How can we help you smile?
How can we help you smile?
Have you been told you’re not eligible for Invisalign? Take the assessment to learn more!
Snoring may be the warning sign of a serious health problem. Find out if you or your child is at risk.
We direct bill insurance. Use this payment calculator to learn how braces are affordable.
Your smile is a key component in a life full of laughter, happiness and joy. In other words — when your life has Verve, you’re free to live, laugh, smile.
Request An Appointment Today
Who We Are
Verve Orthodontics
Verve is where joy seekers discover their true smile — so that they have the self-confidence to create successful, happy, and fulfilled lives.
Because a true smile comes from the inside, our mission is to help our patients find the inner self-confidence that comes through having stunning teeth, and to inspire health and happiness through our teams positive and generous attitude.
Our Office
Our office has been featured in design magazines for its unique look, carefully chosen materials and attention to detail. We care about your whole experience with us. We invite you to come take a tour in person to fully experience the Verve difference. To take a virtual tour around our offices:
Verve Orthodontics
Verve is where joy seekers discover their true smile — so that they have the self-confidence to create successful, happy, and fulfilled lives.
Because a true smile comes from the inside, our mission is to help our patients find the inner self-confidence that comes through having stunning teeth, and to inspire health and happiness through our teams positive and generous attitude.
Our Office
Our office has been featured in design magazines for its unique look, carefully chosen materials and attention to detail. We care about your whole experience with us. We invite you to come take a tour in person to fully experience the Verve difference. To take a virtual tour around our offices:
About Dr. Major
Dr. Michael Major
When Dr. Michael Major was five years old, he wanted to be like his dad: an Orthodontist! Decades later, he followed in his father’s footsteps and made his dream a reality.
Dr. Major began his career at the University of Alberta, earning an Honors Bachelor of Science (BSc) and was then awarded his DMD from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. From there, Michael completed a dental residency (GPR) at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver General Hospital before returning to the University of Alberta for his graduate orthodontic specialty training. Dr. Major holds a Masters Degree (MSc) in Orthodontics from the University of Alberta and is a certified specialist in Orthodontics (FRCDc). He remains active with the university, serving as the Director of the Interdisciplinary Airway Research Clinic, providing care for children with sleep apnea.
Dr. Major started Verve Orthodontics five years ago because he knows there’s more to your smile than just your teeth. True transformation comes at the discovery of fixing what’s below the surface. Creator of “Smile Secrets,” he gives you the fundamentals on how to live your best life and how to become a joy seeker!
Born and raised in Edmonton, he is a proud father to twins Isaiah and Gaby and to Logan and Izzy. In his spare time, he enjoys getting out to the mountains, hiking, camping and riding motorcycles.
Downtime
Dr. Michael Major
Downtime
When Dr. Michael Major was five years old, he wanted to be like his dad: an Orthodontist! Decades later, he followed in his father’s footsteps and made his dream a reality.
Dr. Major began his career at the University of Alberta, earning an Honors Bachelor of Science (BSc) and was then awarded his DMD from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. From there, Michael completed a dental residency (GPR) at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver General Hospital before returning to the University of Alberta for his graduate orthodontic specialty training. Dr. Major holds a Masters Degree (MSc) in Orthodontics from the University of Alberta and is a certified specialist in Orthodontics (FRCDc). He remains active with the university, serving as the Director of the Interdisciplinary Airway Research Clinic, providing care for children with sleep apnea.
Dr. Major started Verve Orthodontics five years ago because he knows there’s more to your smile than just your teeth. True transformation comes at the discovery of fixing what’s below the surface. Creator of “Smile Secrets,” he gives you the fundamentals on how to live your best life and how to become a joy seeker!
Born and raised in Edmonton, he is a proud father to twins Isaiah and Gaby and to Logan and Izzy. In his spare time, he enjoys getting out to the mountains, hiking, camping and riding motorcycles.
Click “Downtime” images to enlarge.
Early Interceptive Treatment
The best time for an orthodontic evaluation is by 7 years old. Many children are not ready for treatment at 7, but Dr. Major can give parents a sense of what to expect in the coming years.
Sometimes Dr Major will recommend early treatment to correct small problems before they become big problems, because early treatment might…
- Prevent extractions by creating room for crooked teeth
- Avoid jaw surgery by addressing jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of fracturing protruding teeth
- Decrease treatment time with braces
Dr Major may also advise no treatment, instead monitoring growth and tooth eruption over months or years. Either way, you will leave with an understanding of what to expect, and the opportunity to start treatment at an optimal time.
If your child is more than 6 years old and hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist, book a consult with Dr. Major today!
Treatment Options
Adolescent Treatment
Teenagers are when we really roll up our sleeves and get to work — literally and figuratively — because all the baby teeth are lost and the adult teeth erupted.
During adolescent treatment any remaining open spaces are closed, crowding corrected, crooked teeth fixed, and remaining bite issues managed. This is when you can give your child the gift of a smile that will last a lifetime.
At this time self-esteem related to appearance becomes very important for teens. So braces are often a welcome addition. They love being part of the crowd, showing off their style with colored ties on their braces and elastics. This connection with others can also motivate your teen to control their habits including eating brace friendly foods, wearing elastics and oral hygiene.
Adult Braces
Orthodontic treatment is not just for kids anymore! Life-changing results are possible at any age. Many adults did not have the opportunity for braces as a kid. But it’s never too late to have the beautiful smile and the healthy mouth you deserve.
With the state of the art options available to all orthodontists, you can have treatment that is faster, more esthetic, more efficient, requires fewer appointments, and is more comfortable than ever before.
From traditional metal braces, to clear braces like to clear ceramic braces or invisalign, there are a number of possibilities. But our experience has been that adults generally prefer invisalign. Depending on your goals, most adults today are invisalign candidates. So take the invisalign assessment to see if you might be a candidate too.
Types of Braces
Did you know that the first braces were invented in 1728? They consisted of a flat strip of metal that was connected to the teeth by pieces of thread.
We’ve come a long way since then. Today’s technology is gentler, less painful, and more efficient than even 30 years ago. Meaning the experience of braces can be fun, and even a personal expression of style.
The options available today are vastly improved — and so is the experience of having braces. Below are some of the types of braces available with Dr. Major:
- Metal Braces: traditional braces with new high-tech engineering. The metal braces used by Dr. Major are designed to move your teeth in very specific ways, gently and efficiently.
- Clear ceramic braces: braces that are less visible for those who want a more discrete look.
Invisalign
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are great solutions for many people. It uses high-tech, 3-D computer models of your teeth – along Dr. Major’s treatment planning – to create a series of aligners that move your teeth into the correct position.
Invisalign gives you the ultimate freedom. Freedom to eat whatever you want, freedom to brush and floss normally. Freedom to go through treatment without anyone knowing. Plus, you can even take the aligners out when needed! , and Dr. Major and his team have created beautiful smiles for hundreds of people in the area who wanted a comfortable and esthetic way to straighten their teeth.
If you’re curious about invisalign, take the invisalign assessment.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when a person doesn’t get enough oxygen while they sleep. They might even stop breathing, literally suffocating. Sleep apnea can happen at any age — to both children and adults — though the cause and treatment is often different.
Does your child snore, have ADHD, or wet the bed? Do they have asthma, allergies, or jaw growth problems? Take the Pediatic Sleep Questionnaire to find out if your child is at high risk for sleep problems.
For adults, the risks are age, excess weight, being male, or having a small jaw. If you’re regularly sleepy or know you snore, get in touch.
Specifically targeted orthodontics and oral appliances may be important for treating many sleep problems. But sleep apnea can be complex, requiring a team that includes a dentist and often multiple physicians. Make sure your dentist works with physicians to manage your sleep apnea.
Early Interceptive Treatment
The best time for an orthodontic evaluation is by 7 years old. Many children are not ready for treatment at 7, but Dr. Major can give parents a sense of what to expect in the coming years.
Sometimes Dr Major will recommend early treatment to correct small problems before they become big problems, because early treatment might…
- Prevent extractions by creating room for crooked teeth
- Avoid jaw surgery by addressing jaw growth
- Reduce the risk of fracturing protruding teeth
- Decrease treatment time with braces
Dr Major may also advise no treatment, instead monitoring growth and tooth eruption over months or years. Either way, you will leave with an understanding of what to expect, and the opportunity to start treatment at an optimal time.
If your child is more than 6 years old and hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist, book a consult with Dr. Major today!
Adolescent Treatment
Teenagers are when we really roll up our sleeves and get to work — literally and figuratively — because all the baby teeth are lost and the adult teeth erupted.
During adolescent treatment any remaining open spaces are closed, crowding corrected, crooked teeth fixed, and remaining bite issues managed. This is when you can give your child the gift of a smile that will last a lifetime.
At this time self-esteem related to appearance becomes very important for teens. So braces are often a welcome addition. They love being part of the crowd, showing off their style with colored ties on their braces and elastics. This connection with others can also motivate your teen to control their habits including eating brace friendly foods, wearing elastics and oral hygiene.
Adult Braces
Orthodontic treatment is not just for kids anymore! Life-changing results are possible at any age. Many adults did not have the opportunity for braces as a kid. But it’s never too late to have the beautiful smile and the healthy mouth you deserve.
With the state of the art options available to all orthodontists, you can have treatment that is faster, more esthetic, more efficient, requires fewer appointments, and is more comfortable than ever before.
From traditional metal braces, to clear braces like to clear ceramic braces or invisalign, there are a number of possibilities. But our experience has been that adults generally prefer invisalign. Depending on your goals, most adults today are invisalign candidates. So take the invisalign assessment to see if you might be a candidate too.
Types of Braces
Did you know that the first braces were invented in 1728? They consisted of a flat strip of metal that was connected to the teeth by pieces of thread.
We’ve come a long way since then. Today’s technology is gentler, less painful, and more efficient than even 30 years ago. Meaning the experience of braces can be fun, and even a personal expression of style.
The options available today are vastly improved — and so is the experience of having braces. Below are some of the types of braces available with Dr. Major:
- Metal Braces: traditional braces with new high-tech engineering. The metal braces used by Dr. Major are designed to move your teeth in very specific ways, gently and efficiently.
- Clear ceramic braces: braces that are less visible for those who want a more discrete look.
Invisalign
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are great solutions for many people. It uses high-tech, 3-D computer models of your teeth – along Dr. Major’s treatment planning – to create a series of aligners that move your teeth into the correct position.
Invisalign gives you the ultimate freedom. Freedom to eat whatever you want, freedom to brush and floss normally. Freedom to go through treatment without anyone knowing. Plus, you can even take the aligners out when needed! , and Dr. Major and his team have created beautiful smiles for hundreds of people in the area who wanted a comfortable and esthetic way to straighten their teeth.
If you’re curious about invisalign, take the invisalign assessment.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when a person doesn’t get enough oxygen while they sleep. They might even stop breathing, literally suffocating. Sleep apnea can happen at any age — to both children and adults — though the cause and treatment is often different.
Does your child snore, have ADHD, or wet the bed? Do they have asthma, allergies, or jaw growth problems? Take the Pediatic Sleep Questionnaire to find out if your child is at high risk for sleep problems.
For adults, the risks are age, excess weight, being male, or having a small jaw. If you’re regularly sleepy or know you snore, get in touch.
Specifically targeted orthodontics and oral appliances may be important for treating many sleep problems. But sleep apnea can be complex, requiring a team that includes a dentist and often multiple physicians. Make sure your dentist works with physicians to manage your sleep apnea.
Getting Started
The path to a Verve Smile starts with an initial consult.
The path to a Verve Smile starts with an initial consult. During your first appointment you will meet Dr. Major. His team will take photos and x-rays he’ll use in deciding the best options and types of braces for your treatment.
During this initial appointment, you’ll spend dedicated time with Dr. Major. Dr Major will ask you about your main concerns, about your life and work or school. Then he’ll recommend a course of treatment that’s fits your busy life to create a smile that really fits you.
While you’re with us, you’ll have the opportunity to get a sense for how fun orthodontic treatment can be. We call it the Verve Experience, and we think you’re going to love it.
Whether you’re interested in treatment for one of your children or for yourself, we believe we’ve created an environment you’ll really enjoy. In fact, it’s our hope you’ll like it so much you won’t want to leave.
For a quick tour around our office:
The path to a Verve Smile starts with an initial consult.
The path to a Verve Smile starts with an initial consult. During your first appointment you will meet Dr. Major. His team will take photos and x-rays he’ll use in deciding the best options and types of braces for your treatment.
During this initial appointment, you’ll spend dedicated time with Dr. Major. Dr Major will ask you about your main concerns, about your life and work or school. Then he’ll recommend a course of treatment that’s fits your busy life to create a smile that really fits you.
While you’re with us, you’ll have the opportunity to get a sense for how fun orthodontic treatment can be. We call it the Verve Experience, and we think you’re going to love it.
Whether you’re interested in treatment for one of your children or for yourself, we believe we’ve created an environment you’ll really enjoy. In fact, it’s our hope you’ll like it so much you won’t want to leave.
For a quick tour around our office:
F. A. Q.
Here are some simple, direct, and thoughtful answers to the most common questions we get about braces, appliances, and invisalign.
About Orthodontics
Are braces really necessary?
Yes. Orthodontics is a very important part of oral health and dental function. From preventing cavities, to maintaining healthy gums, to optimum TMJ (jaw joint) function, to airway and sleep apnea, orthodontics has important roles in your health.
Are braces for function or just esthetics?
Both. What functions best also happens to look best. There’s a lot of scientific research that says what is healthy is what looks attractive and beautiful. That means there’s no such thing as “just esthetics” because the optimum function is the best looking.
And that doesn’t even consider the self-confidence boost that many people experience when they have a smile they feel proud to show off.
About Treatment
Does getting braces hurt?
No. Placing braces does NOT hurt. No needles. No drills.
What can I expect during treatment?
Expect braces to feel weird and uncomfortable for the first few days. Both after they’re placed and after adjustments. They feel weird and uncomfortable as your mouth adjusts to the gentle pressure from the braces, appliances, or invisalign trays
How often do I need an appointment?
It depends on what you and Dr Major are working on. Braces or invisalign appointments can range from every 4 weeks to every 10 weeks. Because Dr Major knows your life is busy and mid-day appointments can be disruptive, he’ll only schedule appointments when it’s necessary.
How long will it take?
Typically braces and invisalign take 1.5 to 2.5 years, but can range from as short as 6 months to as long as 3 years. Each person’s treatment length depends on the uniqueness of his or her situation. The more complicated the treatment, the longer it takes. The simpler the treatment, the faster it goes.
Can I do Invisalign instead of braces?
There’s a very good chance the answer is yes. Invisalign technology has progressed tremendously over the last 5–10 years. There are a small number of situations that really do need braces. But for the majority of people both traditional braces and invisalign are equally effective when an orthodontic specialist, such as Dr Major, is treating you.
What can I do to keep my treatment on track?
There are four important things you can do to keep treatment moving as fast as possible:
- Keep excellent oral hygiene. Brush. Floss. Regular visits to your dentist.
- Wear your appliances — whether It’s invisalign or interceptive appliances… if you don’t wear it, your teeth don’t move. Simple enough don’t you think?
- Follow instructions. Whether it’s elastics or avoiding certain foods, Dr Major will tell you exactly what you need to know to keep moving forward.
- Attend your appointments. Skipping appointments delays treatment.
About Financing
How much do braces cost?
This is probably the most common question. It’s also the most challenging to answer because it depends on the uniqueness of your situation. In general, if you need more complex treatment it’ll take longer and requires greater investment. So it’s impossible to say for certain until you meet Dr Major for a consult.
Think about it this way: you’d never walk into a store and buy a pair of shoes without trying them on. In the same way, it’s impossible to know the uniqueness of your situation until you meet Dr Major. The only way to know for sure is to schedule an assessment with Dr Major.
Do you have payment plans?
Yes. Absolutely we have payment plans! Dr Major knows braces aren’t cheep — and thank God, because we all know you get what you pay for. It’s very important to us to help make braces or invisalign fit into your budget. Money shouldn’t be what gets between you and your smile. That’s why we’re proud to offer 0% interest monthly payment options. The exact details of how this works depends on each person’s unique situation. So visit Dr Major for a consult to learn more!
How does insurance work?
Verve is happy to offer our families the option to direct bill their insurance benefits, making the orthodontic process more affordable for you!
Contact
150 Bellerose Drive, Suite 209, St. Albert, AB T8N 8N8
PH 587-805-3484 • FAX (780) 458-3785 • Email: info@verveortho.com
150 Bellerose Drive, Suite 209
St. Albert, AB T8N 8N8
PH 587-805-3484
FAX (780) 458-3785
Email: info@verveortho.com
Use this form to schedule a consultation or call us at: 587-805-3484
Use this form to schedule
a consultation or call us at:
587-805-3484
Verve Orthodontics
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