Braces for Kids & Teens at St. Albert
Building confident smiles for the next generation
Call (587) 402-8160
Text (780) 590-0909
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Personalized orthodontic care for kids & teens
At St. Albert Braces Orthodontics, we provide high-quality orthodontic treatments tailored to the unique needs of children and teenagers. Our goal is to help young patients develop healthy, beautiful smiles while ensuring their comfort throughout treatment.
Explore the benefits of braces and orthodontic care for kids and teens, and see why St. Albert Braces Orthodontics is a trusted choice for families.
Why braces are important for kids and teens
Prevent Complex Issues
By addressing problems such as crowding, overbites, or narrow palates early, we can create more space for adult teeth to grow and align properly, reducing the need for invasive treatments in the future.
Improve Oral Health
Braces help create a balanced bite, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Boost Confidence
A well-aligned smile can boost a child or teen’s self-esteem. Braces are designed to address crooked teeth and bite issues, potentially helping our young patients feel more confident about their smiles as they grow.
Braces for Kids (Ages 6-12)
Getting braces at an early age can make all the difference in preventing bigger dental issues later on. We offer gentle, personalized care that’s designed to guide your child’s teeth and jaw development, ensuring a healthy smile as they grow. Here’s what you need to know about braces for kids and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
When to Start Treatment
It’s important to bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation around age 7, or sooner if you notice signs like crowded teeth, difficulty chewing, or a misaligned bite. Early intervention can help guide their teeth and jaw development, making treatment shorter and simpler in the future.
Eating with Braces
Kids need to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage their braces. We’ll guide you on what’s safe and provide tips for packing braces-friendly lunches and snacks.
Managing Discomfort
Mild discomfort is common when braces are first applied or adjusted. Cold compresses, orthodontic wax, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any soreness, keeping your child comfortable during treatment.
Speech Impact
Braces can temporarily affect speech, especially when first applied. Your child might notice a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, but this typically resolves within a few weeks as they adjust.
Braces for Teens (Ages 13-18)
Orthodontic care for teens is so important for boosting their confidence and supporting their journey to a healthier smile. Our flexible, modern treatments are designed to fit into your teen’s busy life. Find out how you can support your teen throughout their treatment.
Getting Your Teen On Board
Braces are a big commitment, and it’s important to help your teen feel positive about the process. Involving them in decisions like choosing colored bands or clear options can also make the experience more personal. Remind them that braces are temporary, and the payoff is a smile they’ll love for a lifetime.
Eating with Braces
Teens will need to avoid certain foods that could damage their braces, like popcorn, gum, and hard candy. We’ll give them easy-to-follow guidelines to make sure their braces stay intact and their treatment stays on track.
Sports and Braces
Teens involved in sports can still participate fully with braces. We provide specialized mouthguards to protect their braces and teeth during high-contact activities, so they can play with confidence.
Managing Pain and Speech
Discomfort is common when starting or adjusting braces. Teens can manage this with cold packs or wax, and any changes in speech, such as a lisp, will improve as they get used to their braces.
Our braces treatment options for kids & teens
Metal Braces
Metal braces are a classic and effective choice for treating a wide range of issues like crowding, overbites, and misalignment. They are strong, durable, and provide excellent precision for complex cases. With the option to choose fun, customizable colored elastics, metal braces remain a favorite for kids and teens alike. After treatment, we provide custom retainers to ensure your child’s new smile stays in place.
Clear Braces
Clear braces offer the same powerful correction as metal braces but with a more discreet appearance. Made from advanced transparent materials, they’re a great option for teens who may prefer a less noticeable look. With clear braces, teens can achieve a beautifully aligned smile without the visibility of metal brackets. After treatment, we provide custom retainers to ensure your child’s new smile stays in place.
Why parents choose us
Minimizing future treatments
By addressing orthodontic issues early, we help simplify and shorten future treatments for your child. Early intervention can reduce the need for extensive procedures during adolescence, ensuring a smoother and more efficient treatment process.
Building a foundation for a healthy smile
Our goal is to set the foundation for your child’s lifelong oral health. By focusing on proper dental development we help ensure strong, healthy smiles.
Personalized orthodontic care for kids & teens
We provide individualized treatment plans tailored to your child’s unique needs and respect your preferences as a parent. With cutting-edge technology and modern techniques, we strive to get the best possible outcomes for your child’s smile.
Experienced care for growing smiles
With Dr. Tarek’s 40 years of specialized experience, you can trust that your child will receive expert care, even for the most complex cases. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional, compassionate care to help your family achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.
We’re all for convenience and confidence, without the cost
We Accept Insurance
0% Interest Payment Plans
Starting at just $250/month. Learn more.
Orthodontic care that fits your family’s life
From your child’s first consultation to every follow-up visit, we prioritize making orthodontic care convenient and hassle-free for busy families.
- NFlexible evening and weekend appointments to suit your schedule
- NEasy access with free parking at our convenient location
- NA state-of-the-art facility combined with a caring, supportive team
- NCutting-edge technology designed to reduce the number of appointments and speed up results
What parents should know about orthodontics for kids & teens
When should my child start orthodontic treatment?
We recommend bringing your child for their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early diagnosis allows us to catch any potential issues and plan for the most effective treatment. However, treatment typically begins between ages 9 and 14, depending on your child’s unique needs.
How long will my child need braces?
The length of time your child will need braces depends on the complexity of their case. Most treatments take between 12 and 24 months. During your initial consultation, we’ll give you a personalized estimate of how long the treatment will take.
What if my child is nervous about braces?
Many kids feel a bit anxious before getting braces, but there’s no need to worry! While some mild discomfort is normal, it’s usually short-lived and easy to manage. Most kids say it feels like gentle pressure that fades after a few days.
Here’s how you can help: Encourage your child to stick to soft foods, offer over-the-counter pain relief if needed, and remind them that braces are a big step toward a healthy, beautiful smile. If your child has any fears, let us know — we’re here to make the experience as smooth and positive as possible!
How can my child keep their braces in great shape?
Maintaining braces requires teamwork, and as a parent, your involvement will be key. Your child should brush after meals, floss with threaders, and use mouthwash to keep their teeth and braces clean. Regular dental check-ups every 6 weeks are crucial for monitoring progress and making adjustments. We’ll guide you both on how to clean around the brackets and wires, and we’ll provide tips for making flossing easier. It’s also important to avoid sticky or hard foods like gum or popcorn that could damage the braces. Following these steps will help ensure your child’s treatment stays on track and has the best possible results.
What happens after braces come off?
Once your child’s braces are removed, we’ll provide a custom retainer to help maintain their new smile. Wearing the retainer as instructed is important to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Our Office
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: 9am- 8pm
Friday-Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Free Orthodontic Consultation
Achieve your Great Smile. Book your FREE consult today with our experienced team of experts!