FAQs

An orthodontist is essentially a specially trained Dentist. An Orthodontist requires 2-4 years of further training after receiving their degree in dentistry. Only dentists with this advanced specialty degree can call themselves Certified Specialists in Orthodontics.

An orthodontist is essentially a specially trained Dentist. An Orthodontist requires 2-4 years of further training after receiving their degree in dentistry. Only dentists with this advanced specialty degree can call themselves Certified Specialists in Orthodontics.

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that specializes in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist is concerned with correctly positioned teeth, jaw bones, jaw joints and chewing muscles. Straightening your teeth will give you a beautiful smile but is not all that orthodontics is concerned with! Aligning your teeth helps your teeth function better and are easier to clean. In addition, a healthy smile enhances self-confidence.

There is no rule regarding the right age for orthodontic treatment. It can vary from person to person depending on the specific orthodontic needs. It is a good idea to consult an orthodontist when your child is approximately 7 years old. Even if no treatment is initiated at this age, the orthodontist can ensure that treatment is planned for the future and can monitor your child’s growth and eruption of teeth. Early treatment may mean avoiding surgery or other corrections later on.

Your dentist is especially trained to notice problems in your bite and development of your teeth. It is always important to maintain teeth and gums with regular check-ups and cleanings by your dentist! However, you can obtain the name of an orthodontist from friends, family and coworkers or from the yellow pages. We welcome patients from all sources and you can call and make your own appointment.

Today, more than one in every four patients are over the age of 21. You are never too old to consider a change for a brighter smile and a better bite.

• You’ll have a nicer smile and straighter teeth
• Psychological benefits – With better esthetic appearance, you may have increased confidence and self-esteem
• Your teeth will be easier to brush, floss and take care of. You’ll be less likely to have cavities, gum disease or jaw problems
• You will have a better ability to chew

Because orthodontic treatment for each patient is unique, payment plans are as well. Some treatment is limited, while others are extensive and take longer. We will be pleased to discuss fees with you before beginning any treatment and offer tailored payment plans suited to your needs. We also offer various methods of payment during your treatment including cash, cheques, Debit, MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

As a Canadian Association of Orthodontics policy, our office does not direct bill your insurance plan. However, in certain circumstances exceptions can be made. Payment is due on the date of services rendered. We will however, be pleased to help you out as much as possible and will provide you with preauthorizations and claim forms for you to submit to your insurance company.

Orthodontic coverage is often a separate benefit in a dental insurance plan. Coverage is usually around 50% and there is usually a lifetime maximum applicable depending on the insurance contract.It is suggested that you contact your insurance company or speak with your employer to ask about the specifics of your dental coverage.

With today’s technology there are many options and many different types of braces. According to your personal needs we have the following available:

• SILVER – These are the conventional braces that most people wear when having orthodontic treatment.
• COLORED – The fun with these braces is the option of changing the color of your braces at every visit! A wide array of colors are available including colors for holidays, special occasions or to match your favorite sports team’s colors.
• TRANSPARENT/CERAMIC – These braces are the same color as your tooth structure and are virtually undetectable.
• INVISALIGN – These braces are a series of removable appliances constructed of hard clear plastic material and are ideal for anyone with a prominent job working with the public

It is normal to have some tenderness and discomfort for 3-7 days following the placement of new wires or when adjustments are made to your teeth. The discomfort is usually short lived and should not interfere significantly with your level of activity. The braces themselves may also rub the cheeks, tongue and lips. Ask your orthodontist for some wax to stop these areas from rubbing and be sure to call if something is poking or is loose.

Headgear is used primarily for bite problems. It most often has a neck or head strap and a facebow. The facebow is connected to a special tube attached to the braces on the back teeth. The facebow puts pressure on the upper teeth and jaw to slow growth of the upper jaw. Some, but not all, patients need to wear headgear as a part of their treatment.

Elastics provide the force necessary to move teeth along the wires to straighten teeth, close space and allow teeth in either jaw to meet with counterparts.

Wearing braces doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite foods. A little care needs to be taken with your braces and appliances because they can be easily damaged. Troublemakers include sticky, hard, crunchy and surgery foods.

The length of your treatment depends on your bite problem, age, response to treatment, and cooperation with wearing appliances advised.

Once the teeth have been moved to their desired positions, a period of time is needed to stabilize the teeth so that the surrounding bone and soft tissue can conform to the new dental alignment. Retainers are worn to stabilize the teeth. However, shifting or settling of teeth can still occur in varying degrees.

Factors such as eruption of wisdom teeth, previously rotated teeth, mouthbreathing; allergies, clenching habits, facial growth changes and not wearing retainers as instructed can contribute to orthodontic relapse.

In most cases, retainers are worn full time for 6-12 months after braces are removed except when eating, brushing or during active sports. Later the retainers can be worn at night-time but we do suggest indefinite or long-term retention to maintain a good functional and esthetic result.