Frequently Asked Orthodontic Questions

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and treats facial and dental irregularities. Using specialized tools like braces, aligners, and retainers, they correct misaligned teeth and jaws to improve both the function of your bite and the overall appearance of your smile.

No. You can contact us directly to book a consultation, and many of our patients come to us without one. If your dentist has referred you, bring the referral letter along and we will coordinate with them.

Around age 7. That is when the first adult molars and incisors have usually come in, which lets us see how the bite is developing, and it is the age the American Association of Orthodontists recommends for a first check. Most children who come in at 7 will not need treatment straight away; an early look simply means anything worth watching is caught while the jaw is still growing. The consultation is free, so there is no cost to finding out.

Most patients feel mild pressure for a few days after an adjustment or a new aligner set, which settles quickly. We can review how to best manage pain at your bonding appointment

Braces use small brackets and a thin wire to apply gentle, continuous pressure that gradually guides teeth into their ideal position. Regular adjustments keep your treatment moving on plan.

Treatment duration varies for every patient depending on the complexity of your unique alignment needs. While every smile is different, most comprehensive orthodontic treatments average around two years in length.

Most foods are fine. Very hard, sticky or chewy foods should be avoided to protect brackets and wires. See our Braces Care resource for the full list.

Angle a standard toothbrush at 45 degrees to brush gently above and below each bracket, along the gumline, and across chewing surfaces. Flossing can be done using a floss threader or waterpik. Don't worry about mastering the technique right away—our team will walk you through exact brushing and flossing steps at your bonding appointment.

Invisalign is a series of custom-made, transparent trays that move your teeth gradually, with no brackets and no wires. Most people won't notice you're wearing them. Aligners need to be worn for 22 hours a day and rely on the patient to place and remove them.

Invisalign works using a series of custom-made, smooth plastic trays designed to gradually shift your teeth into place. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks. Because they are removable, you can easily take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss throughout treatment.

Aligners will only work if worn consistently. Wear time must be 22 hours a day, with trays being removed for eating and brushing and flossing.

Many patients are. Suitability is confirmed at a consultation after an assessment of your smile.

Keep your trays clean by rinsing them with cool water and brushing them gently daily, and always store them in their case when they're not in your mouth to keep your progress on track.

Signs can include crowding, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or early/late loss of baby teeth. A short check gives clarity, framed as guidance rather than diagnosis.

Teens are typically treated with braces or Invisalign depending on their needs and lifestyle.

At our free consult, if we determine your child is not quite ready for treatment we will still ensure all baby and adult teeth are in proper position for future growth. Often, the answer is simply 'everything looks great, let's check again next year.'

No. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and adult treatment is increasingly common. We see patients from 9 to 90 years old — orthodontics really is for everyone.

Invisalign and ceramic braces are popular with adults who want treatment to stay low-profile.

It depends on your goals and starting point. Whether you are looking for a complete smile transformation or just a few minor tweaks, we tailor your treatment plan to fit your specific needs. Your orthodontist will give you a personal estimate at your free consultation.

No. You can book your consultation directly whenever you are ready to start your smile journey.

Our initial consultations are 90 minutes so we never rush your care. This dedicated time lets us capture precise digital records, understand your smile goals, explain treatment options and costs in detail, and answer all your questions.

Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. It is our way of helping you explore your options and plan your smile journey with confidence.

Smile goals — any specific concerns or questions about your teeth. Insurance info — your dental insurance or NIHB coverage details. Dentist details — your current general dentist's contact information.

Cost depends on the treatment you choose and your individual plan. Your orthodontist will give you a personal estimate at your free consultation, and we review everything with you before treatment begins. Interest-free monthly payment plans are available.

Yes. We offer interest-free monthly payment plans, so the cost of treatment can be spread across your course of care rather than paid up front. Your plan is set out at your consultation once we know which treatment suits you.

Yes. We accept most group insurance plans and are experienced with a wide range of insurance providers, and we bill your insurance directly. We are also very familiar with First Nations health benefits, including Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and Jordan's Principle, and can help guide you through the approval and funding process.

Most common issues — like a poking wire or loose bracket — can be temporarily managed at home by placing orthodontic wax over the sharp area until you can visit our office. If something feels broken or out of place, give us a call so we can guide you on the next steps or get you scheduled for a quick repair.

Mild soreness for a few days is common and usually manageable at home. While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, we are always here to support you if you experience severe pain, discomfort, or an issue you can't resolve yourself.