FAQ

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in straightening teeth and correcting problems caused by teeth and jaw misalignment. To practice in Ontario, an Orthodontist must be a fully certified dentist, then complete additional dental training and obtain a masters degree in dentistry.

What are some of the signs that treatment may be needed?

Some of the signs that orthodontic treatment might be needed include:

Upper front teeth that protrude excessively over the lower teeth (excessive overjet)
Upper front teeth that cover too much of the lower teeth when biting together (excessive overbite)
Upper front teeth that are behind or inside the lower front teeth when biting (underbite)
Upper and lower front teeth that do not touch when biting together (open bite)
Crowded or overlapped teeth
Spaces between the teeth
Upper and lower teeth whose center line do not match up
Difficulty chewing or biting
Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
Teeth that are wearing unevenly or excessively
A jaw that protrudes or recedes
Facial imbalance
Early or late loss of teeth during childhood
Finger sucking, tongue thrusting, during childhood
Ongoing jaw pain
Other problems involving the jaw or teeth

Additional signs that orthodontic treatment may be needed include:

Mouth breathing
Jaws that make sounds on opening and closing
Speech difficulty
Grinding or clenching of the teeth
Gummy smiles
Difficulty in lip closure
Missing, impacted or unerupted teeth

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment has a number of benefits, such as:

Straighter, better positioned teeth
Improved appearance of the teeth, gums and face
A more attractive smile
Increased self confidence
Easier to clean teeth, leading to better long term health of the teeth and gums
Less tooth wear and longer lasting teeth
Better fitting teeth, making chewing easier
Improving tooth position prior to implants or bridges
Optimization of the teeth's position for other dental treatment procedure

Why do orthodontic problems occur?

Many malocclusions (orthodontic problems) are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited malocclusions include crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, extra or missing teeth, cleft palate and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws and teeth.

Acquired malocclusions might be caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, the airway being restricted by tonsils and adenoids, an accident, dental disease or premature loss of primary teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, many of these problems affect not only alignment or teeth, but also facial development, appearance and long term dental health.

Will orthodontic treatment hurt?

There may be a little discomfort when you first begin wearing your appliance or braces, but it should dissipate in a little while.

Your braces or appliance will be adjusted every 4 to 8 weeks. These adjustments normally involves renewed pressure on the teeth. This might cause some discomfort after each such appointment, but it should quickly fade.

There are tips for how to deal with any discomfort in the Current Patients: Tips for Patients section.

In the uncommon case that you experience extreme discomfort or the discomfort does not fade after a few days, please contact us.

Will orthodontic treatment interfere with my activities?

Orthodontic work will not interfere with your lifestyle.

Orthodontic treatment will not prevent you from participating in sports, eating or playing a musical instrument, although there may be a short period of readjustment. When involved in any sport or physical activity that could damage your teeth, we recommend you wear a mouth guard.

Depending upon your case, we can offer many options besides traditional braces; inside braces, clear braces, Invisalign or another treatment methods might be suitable for your situation. So, even if you are involved in a profession or activity where traditional braces might be a problem (e.g. modeling, professional musician), we can offer a treatment option that harmonizes with your profession, life goals and preferred activities.

Please feel free to ask us about any concerns you may have regarding how orthodontics may interfere with your activities or lifestyle.

How long will treatment take, and how frequent are the appointments?

It can take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years to correct the position of your teeth. Typically, treatment takes between 6 and 18 months.

The time period varies based upon the complications of the case, the treatment method, the dedication of the patient and the body's response to treatment. Sometimes the teeth move easily, sometimes it takes a little longer.

During treatment, most people will only need appointments every six to eight weeks. The long gap between appointments, possible because of advances in modern orthodontics, gives your appliance time to operate, and ensures that you do not need to readjust your schedule too often to come in for your appointments.

After treatment is completed there will be yearly or bi-yearly check-ups.

Are there ever complications?

Depending on your case, there may be minor risks involved in treatment. If there are any risks, we will discuss them with you during your initial consultation.

Before we begin treatment, we always refer our patients to an oral radiologist for specialized x-rays. These x-rays help us evaluate whether there may be any risks, and to make sure that they are minimal. We also stay in close contact with your dentist to ensure that any problems that may develop are caught and corrected immediately.

Overall, orthodontic complications are extremely rare, and never life-threatening.

How often should I see my dentist during treatment?

During orthodontic treatment you should see your dentist every 6 months. This will help ensure that your teeth and gums stay clean and healthy, and minimize the chance of complications occurring.

How often should I see my dentist during treatment?

During orthodontic treatment you should see your dentist every 6 months. This will help ensure that your teeth and gums stay clean and healthy, and minimize the chance of complications occurring.

If you do not have a dentist, we can refer you to one.

Do I need a referral from my dentist?

You do not need a referral from your dentist (or anyone else) to come in for a consultation or to be treated by us.

However, we encourage you to keep your dentist informed and to consider his or her opinion when choosing an orthodontist.

You are going to need to visit your dentist regularly throughout your treatment (every 3 to 6 months). We will also be maintaining close contact with your dentist to ensure that everything goes well.

If you do not have a dentist, we can refer you to one.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

Orthodontic treatment can range greatly in price, depending on the complexity of the case and the chosen treatment method. The price varies based on the patient's specific problem, treatment needs and objectives, bone structure, preferred treatment options and other similar issues.

For this reason, we offer free consultations. After Dr. Gold evaluates your case we will discuss your treatment options and the related costs, and you can determine if you wish to proceed with treatment

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major forms of payment, including VISA, MasterCard, debit, post-dated cheques and cash.

We arrange custom payment plan with our patients that suit their individual needs, ranging from a single lump payment to monthly installments.

Do you accept insurance?

We do not deal with the insurance companies directly. There are no standard codes for orthodontics, and insurance companies rarely pay the orthodontist directly.

However, most health care plans do include some insurance for orthodontics, and we will be happy to help you fill out the proper insurance forms and provide any documentation necessary for your insurance company to reimburse you for your orthodontic expenses.

More Information

For more information about orthodontic treatment, please see our FAQs for Adults or FAQs for Children sections.

Please also feel free to email us, or call us, for more information, or to book a free consultation.