Frequently asked questions

Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that is focused on treating misalignment of the teeth and jaws. This is accomplished by using orthodontic appliances, such as braces and clear aligners.

A dentist is focused on general dental hygiene and health, while an orthodontist undergoes an additional 3 years of study to specialise in correcting misalignments in the teeth and jaws. Our orthodontists continually train to provide our patients the latest in orthodontic care.

If your teeth or jaw are misaligned, or if you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile, it's a good time to see an orthodontist. While your dentist can provide a referral, it's not required to book a consultation appointment.

During your initial consultation, you'll meet our friendly team and have the chance to share your goals and concerns about orthodontic treatment. We'll take a series of scans and X-rays, which help us create a custom treatment plan just for you.

One of our Specialist Orthodontists will walk you through your treatment options and explain the available payment plans. The entire appointment takes about an hour, and by the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of your recommended treatment and the results you can expect.

Orthodontists can correct a wide range of issues related to the alignment, function, and appearance of the teeth and jaws. These issues include: Crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, crowding, underbite, overbite, and speech and chewing difficulties.

Orthodontic treatment should not be painful, but it can be a little uncomfortable at times. When your appliance is first fitted the pressure of your teeth shifting can cause some discomfort. This should subside in a few days and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief.

Because every smile is unique, the length of treatment varies based on each individual's needs. However, you can usually expect orthodontic treatment to take between 12 and 24 months. For some minor adjustments, results could be achieved in as little as 6 months.

Adjustment appointments are typically scheduled every 8 to 12 weeks. If you are using Dental Monitoring software as part of your treatment, we can monitor your treatment remotely, which reduces the number of check-up appointments you’ll be required to attend.

Absolutely! It is just important to take steps to protect the health of your smile. If you are playing a contact sport, such as football or hockey, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard. Our orthodontists can help you order a custom mouthguard that will fit over your appliance.

If you experience a problem with your orthodontic appliance, please contact our office so we can arrange an appointment for you to have it fixed. Here are some non-emergency issues that may occur.

• Poking wire: As your teeth straighten, the archwire may begin to poke out of the very back brackets and bands, causing it to rub on your cheeks. We recommend you place wax over the poking wire until you can come in to have it trimmed.
• Snapped archwire: If the broken wire is poking your cheek or gums, use orthodontic wax to cover it. In order to avoid delays in treatment progress, you should come in for an appointment as soon as possible.
• Loose bands or brackets: If you are experiencing irritation, we recommend you place wax over the band or bracket.

In the event of a true orthodontic emergency (outside of office hours), you should call our practice to be diverted to an after-hours contact.