For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment can make a tremendous life-long change in the appearance of a person’s smile and overall well being. Straight teeth and a healthy bite also make it easier to maintain oral hygiene and can improve the long term health of the teeth and gums.

Dr. Jonathan Britton is a certified specialist in Orthodontics, which requires three additional years of full-time training following dental school to ensure the highest level of technical proficiency and expertise. Orthodontists are trained to evaluate and correct problems related to the growth and development of teeth and jaws and are provincially licensed and certified by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario as specialists in orthodontics.

Your child should visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age, before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid more complicated treatment later.

If treatment is not indicated at this age, but is anticipated in the future, we will follow your child’s growth with biannual check ups until they are ready to begin treatment at the optimum time. Initial consultations and check ups are complimentary.

We look forward to meeting you at your initial visit! This appointment will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with our office and learn about your orthodontic needs.

Your first visit is complimentary and will include:

• Review of your medical and dental history
• Digital photos
• A comprehensive examination
• Whether orthodontic treatment would be beneficial either now or in the future
• What treatment would involve and the approximate treatment time
• Our professional fees and flexible payment options

You will be able to get all of your questions answered so that you can make a well-informed decision.

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase I treatment typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 10 and may be recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correct crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment (also called comprehensive treatment) involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of 11 and 13.

It’s never too late to consider orthodontics as a way to improve your smile, and our office treats many adult patients. For those patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their smiles, we recommend a complimentary consultation to evaluate the best available treatment options.

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to three years. Actual treatment time an be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

The cost of treatment varies and depends on both the complexity and duration of treatment. A quote will be provided at your initial consultation after a comprehensive examination and discussion of your treatment goals.

Our office does not want finances to stand in your way of pursuing a beautiful smile and so we offer flexible payment options to help meet your needs. Many people carry orthodontic insurance, but as insurance policies vary, you should investigate your coverage prior to your initial visit.

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.