Your Okotoks Invisalign® Provider
New Patient Info
Are you searching for an orthodontist? At Foothills Orthodontics we're always welcoming new patients. Learn more about our orthodontic clinic and what to expect from your first visit with us as well as your options for payment.
Your First Visit
Please come about 10 minutes early so you will have enough time to fill out a New Patient form.
Initial Examination
Your orthodontist will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing an examination of your smile. During this process we will take both 2D and 3D digital images of your mouth and oral structures, review our diagnosis and discuss your treatment options with you.
Treatment Plan
Once we determine the best orthodontic treatment option for you, we will schedule future appointments and any financial arrangements. We will also take the time to answer any questions you might have before beginning your orthodontic treatment.
We understand you'll want to ensure you see the fastest results possible, so depending on your availability and ours, we may be able to begin treatment that day.
Next Steps
Once we settle on an orthodontic treatment option for you, we will discuss with you everything you'll need to know about it; what to expect from the process, what kinds of foods you should avoid, how to clean your orthodontic appliances, approximately how long it should all take, and more.
Throughout your treatment, you will visit our office periodically. This will allow our orthodontists to track your treatment's progress and make any adjustments that are required. We will book your next appointment with us each time you visit our office.
Office FAQS
Read the FAQs to learn more about what to expect at Foothills Orthodontics.
- What features does your clinic offer?
Our clinic offers a number of features, including:
- Free Onsite Parking
- Convenient Locations & Hours
- Automated Appointment reminders
- Short Wait Times
- Quick Check-up Appointments
- How can I schedule an appointment?
To book an appointment at Foothills Orthodontics, please contact our office during our regular business hours.
- How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
In order to cancel or reschedule your appointment with us, please contact us as soon as possible to notify us of any changes. Please do as as soon as possible so another patient may be able to use the space in our schedule and we can reschedule you promptly.
- Do you offer appointment reminders?
In the days leading up to your appointment, you'll receive automated text, phone or email appointment reminders from us. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know.
- Does your clinic have on-site parking?
Yes. Free onsite parking is available to all our patients. We are also easily accessible via public transit.
- What are your payment options?
You are responsible for any amounts or co-pays not covered by insurance. These must be paid at your appointment.
We accept payment by cash, debit and/or most major credit cards.
Patient FAQs
- What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who is trained in the diagnosing and treatment of improperly positioned teeth and poor bites. The goal of their treatment is the improve the function and appearance of your smile.
In addition to achieving the same degree as a general dentist, an additional three years of University are required to earn the specialty designation of an “Orthodontist”.
While general dentists can take a continuing education course to do some basic orthodontic treatments, more complex cases require the advice of an orthodontist.
While we often think of only young people receiving orthodontic treatment due to the importance of early intervention, many adults also seek orthodontic care.
And orthodontist is able to advise you about concerns such as crooked teeth, jaw problems and a poor bite. They may also be able to identify the underlying causes of these issues.
Your family dentist will often diagnose an orthodontic problem and then refer you to an orthodontist; however, a referral is not necessary for an orthodontic consultation.
- How do I become a client at Foothills Orthodontics?
At Foothills Orthodontics, no referral is necessary. However, your family dentist can often help with a recommendation and with more information on orthodontics.
As you consider your treatment options, keep in mind that orthodontists are dental specialists and have met the high standards of education and experience as has been set out by the Canadian Dental association.
- How much does an initial consultation cost?
There are no fees due at your initial appointment and you are also under no obligation to proceed with treatment. At your consultation, orthodontic records will be taken, and treatment recommendations will be made.
- How much do braces cost?
The treatment plan for each client is unique. Costs may vary depending on the severity of the problem and the amount of time it takes to correct the issue.
We always discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins. We offer no interest, no down payment plans with options to suit your individual financial needs.
- Why should I seek an orthodontist for my treatment?
Just as there are specialists in medicine, there are specialists in dentistry. orthodontists correct dental and facial irregularities every day and are experts at moving teeth, helping jaws develop properly, and working with clients to ensure teeth stay in their new positions.
- At what age should someone seek orthodontic treatment?
People are able to benefit from orthodontic treatment at any age! The Canadian Association of Orthodontics (CAO) and American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommend that every child should see an orthodontist no later than age 7.
There are many advantages to seeking early diagnosis as treatment options can become more limited once all the permanent teeth have come in and facial growth has slowed.
By guiding the growth of your crowded or misaligned teeth, the need for more complicated medical interventions—like extractions or surgery—is eliminated.
In addition, some underlying causes of orthodontic problems such as a dependency to breathe through the mouth instead of the nose, thumb-sucking, and dental decay, can be recognized early to prevent problems from worsening.
- What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontics can boost a person’s self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned, but an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Alleviating or preventing physical health problems is just as important.
Without proper treatment, orthodontic issues may lead to tooth decay, bone destruction and gum disease, as well as issues with shewing and digestion.
A “bad bite” can contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth and other dental injuries. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints.
These can lead to chronic headaches and facial or neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics.
- What are some benefits of seeking early orthodontic treatment?
Early treatment provides the opportunity to:
- Guide the growth of young jaw bones to create a better environment for the arrival of permanent teeth
- Guide incoming teeth into optimal positions
- Regulation of jaw width
- Correction of harmful sucking habits
- Reduce the likelihood of teeth becoming impacted under the gums
- Preserve or gain space for arriving permanent teeth
- What are some reasons I might need to see an orthodontist?
Our Okotoks orthodontists recommend that you always seek the opinion of as registered orthodontic specialist to make sure you have all the information you need to make any decisions about your orthodontic health.
The following checklist will help you to identify orthodontic concerns with your child or yourself and select an orthodontist.
IDENTIFYING ORTHODONTIC CONCERNS
DEEP OVERBITE Refers to the excessive vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the bottom front teeth.
OPENBITE In this case, the teeth barely or don't overlap at all. The upper teeth stick out well past the lower and the tongue will often rest in this space.
PROTRUDING UPPER TEETH Protrusion is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward, or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.
CROSSBITE The upper back teeth rest inside, instead of outside the lower back teeth.
CROWDING & NARROW ARCHES When dental arches are small, there isn't enough room to accommodate your teeth.
UNDERBITE In this case, the lower front teeth bite further forward, in front of the upper front teeth.
RECESSIVE CHIN Refers to the appearance of the chin being recessed or pushed back, resulting in a facial disharmony between the upper and lower jaws.
RECESSIVE UPPER JAW This refers to the appearance of the chin to protrude or be pushed forward, causing facial disharmony between both the lower and upper jaws.
- Can adults benefit from braces?
Because the basic process involved in moving teeth is the same in adults as in children, orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. The health of the teeth, the gums, and the supporting bones will also determine the prospects for improvement. There are many options available for adult treatment and we would be happy to discuss them with you and provide you with our recommendations for your treatment.
Invisalign®™, a clear plastic form of orthodontics, may be an alternative for adults who feel more self-conscious about their treatment and do not want to draw undue attention to their teeth. While these transparent aligners are removable and less noticeable, they cannot be used to treat all types of orthodontic cases.
A full orthodontic examination would be required to determine if a client is a suitable candidate for Invisalign®™. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age and an orthodontist can improve the smile of practically anyone. The health of the gums and the supporting bones will also determine the prospects for improvement through orthodontic treatment.
- What are some health benefits of receiving orthodontic treatment?
A number of health benefits stem from orthodontic treatment. By aligning crooked or crowded teeth, orthodontic treatment makes one’s teeth easier to clean and maintain.
When food becomes trapped between your teeth, it promotes the growth of bacteria. Bacteria causes bad breath as well as gum disease, tooth decay and eventually even tooth loss. Correcting a "bad bite" or malocclusion can also assist in fixing speech impairments and the risk of dental injuries like chipped teeth.
Orthodontic treatment can also alleviate problems arising from the misalignment of the jaws – a complication that can cause jaw pain and chronic headaches. This specialized approach accomplishes the goal of straightening the teeth, producing a good bite, and maintaining the client’s overall facial aesthetics.
Orthodontists can also address uneven wear on the teeth, which may apply excessive pressure on the bones and gum tissue supporting the teeth, potentially causing pain in the face or neck.
- If my child receives Phase 1 treatment, will they likely need Phase 2 treatment?
In most cases, yes. After the permanent teeth have grown in, treatment is usually necessary to complete the work that was started in the earlier phase. This completion of the earlier phase using full braces is often called Phase Two. What will happen during Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?
The is a stage of growth and observation that will involve keeping the correction which Phase I involved as well as guiding the continued growth of your child's permanent teeth into more favourable positions. Since treatment timing is critical, a child’s growth and development is monitored very carefully during this period.
- Do you offer any other orthodontic options besides metal braces?
Yes, if you are an adult or a mature teen meeting certain conditions. A series of 3-D computer generated invisible aligners made by Invisalign® can provide an alternative to metal braces. However, this technology does not correct bites that are due to jaw bone malpositioning and not everyone will be a suitable candidate.
Only a comprehensive orthodontic examination will be able to determine if a client is a suitable candidate for Invisalign®. Often, clients will elect to have braces for a shorter period of time to address more significant issues and then switch to clear aligners to complete their tooth alignment.
- What is Invisalign?
Your Invisalign ®treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign® system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you’ll end up with a smile that truly fits.
If you’re ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign® is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other works as effortlessly as the Invisalign® system.
- Is Invisalign for me?
Invisalign® is versatile, helping to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues including overcrowded teeth, widely space teeth, crossbite, overbite and underbite.
An Invisalign® provider with orthodontic training and experience will work with you to create a custom-designed treatment plan to treat your specific dental or orthodontic issue(s). Your treatment program will consist of a full set of aligners, made for you, and only you.
- How does Invisalign fit into my life schedule?
With Invisalign®, all you’ll need to adjust to is your new smile. If it weren’t for the remarkable way it was transforming your smile, you’d hardly even notice it. Because Invisalign® lets you live your life. In fact, it does an excellent job of giving you the flexibility you need, since it’s clear and removable.