FAQ
Orthodontics is the branch of dental medicine that deals with the alignment of teeth, maxillary joints (“jaws”) and lips. Straight teeth make for a more beautiful smile. They also work better and are easier to clean.
An orthodontist is a dentist who has specialized in orthodontics. After graduating with a degree in dentistry, he moves on to an accredited orthodontic program. The program takes a minimum of 2 years full-time and is taught by qualified orthodontists. The great majority of North American programs last 3 years.
With straight teeth we have a correct bite and can chew and speak properly. Well-positioned teeth and jaws contribute to good health because the teeth are easier to maintain. They meet properly with good occlusion (how the teeth close together) thus preventing excessive wear and gum problems.
Straight teeth give us a more beautiful smile. A beautiful smile contributes to self-esteem. And a good sense of self-esteem can have a positive impact on our personal and professional life.
Please go to the Braces page.
Even though each case is different, for most people an orthodontic treatment runs from 18 to 24 months.
Please check out the When to Consult page.
No. Teeth can be moved at any age. Today, one out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult. If your treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, we can work in close collaboration with your dentist and other specialists in the field.
We offer various payment plans. The costs and payment methods will be discussed during your consultation, and we can also provide you with an estimate for your insurance.
In normal cases, prices vary between $2,500 and $4,500 for children, and between $5,000 and $9,000 for adults. There are no additional costs for surgical cases or for cosmetic braces.
Most patients tell us that their teeth feel sensitive for about 3 days. The use of over-the-counter medications and analgesics is enough to deal with any pain. In addition, we offer wax and silicone to soothe any areas that are irritated by the braces. A very simple home remedy is warm salt water.
Appointments are approximately every 6 to 8 weeks. Near the end of the treatment, however, your appointments will be closer together so that we can monitor your progress more closely.
Once the patient is sitting in the orthodontist’s chair, the hygienist looks at the file while the patient discusses the upcoming procedure with the orthodontist. After the procedure has been carried out, the doctor checks the quality of his work and gives a date for the next appointment. The doctor then answers all of the questions to ensure the patient is comfortable before he leaves. Most appointments end with a discussion with the parent.
Most appointments last from 15 to 30 minutes. More time is needed when installing the braces. The initial installation of the braces takes about 2 hours.
Many treatments are covered by insurance. We would be pleased to provide you with all the documents you need for your insurance company.
Consult the pamphlet issued by your insurance company and read the dental benefit section. Or, contact your insurance company directly. They will advise you of your orthodontic benefit. This is best done before the initial consultation visit.
After the treatment, patients follow a two-year maintenance program. We provide the patient with a retainer and then book the follow-up appointments to make sure that your new smile will last for a long time to come.
We put these patients on a call-back list until they are old enough to receive orthodontic treatments. We wait until the time is right because treatment will be more effective and more economical. In other words, we wait to be able to give you the best care, at the best time, for the best price!
Any color you can possibly imagine! Patients with transparent braces can also add color to their mouth. We do everything we can to ensure that our patients feel good and enjoy their orthodontic treatments.
Please give us 48 hours working days notice if you can’t keep your appointment
If you have an emergency situation, such as something breaking or cutting your mouth, or if something is preventing you from closing your mouth, please call us at 450-688-4093.
Simply call us at 450-688-4093 for a consultation. Our doctor will examine you and determine the best treatment plan for you. If necessary, we may need to take x-rays for an extra fee.
Most of the information in this text comes from the website of the American Association of Orthodontists.