Some kids and teens may notice a temporary lisp or slight change in speech when braces are first placed. This usually goes away within a few weeks as they adjust and build confidence.
Can my child still play sports with braces?
Absolutely. We’ll provide a custom mouthguard to protect their teeth and braces during sports or physical activities. No need to sit on the sidelines, they can keep playing safely.
How can I help my child stay positive about braces?
Support and involvement go a long way. Letting your child choose their bracket colors or opt for clear braces gives them more control. Remind them it’s a short-term commitment for a smile they’ll love for life.
Our Offices
St. Albert
101 St. Albert Trail, Unit 40-B
St. Albert, Alberta
T8N 6L5
(The same parking lot as Superstore)
Call (587) 402-8160
Monday – Wednesday: 9am–5pm
Thursday: 12pm- 8pm
Friday-Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Edmonton
110, 4445 Calgary Trail NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5R7
Call (587) 815-8531
Monday – Tuesday: 9am–5pm
Free Orthodontic Consultation
Achieve your Great Smile. Book your FREE consult today with our experienced team of experts!