How do I get the perfect smile?

An orthodontist’s job is to straighten teeth and correct malocclusions (misalignment between upper and lower teeth). Your general dentist is responsible for maintaining your dental health. Restorations, extractions and prophylaxis (cleanings) are all procedures they do at the request of your orthodontist. All orthodontic patients must see their dentist at least every six months.

Orthodontic treatment has evolved over the years, with you, the patient in mind. There are levels of discomfort, but simple adjustments in diet can help bring you back to normal. Soft foods like soup, pasta, and mashed potatoes for the first 2 to 4 days will go a long way.

Not necessarily. There are many types of orthodontic appliances, braces are the most common. However, depending our your specific needs, your orthodontist will outline what is suitable to you. Invisalign is another common method for the correction of teeth but there are limitations.

The length of your orthodontic treatment is dependent on your malocclusion (misalignment between upper and lower teeth). However, orthodontics is no quick fix. Treatment averages around 2 to 3 years. After your orthodontist reviews your records, they will be able to give you a fair estimation.

Orthodontic treatment does not use needles.

In orthodontic treatment, the cost is determined after a full evaluation of the patient by the doctor. There are many factors that determine cost:

• Age: Orthodontic treatment for children is different from adults, since they are still growing and changes to their teeth are easier.
• Dentition: The development of your teeth happens in different phases and your treatment will depend on your current phase.
• Malocclusion: The duration and cost of your treatment is dependent on how misaligned your teeth are.
• Resident Status: If there is a possibility you may not complete treatment at our office, e.g. studying abroad or work commitments; you are given an “open contract” which does not commit you to a set total payment.
• Dental Health: Some patients may require a collaborative treatment that may involve an orthodontist and another dental specialist (e.g. Oral Surgeon, Endodontist and or Periodontist).

In order to prevent your teeth from relapsing (going back to its original position), the retainer is used to hold and maintain the new smile until the bone around your teeth has settled. We monitor our patients for 2 years, once a year during this stage. Not wearing them may result in re-treatment.

Orthodontic treatment can start as early as age 7 and as late as over 70; as long as a person has good dental health.