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Alces Dental
Patient Resources

Frequently
Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often — from first visits and insurance to implants, Invisalign, and everything in between.

General & Appointments

Yes — we warmly welcome new patients of all ages. Your first consultation is complimentary and completely without pressure. You can book online or call us at (780) 784-9007.

You can book online using our booking page, call our office at (780) 784-9007, or contact us through our contact form. We offer early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments for your convenience.

Please bring a government-issued photo ID, your provincial health card, insurance card and policy number (if applicable), a list of current medications, and any previous dental records or X-rays you may have. Arriving 10 minutes early if you have not completed your new patient form in advance is also recommended.

For most patients, we recommend a professional cleaning and examination every six months. Patients with active gum disease, a history of cavities, or other risk factors may benefit from more frequent visits — your dentist will advise you based on your individual needs.

Absolutely. We welcome patients of all ages, including young children. We recommend a first dental visit by age one or when the first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Our team is experienced in making young patients feel comfortable and confident.

Insurance & Billing

Yes. We direct-bill most major Canadian insurance providers electronically, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Blue Cross Alberta, Desjardins, and many others. You pay only your applicable co-pay or deductible at the time of your visit.

Yes. Alces Dental is a registered CDCP provider and we direct-bill Sun Life Financial on your behalf. Visit our CDCP page or our For Patients section for full details on eligibility, coverage, and how to use your benefits here.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Interac debit, cash, and cheque. We also offer interest-free payment plans and extended financing options for larger treatment plans — ask our team for details.

Yes, always. For any significant treatment, we will submit a pre-authorisation to your insurer so you receive an estimate of your coverage and out-of-pocket costs in advance. We believe in complete financial transparency — no surprises.

Cosmetic Dentistry

With proper care — regular brushing, flossing, and biannual check-ups — porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 20 years. Avoiding biting on hard objects (ice, pens, fingernails) and wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth will maximise their longevity.

Professional whitening performed or supervised by a dentist is safe and effective. We use pharmaceutical-grade whitening agents calibrated to your tooth sensitivity. Over-the-counter products may be less effective and carry higher risks of sensitivity with prolonged use.

Most adults in good general oral health are candidates for cosmetic enhancement. At your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and facial aesthetics and explain which options — veneers, bonding, whitening, or a combination — are best suited to your goals.

Dental Implants

From implant placement to your final crown, the process typically takes 3 to 6 months. This allows adequate time for osseointegration — the process by which the titanium post fuses with your jawbone. In some cases, same-day or accelerated protocols may be suitable.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you will feel little to no discomfort during surgery. Post-operative soreness is typically mild and well-managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients report that the procedure was far more comfortable than they anticipated.

Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. The titanium post itself can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown restoration may need replacement after 15 to 20 years, depending on wear and hygiene habits.

There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Suitability is determined by your overall health, bone density, and gum condition — not your age. Many patients in their 70s and 80s are excellent implant candidates.

Orthodontics & Invisalign

Invisalign uses a series of custom, removable clear aligners to gradually shift teeth. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires bonded to the teeth. Invisalign is generally preferred for its aesthetics and comfort; traditional braces may be recommended for more complex malocclusions.

Treatment duration varies depending on case complexity. Mild cases may take as few as 6 months; more complex cases typically range from 12 to 24 months. Your dentist will provide a personalised timeline at your consultation.

Absolutely — Invisalign is exceptionally popular among adults precisely because it is discreet and does not interfere with professional or social life. Our Diamond-tier status means we have the experience to handle even complex adult cases with precision.

Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies include severe toothache, a knocked-out or fractured tooth, lost fillings or crowns causing pain, dental abscess or swelling, bleeding that cannot be controlled, and soft tissue injuries to the mouth. When in doubt, call us — we would rather assess and reassure than have you suffer unnecessarily.

Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently with water if dirty, and attempt to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or between your cheek and gum and call us immediately. Time is critical — reimplantation is most successful within 30 minutes.

Yes. We prioritise dental emergencies and make every effort to see urgent patients the same day. Call (780) 784-9007 and let our team know you are experiencing a dental emergency.

Still Have Questions?

We Are Always
Happy to Help

If you could not find the answer you were looking for, our patient care team is standing by. No question is too small — we would love to hear from you.