Braces in Winnipeg

The cost of orthodontic braces varies depending on several factors, including the type of braces used and the severity of the misalignment being treated. Because every smile is different, orthodontic treatment costs can vary considerably from patient to patient.

If you already have an estimate from your orthodontist, you can use our cost calculator to determine your approximate monthly payments.

Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces.

However, people with certain oral health conditions, such as significant gum recession or untreated dental issues, may need to resolve those concerns before beginning braces treatment.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from braces.

At Dr. Tim Dumore & Team Orthodontics, we offer several orthodontic options designed to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

Translucent braces use tooth-coloured ceramic brackets that blend naturally with your teeth, making them much less visible.

LightForce™ braces use advanced 3D-printing technology to create custom brackets designed specifically for your teeth. Because they are tailored to your smile, they can offer a more precise, discreet treatment experience.

Clear aligners are also an option for low-profile orthodontic treatment.

The average braces treatment time is typically 12 to 24 months, though this can vary depending on your individual case.

Treatment length is mainly influenced by the type and severity of the orthodontic issue being corrected. Mild alignment problems may be treated more quickly, while complex bite issues or severe crowding may require longer treatment.

Your orthodontist will provide a more accurate timeline after examining your smile.

Most patients need one to two weeks to fully adjust to wearing braces.

During the first few days, you may notice the brackets and wires with your tongue or feel mild irritation in certain areas of your mouth. This is normal as you get used to the feeling of your new appliances.

If the brackets rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips, apply orthodontic wax to them to create a smoother surface and reduce friction. Any discomfort you might feel typically fades as your mouth adjusts to your new braces.

It’s normal to experience some temporary discomfort during orthodontic treatment, especially after your braces are first placed or after adjustment appointments. However, any pain you feel during your braces treatment is temporary, and usually resolves over a few days, or even hours.

Discomfort from braces usually happens for a week or so after you first get them, and also occurs for a few hours or days following adjustment appointments, as the teeth begin to shift. Patients usually describe it as a feeling of pressure or an ache. This type of pain is generally easy to manage with over-the-counter painkillers until it has passed.

Another type of temporary discomfort you may experience during your braces treatment is when the brackets rub against the inside of your mouth. This can also happen when you first get your braces and immediately after adjustment appointments. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the braces in the areas where the rubbing occurs to create a smoother surface against the inside of your mouth. You can also use painkillers to manage this discomfort until it subsides.

Yes, adults can get braces! Many adults today are choosing to get orthodontic treatment they missed in their youth. They are a straightforward way to help improve their oral health and the appearance of their smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, LightForce™ braces, or clear aligners. All these options make it easier for you to straighten your teeth gently, without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases.

Early orthodontic treatment can help guide jaw growth and address developing bite issues before they become more complex. Treating certain orthodontic problems early can sometimes reduce the need for more extensive treatment later.

At Dr. Tim Dumore & Team Orthodontics, we take a conservative approach to braces for children and recommend early treatment only when there is a clear risk of future orthodontic problems.

Yes, it's a good idea to brush your teeth regularly throughout your braces treatment.

Oral hygiene becomes more important than ever while you're wearing braces. The presence of braces in your mouth introduces a multitude of tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. It's very easy for food particles to get caught in these tiny spaces, making them a breeding ground for bacteria.

To keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment, we recommend brushing after every meal and following your orthodontist’s instructions for proper cleaning.

Flossing with braces may seem complicated, but it's fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it.

To floss, guide the floss between the archwire and your teeth using a floss threader. Gently pull the end of the floss towards the back of the tooth, then draw the floss up and down between the teeth. Then repeat this process between each pair of teeth.

Our team provides floss threaders and guidance to help make flossing with braces as simple as possible.

Eating with braces requires some extra care, but you can still enjoy many of your favourite foods. You will, however, need to avoid certain hard, sticky, or crunchy foods.

Foods that may damage braces include:

• Hard candies
• Sticky foods such as caramel or taffy
• Chewing gum
• Hard foods like nuts or ice

You should also avoid biting directly into foods such as apples or corn on the cob. Instead, cut these foods into smaller pieces to protect your braces.

For the most part, though, you can go on eating your normal diet – with a few modifications along the way.

We usually advise against participating in sports that involve direct blows to the face while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports such as boxing are not recommended.

Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well.

In most sports, you should be able to continue playing without issues. If you wish to stay active on the field, court, or rink during your treatment, we suggest wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, mouth, and braces from potential damage.

Braces and clear aligners are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but there are differences between them that may impact their suitability for different individuals. 

When choosing between braces and Invisalign, consider your personal preferences, lifestyle, aesthetic goals, the severity of your misalignment, and the cost.

Your orthodontist will carefully review your unique situation and suggest the most suitable treatment option to meet your needs.