Orthodontics
About Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that helps to straighten and align teeth. It is used to help correct overbites, teeth crowding, align the jaw, and help develop jaw size for optimal function. Whether it’s for functional or cosmetic purposes, orthodontics has become very popular.
Dr. Briere is a general dentist with a focus on orthodontics, primarily using Invisalign and other appliances to straighten teeth. Our office offers orthodontic care locally to help our patients avoid multiple trips to Canmore or Cranbrook. However, some complex cases may still require referral to a specialist, which Dr. Briere will discuss with you if needed
Types of Treatment
Click the drop-down to learn more about each of the 4 orthodontic treatment options we offer.
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Invisalign® treatment is a clear aligner system that gradually shifts teeth into alignment using custom-made, removable trays that allow for easier eating and oral hygiene. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® is nearly invisible and uses small tooth-coloured attachments that are strategically shaped and placed on the tooth. The aligners attach to them and use them to pull or push the teeth where they need to be.
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Used for kids as a phase one treatment option, this appliance corrects spacing issues by expanding the patient pallet. Each week, a patient uses a special metal key to open the pallet expender one turn, to slowly expand the appliance. The best part? Patients get to choose the colour!
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This device is used for young children who are still getting adult teeth. With a specialized treatment plan, the appliance helps kids’ jaws grow correctly, to help prevent future orthodontic issues in the future.
Dental Monitoring
Regular orthodontic checks with the dentist are essential for completing a patient treatment plan correctly and on time.
For our Invisalign® and fixed braces patients, we used DentalMonitoring to replace the frequency of in-office dental checks. Using the DentalMonitoring App and the special ScanBox Pro, patients take quick scans of their teeth for the dentist. If there is an issue, the dentist or the patient can use the handy messaging feature to send a quick message anytime, from any place with Wi-Fi.
The Process
The first step of your orthodontic journey is a consultation with Dr. Briere:
What To Expect At Your Consult:
Take photos of your teeth, profile, and smile
Perform a digital oral scan
Take a CBCT X-ray (if needed for your specific case)
Take a panoramic X-ray (if not already on file, or if the image is over one year old)
Have Questions?
We’re happy to answer any of your questions about our orthodontic services.