ABOUT ORTHODONTICS
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed a minimum of 2 years full-time additional graduate training after dental school specializing in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics. Orthodontists are trained to evaluate and correct problems related to the growth and development of the teeth and jaws. The consumer must be aware that an orthodontist is extensively trained, provincially licensed and certified by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario as a specialist in orthodontics.
Orthodontists treat both children and adults for many problems, including having crowded or overlapping teeth or having problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. These problems also can be genetic or inherited, meaning that they run in a person's family. The orthodontist works in conjunction with your family dentist, and if required, other dental specialists to provide comprehensive dental care.
What are the benefits of Orthodontics?
Most people seek the services of an orthodontist because they don't like the way their teeth look or their family dentist has recommended a visit. The benefits of orthodontic treatment are many and can vary depending on individual needs and expectations. In general, with straight teeth, brushing and flossing are easier to accomplish and this reduces the incidence of tooth decay and gum (periodontal) disease. Also, the likelihood of damage to prominent teeth can be reduced. Orthodontic treatment can also help prepare the mouth for advanced dental treatment, such as crowns, bridges or dental implants to achieve a more ideal result. Orthodontic treatment can improve your overall dental health and change your facial appearance for the better, and it can boost your self-esteem.
When to go to the orthodontist?
When most people think of orthodontics, they think of teenagers. In fact most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14 once most of the adult teeth come in. Orthodontic treatment however, can benefit people, regardless of their ages. Today, more and more adults are wearing braces to improve their smiles. Modern orthodontic advances such as less visible braces, as well as affordable payment plans, have made treatment an attractive option for adults.
At the same time, some young children may greatly benefit from early detection of problem bites, and, in some cases, early treatment of those problems. We can help guide tooth and jaw development as a child grows and adult teeth come in. Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing, and may make treatment at a later age shorter or less complicated. For these reasons, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get an orthodontic screening no later than age 7.
For each patient who needs treatment, there's an ideal time for treatment to begin in order to achieve the best results. The orthodontist is the specialist who has the knowledge to determine when the time is just right.
Orthodontic Fees
First visits and any subsequent observation visits including clinical photographs are complimentary. If it appears that treatment is needed, diagnostic records will be taken. These records provide the information necessary for a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan. A diagnosis is a list of orthodontic problems specific for the patient. A treatment plan is a suggested solution for each problem. A fee will be assessed for collecting and evaluating diagnostic records including digital study models of the teeth and x-rays.
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies and depends on the severity of the patient’s problem, the types of appliances to be used and the length of treatment. When you consider the lifetime benefits of braces, they are truly a great value. We have various payment options and work hard to make orthodontics affordable. When the fee is presented we also suggest a payment option that includes a down payment and monthly payments. This payment option extends payments for the length of treatment and is interest free. We are happy to modify the down payment and/or monthly payments to suit individual needs. Family discounts and full payment discounts are also offered. For your convenience, we accept payment by cash, cheque, Visa, Master-card and Interac. In the event you have orthodontic insurance we will also prepare the necessary forms you require to submit for coverage approval.