Full or Partial Braces

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment for correcting tooth alignment and bite problems.  The practice of Orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances (braces and retainers) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve a facial balance.

We will work one-on-one with you to provide the best treatment plan to suit your needs.  Your orthodontic treatment may include:

• Removable appliances / retainers
• Full or partial braces
• Properly timed extractions
• Functional appliances which are removable to balance facial profiles in growing individuals

Getting started

A 1 hour appointment at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital for a Cephalometric x-ray will be booked for you.  A Ceph x-ray is an x-ray of the side of the head where the soft tissues of the face are specially enhanced so as to be able to determine the changes to profile that orthodontic therapy will alter. 

The first visit with Dr. Miller is to gather diagnostic records which include your ceph
X-rays, photographs, and impressions made of your teeth.  These molds are used to develop models for closer examination of your teeth and how the upper and lower teeth relate to each other.  X-rays are taken to look at the root structure of the teeth and how the jaw bones and teeth relate to each other.  We then take facial photographs and intra-oral photographs to evaluate facial proportions, facial aesthetics and the health of the teeth and gums.  These diagnostic records collectively enable Dr. Miller to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. 

The Next Step

The second visit with Dr. Miller is what we call an ortho consultation.  In this visit Dr. Miller will take you through the treatment plan that has been developed for you.  He will discuss the type of treatment, length of treatment, what your expectations are as well the financial commitment.  This is an excellent opportunity for Dr. Miller to listen and answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

Types of Brace

Our firm belief in providing our patients with the newest and most advanced technology holds true in Orthodontics as well.  Gone are the days of annoying elastics and painful wires.  We can now straighten teeth in less time, with fewer visits and more comfortably.

Dr. Miller uses Damon braces, which have a self-ligating system.  The Damon braces use a unique slide mechanism that minimizes the friction and binding of conventional braces.  This system eliminates the need for elastic or metal ties, thus moving the teeth at a much faster rate requiring fewer adjustments.  Very light “shape memory” titanium wires are used that gently guide your teeth to their ideal position.  Many people experience very little discomfort.

Red/White/Blue Retainers

There are many patients who wish to straighten their front teeth without having to wear braces.  The red, white and blue (RWB) system is a very simple and cost effective way to do this.  They are a clear, lightweight plastic retainer each designed to coax your front teeth in small incremental movements, getting them progressively closer to your desired result.

The RWB system is designed to treat minor rotations, torque, tip and spacing problems of your front top and bottom six teeth.  We use a series of three active appliances, each working to move your teeth to the desired result.  Most patients wear each retainer for two to four weeks in the easy-to-remember sequence, transitioning from the red to the white to the blue appliance, with blue serving as the final appliance and retainer.