Orthodontic Care in Fort McMurray
Orthodontic Care Near You
A straight, healthy smile does more than just look good—it boosts your confidence and makes everyday life better. At Morrison Dental, we’ve spent over 40 years helping Fort McMurray families fix crooked teeth, close gaps, and correct bite problems. Whether you’re 8 or 80, we’re here to give you the smile you deserve.
Dr. Joshua Tan and our team know that every smile is different. That’s why we take the time to really understand what you want and create a plan that works for you.
What Exactly Are Orthodontic Services?
Think of orthodontics as the art and science of straightening teeth and fixing bite problems. We’re talking about issues like:
- Teeth that overlap or crowd together
- Gaps between your teeth
- An overbite (when your top teeth stick out too far)
- An underbite (when your bottom teeth jut forward)
- A crossbite (when your teeth don’t line up right)
- Teeth that just don’t meet properly when you close your mouth
Here’s the thing—straight teeth aren’t just about looking good. When your teeth line up properly, they’re way easier to clean. That means less chance of cavities and gum disease down the road. Plus, a proper bite prevents weird wear patterns on your teeth and can even help with jaw pain and headaches.
Orthodontic Treatments We Offer
Traditional Braces – The Tried-and-True Method
Braces have been around for decades because they work. Really well. Today’s braces are nothing like the bulky metal ones you might remember from the ’90s. They’re smaller, more comfortable, and often work faster than you’d think.
Here’s How They Work:
We attach small brackets to your teeth, run a wire through them, and use that wire to gently nudge your teeth into place. Over the months, your teeth gradually shift, and the bone around them adapts to the new position. It’s pretty amazing when you think about it.
What’s Involved:
- Small brackets glued to each tooth (metal or ceramic—your choice)
- A thin wire that connects everything together
- Tiny elastic bands (you can pick fun colours if you want!)
- Regular adjustments every few weeks to keep things moving
What Braces Can Fix:
Pretty much any alignment problem you can think of. Crowded teeth? Check. Big gaps? No problem. Overbite, underbite, crossbite? We’ve got you covered. Even complex cases that other treatments can’t handle.
Invisalign® – Straighten Your Teeth Without Anyone Knowing
If the idea of metal braces doesn’t appeal to you, Invisalign might be perfect. These clear plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth and are practically invisible. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Why People Love Invisalign:
- You can take them out to eat whatever you want
- No food gets stuck in wires and brackets
- Brushing and flossing stays easy
- They don’t irritate your cheeks and gums
- Fewer trips to our office for adjustments
- Nobody has to know you’re straightening your teeth
You’ll get a series of custom trays, and every couple of weeks, you switch to the next set. Each one moves your teeth a tiny bit closer to where they need to be. Wear them about 22 hours a day, and you’ll see real results.
Orthodontics for Kids – Starting Early Makes a Difference
We recommend bringing your child in for an orthodontic check around age 7. I know that sounds young, but there’s a good reason. At that age, we can spot problems early while their jaw is still growing. Sometimes a small intervention now prevents a much bigger problem later.
Why Early Treatment Helps:
- We can guide jaw growth in the right direction
- Make room for adult teeth that haven’t come in yet
- Fix habits like thumb-sucking before they cause damage
- Reduce the risk of kids chipping their front teeth
- Sometimes make later treatment shorter (or unnecessary)
- Help with breathing and speech issues
We have special appliances just for kids—things like expanders to widen the upper jaw or space maintainers to hold spots for permanent teeth. Not every child needs early treatment, but it’s worth checking.
Orthodontics for Adults – You Haven't Missed Your Chance
A lot of adults tell us they wish they’d fixed their teeth years ago. Here’s the good news: you still can. More adults are getting orthodontic treatment than ever before, and there’s no age limit on a great smile.
Why Adults Come to Us:
- They’re tired of hiding their smile in photos
- They want to feel more confident at work
- They’re getting ready for other dental work like dental implants
- They have jaw pain or headaches from a bad bite
- Their teeth have shifted over the years
- They finally have the time and budget to do it
Whether you go with braces or Invisalign, we’ll make sure your treatment fits your lifestyle. We get it—you’ve got work, family, and a busy life. We’ll work around your schedule.
What to Expect When You Choose Morrison Dental
Your First Visit
Come in and let’s talk. Dr. Tan will examine your teeth and jaw, take some X-rays and photos, and really listen to what you want. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest conversation about your options.
Creating Your Plan
Once we know what we’re dealing with, we’ll put together a treatment plan just for you. We’ll walk you through everything: how long it’ll take, what it’ll cost, and what results you can expect. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting into before we start.
Getting Started
Ready to go? Great. If you’re getting braces, we’ll bond the brackets to your teeth and put in the first wire. It takes a couple of hours, but it doesn’t hurt. For Invisalign, we’ll take detailed impressions and order your custom trays.
Regular Check-Ins
You’ll come back every month or so for braces adjustments, or every couple of months if you’re doing Invisalign. These visits are quick—usually just 20-30 minutes. We’ll check your progress and make sure everything’s on track.
Keeping Your Results
After your braces come off or you finish your last aligner, you’re not quite done. You’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from drifting back. Most people wear it full-time at first, then just at night. It’s a small price to pay to protect all that hard work.
Why Choose Morrison Dental?
We’ve been part of Fort McMurray since the 1980s. That’s over 40 years of taking care of families in this community. We’re not some corporate chain—we’re your neighbours, and we genuinely care about your smile.
What Makes Us Different:
We handle everything under one roof. Need a filling? Teeth whitening? A crown? You don’t have to go anywhere else. We’re a true family dentistry practice.
Our office is right on Morrison Street, easy to get to from anywhere in Fort McMurray—Hangingstone Point, Hilltop Estates, Aspen Gardens, Ravine Park, Lower Townsite—wherever you live, we’re close by.
We offer appointment times that actually work for real people with jobs and kids. Early morning, late afternoon, whatever you need.
And we bill your insurance directly. One less thing for you to worry about.
Let's Talk About Cost
Yeah, orthodontic treatment is an investment. But it’s one that pays off for the rest of your life. During your consultation, we’ll give you exact numbers—no hidden fees or surprises.
Most insurance plans cover part of orthodontic treatment, especially for kids. We’ll help you figure out your benefits and file all the paperwork. If you don’t have insurance or need help with the rest, we’ve got payment plans that can work with almost any budget.
Taking Care of Your New Smile
Once your treatment’s done, you’ll want to keep those results. Here’s how:
Wear your retainer. This is huge. Your teeth will try to drift back if you don’t. Wear it exactly like we tell you to.
Keep up with your regular dental care. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and come see us every six months for checkups and cleanings.
Break bad habits. Don’t chew on pens, bite your nails, or use your teeth to open packages. All that can shift your teeth over time.
Come back for retainer checks. We’ll want to see you periodically to make sure everything’s staying put.
Ready to Get Started?
Stop putting it off. Give us a call at (780) 743-3570 or book online. We’ll sit down, look at your teeth, answer your questions, and figure out the best way to get you the smile you want.
Morrison Dental has been Fort McMurray’s trusted dental practice for over four decades. We’d love to be part of your smile story too.
Let’s do this together. Your new smile is waiting.
Questions People Ask Us All the Time
How long will I have braces?
Usually somewhere between a year and two years. It depends on how much we need to move your teeth. Some simple cases finish faster; more complex ones take longer. We’ll give you a better estimate once we see your teeth.
Do braces hurt?
They’re a bit uncomfortable at first, and your teeth might feel sore for a few days after adjustments. But “hurt” is too strong a word. Take an Advil, eat soft foods for a day or two, and you’ll be fine. Most people forget they’re even there after a week or so.
How often do I have to come in?
For braces, usually every 4-8 weeks. Invisalign patients typically come in every 6-10 weeks. Each visit is pretty quick.
Can I still play hockey with braces?
Absolutely. Just wear a mouthguard. We can make you a custom one that fits over your braces and protects everything.
What can't I eat with braces?
Skip the really hard stuff (ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels) and super sticky things (caramels, taffy). Cut up apples and carrots instead of biting into them. That’s about it. With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want since you take them out for meals.
Do I have to go to a separate orthodontist?
Nope. Dr. Tan provides orthodontic services right here at Morrison Dental. It’s all in one place, which makes life easier for you.