How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment length varies widely depending on the case, but most treatments range from several months to a couple of years.

Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?

For many cases, yes. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate alignment issues, while more complex cases may still be better suited to traditional braces.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

Most orthodontists recommend a first check around age 7, even if treatment isn't needed yet.

Do I have to wear a retainer forever?

Teeth can shift back toward their original position over time, so most patients wear a retainer indefinitely, though often just at night after the first year or so.

Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?

Coverage varies by provider and plan. We handle direct billing to make the process as simple as possible; contact us to check your specific coverage.

Where can I get braces or Invisalign in St. Albert?

The Smile Garage in St. Albert offers Invisalign, traditional braces, ceramic braces, and retainers for patients of all ages. Book a consult to find the right option for you.

Orthodontics

BOOK YOUR VISIT

CALL (780) 851-4554

Straighter teeth aren't just about how your smile looks. A proper bite makes chewing, speaking, and even cleaning your teeth easier. We offer a range of orthodontic options for both kids and adults.

Straighten Your Smile

Whether it's clear aligners, traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or a retainer to hold your results in place, we offer a full range of orthodontic options for kids and adults. Every mouth is different, so we don't push one option over another, we help you figure out what actually makes sense for your bite, your lifestyle, and your budget, then build a treatment plan around it.

CURIOUS about orthodontics?

If you've been dealing with crowding, gaps, a bite that doesn't quite line up, or just teeth you've never loved, it's worth finding out what your options actually look like. A quick consultation can tell you more than months of wondering.

BOOK A CONSULT

Your Options

Choose from a range of treatments designed to help you feel confident in your smile.

CLEAR ALIGNERS

Clear aligners use a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. It works well for mild to moderate alignment issues, though more complex cases may still be better suited to traditional braces, something we'll assess together during your consultation.

No metal or wires
Removable for eating and cleaning
Far less noticeable than traditional braces

It's the option most patients ask for first, and often the right one for a straightforward case.

TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES

Metal braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into place, and remain one of the most effective, reliable options available for more complex bite issues that aligners alone can't fully correct.

Effective for even significant tooth movement
Suitable for patients of any age
The most tried-and-tested option available

When the bite is more complicated, this is usually where we land.

ceramic braces

Ceramic braces work the same way as traditional metal braces, using brackets and wires to move teeth, but with tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend in more with your natural smile.

Same effectiveness as metal braces
Less visually obvious than metal
A good middle ground for patients who need more than aligners

A solid choice if you want the strength of braces without the metal-mouth look.

retainers

Once active treatment is complete, a retainer holds your teeth in their new position, since teeth naturally want to shift back over time.

Protects the results of your treatment
Often worn full-time at first, then just at night
Custom-fitted for comfort and consistency

Skipping this step is the easiest way to undo months, or years, of progress.

Early & Interceptive Treatment

Some orthodontic issues are easier to correct while a child's jaw is still developing. Early treatment can guide growth, create room for adult teeth, and sometimes reduce the need for more involved treatment later on.

IS IT RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

We recommend most kids have an orthodontic check by around age 7, even if it's too early to start treatment. Catching a developing issue early gives us more options down the road, not fewer.

What to Expect

Every orthodontic journey starts with a consultation to map out the right treatment path for your bite. From there, aligners are swapped out every one to two weeks at home, while braces need in-office adjustments every four to six weeks. Once your teeth reach their new position, a retainer phase keeps them there.