Orthodontist in Edmonton | Edmonton Braces

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Paul Major

Dr. Paul Major

DDS, MSc, FRCD(C)

Dr. Major completed his general Dentistry and Orthodontics Specialty training at the University of Alberta. During his education, he won numerous awards, including the Gold Medal in Dentistry for graduating first in his class and the James McChutcheon Honors Award for outstanding academic achievement over the four-year program.

Dr. Major founded Align Orthodontics in 1986 and has been subsequently joined in practice by Karen Hesse and Brian Nebbe. In addition to providing orthodontic treatment at Align, Dr. Major is Professor and Chair of the School of Dentistry at the University of Alberta. In his University role, Dr. Major is responsible for leading the dentistry teaching program and teaching orthodontics. He is actively involved in orthodontic research and publication in scientific journals.

Over his years of practice, Dr. Major has witnessed that orthodontic treatment provides a very positive experience for patients as they gain confidence and self-esteem. He has developed a passion for enhancing the health and overall wellbeing of his own patients as well as addressing the needs of society. He is actively engaged in leading university and professional community initiatives directed towards providing oral health care to underserviced and vulnerable children.

Dr. Karen Hesse

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Dr. Karen Hesse

BSc, DDS, MSD, FRCD(C)

My passion for orthodontics was evoked during dental school when I accepted summer employment with Dr. Paul major. I found the orthodontic office environment to be so positive and interactive. It was amazing to witness patient’s smiles being transformed and to get to know them on a personal level. The joy and new found confidence they felt at the completion of treatment was both rewarding and energizing. I recognized immediately that creating beautiful, healthy smiles through orthodontics was the only career choice for me.

I graduated from the University of Alberta Dentistry program in 1992. I was fortunate to receive several outstanding achievement awards, including four Louise McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarships and the A.D.A. Gold Medal in Dentistry. I practiced general dentistry and accepted a full time teaching fellowship at the University of Alberta after graduation. The following year I was accepted to the University of Washington in Seattle to participate in their Orthodontic Graduate program. I completed the program and my Masters of Science degree in 1995. My thesis focused on radiographic assessment of the temporomandibular joints in young patients with posterior crossbites (narrow upper jaws).

Upon my return to Alberta in 1995, Dr. Paul Major and I opened a new practice in Sherwood Park. I was able to expand my practice to the Millwoods area in 1998 where Dr. Brian Nebbe joined us and Align Orthodontics was created. Over the next 5 years, I continued to be involved at the University of Alberta as a clinical associate professor teaching orthodontics to both undergraduate and graduate students. Presently, I focus my time on balancing private practice in Sherwood Park and Millwoods.

On a personal note, my family and I are members of the Sherwood Park community. My husband and I enjoy pursuing an active life with our son and daughter through hockey, swimming, arts & crafts, travel, diving and cottage life. I understand the challenges of balancing work, family life and orthodontic appointments and am committed to creating a positive experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to transform your smiles!

DR. BRIAN NEBBE

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DR. BRIAN NEBBE

BDS, M DENT, FFD(SA) ORTHO, PhD, FRCD(C)

I was fortunate enough to be raised in a country of photo perfect sunsets and dramatic sunrises. Coming from South Africa, I developed a keen appreciation for nature and our environment, as well as the delicate interplay between these forces.

My ambition to be involved in orthodontic care was established after receiving orthodontic treatment and experiencing the benefits firsthand. I obtained my degree in dentistry at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa in 1988, graduating cum laude and received numerous awards for distinguished clinical and academic performance.

After spending three years in private dental practice, I returned to the University of Witwatersrand, to specialize in Orthodontics. Interested in the association between orthodontics and the jaw joint, I continued my studies at the University of Alberta, where I graduated in 1998 with a Ph.D. from the Department of Medical Sciences. During 1994–2000, I held the position of clinical associate professor at the University of Alberta and joined Align Orthodontics in 1998.

I am privileged to have lectured continuing education courses in Canada, the United States and internationally. My research has been featured in international scientific journals and I contribute to scientific peer review for Orthodontic journals. I remain an active advisory member of research committees and the Fund for Dentistry at the University of Alberta. I have a keen interest in facial growth and development, as well as magnetic resonance imaging and other forms of dental imaging.

Outside of work, my wife and I lead healthy, active lifestyles. Our love for adventure and interest in travel has taken us all over the world—from trekking to base camp Everest to cycling with elephants in Botswana. Our passion for nature and interaction with animals inspires us to support a number of wildlife research and preservation initiatives as well as the Edmonton Humane Society. Our goal is to live a life that is worthy of a story, produce as many smiles as possible and be mindful of the trail we leave. We aim to be the best custodians of the talents and skills that are our particular strengths, all while ensuring we have fun with friends and family.

Dr. Raisa Catunda

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Dr. Raisa Catunda

DDS, MSc, PhD, FRCDC

Originally from Brazil, Dr. Raisa Catunda became a dentist in 2011 and practiced as a general dentist in her home country until 2015. At that point, a desire to specialize led her to initially choose periodontology. However, her tenure as a Periodontist in Brazil lasted only a year as she recognized an unyielding passion for teaching and research. This realization prompted an application to an Orthodontic PhD program at the University of Alberta. Since then, she has seamlessly balanced clinical practice, teaching, and research, finding profound fulfillment in her professional endeavours.

On her free time, Dr Catunda loves practicing martial arts and going to a great diversity of concerts. She is happily married and has four fur babies (all yorkies).

Who We Are

OUR TEAM

Align Orthodontics offers decades of experience, knowledge and skill. Dr. Karen Hesse, Dr. Paul Major, Dr. Brian Nebbe and Dr. Raisa Catunda use state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive orthodontic evaluations to personalize your orthodontic treatment plan. We pride ourselves in having a strong, integrated team of dental assistants, dental technicians and administrators who are committed to providing exceptional customer care. Our certified dental assistants have completed an advanced orthodontic module and our accredited dental technicians will fabricate dental appliances just for you. Our administrative team will work with you to ensure that your orthodontic experience is seamless. Relax with some refreshments & complimentary WiFi while the kids enjoy our video arcade.

ONLY AN ORTHODONTIST

Our orthodontists are passionate about setting smiles straight and have dedicated their practice to providing the healthy, beautiful smile and functional bite patients desire. After receiving their dental degrees they pursued an additional 2-4 years of specialized orthodontic training. An orthodontist has the expertise to provide an extensive range of treatment options and the experience to deliver the best possible results.

No Referral Necessary

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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Paul Major

Dr. Paul Major

DDS, MSc, FRCD(C)

Dr. Karen Hesse

Dr. Karen Hesse

BSc, DDS, MSD, FRCD(C)

DR. BRIAN NEBBE

DR. BRIAN NEBBE

BDS, M DENT, FFD(SA) ORTHO, PhD, FRCD(C)

Dr. Raisa Catunda

Dr. Raisa Catunda

DDS, MSc, PhD, FRCDC

Who We Are

OUR TEAM

ONLY AN ORTHODONTIST

No Referral Necessary