FAQ - Orthodontics
Orthodontics FAQ’s –
Frequently Asked Questions
At PDG our goal is to help you maintain good oral health and a spectacular smile. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about Orthodontics and oral health issues.
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Appointment Details
While many of our patients are referred by their family dentist it is not a requirement and we are able to schedule an orthodontic consultation for your child at any time.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. Most children by this age have had their adult molars erupt; establishing the start of their adult bite, examining this allows us to effectively evaluate the orthodontic condition.
Call us or book through the website for our staff to contact you. We will request some basic information from you and set up an appointment that is convenient for you at one of our four locations in Vancouver, Richmond, Delta/Surrey, or Coquitlam.
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients with braces will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee all orthodontic appointments for students will be during after-school hours, however, we will make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
It depends in every case. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their Treatment Coordinator before dropping off their child.
You will be asked to fill out the new patient forms and insurance card. The doctor will then complete a thorough clinical exam. Additional procedures such as: X-rays, photographs, and orthodontic study models may be needed for proper diagnosis. It may even be possible to start treatment the same day!
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
- Is orthodontic treatment necessary?
- What type of treatment is recommended?
- Will any teeth need to be removed for orthodontic purposes?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the treatment cost?
Treatment Details
Unfortunately, teeth do not straighten themselves naturally. Teeth naturally shift if there is room, however, the way they shift and the impact on how efficient the bite is, as a result of a shift, is not predictable.
Yes, we offer Invisalign aligners as an orthodontic treatment option that will straighten teeth similarly to braces.
Removing teeth is sometimes required prior to orthodontic treatment to achieve straight teeth and a balanced facial profile. Our orthodontic experts will advise you if it is necessary for your child.
Orthodontic treatment time depends on each patient’s specific situation. In general, treatment time lasts from 9 months to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 months.
We will determine the cost of treatment upon examination. We will also go over financial options during the initial examination. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
You can get an estimate with our Cost Calculator.
Braces 101
Yes, but not in all cases. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
This addresses significant orthodontic problems early on, often to prevent these problems impacting self-esteem and self-image. If deemed necessary, this stage is usually initiated with children between the ages of 7 and 10. It usually lasts about 6-18 months.
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.
After visits where we do orthodontic adjustments, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all!
Certainly! There is no reason you cannot return to school the same day.
Absolutely not! Each patient receives their own set of braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
Yes, you can play sports while having braces. We recommend using an orthodontic mouth guard for all sport activities and we can provide this for you.
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
Yes. This would include foods like hard candy, ice, and sticky foods. Once treatment begins, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid and instructions on how to eat during treatment. You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary. Here are some helpful cleaning tips!
Adult Orthodontics
Upon completing the new patient forms and providing any necessary insurance details, you will then undergo a thorough complimentary clinical exam, including x-rays, and photographs. You will then meet the orthodontist and go over any concerns or questions you may have and finish off by going over the suggested treatment plan.
There are five essential topics we will cover:
- Is orthodontic treatment necessary?
- What type of treatment is recommended?
- Will any teeth need to be removed for orthodontic purposes?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the treatment cost?
This is very unusual, but for certain treatment plans, an injection may help reduce any discomfort in placing mini-anchors between the teeth. If you require this option, you will be thoroughly advised of the steps and timing involved. No injections are necessary for when the mini-anchors are removed.
We never use recycled braces. Each patient receives their own new set of braces.
Yes you can play sports while having braces. We recommend using an orthodontic mouth guard for all sport activities and we can provide this for you.
Yes. This would include foods like hard candy, ice, and sticky foods. Once treatment begins, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid and instructions on how to eat during treatment.
You should brush your teeth after every meal and before going to bed. We will show you how to properly brush and floss.
Yes. A tooth with a crown can move like any other tooth and, if you are missing teeth, there are various options of orthodontic treatment to choose from to achieve the desired results.
Orthodontic specialists have extensive specialized training that provides them with the knowledge and experience to provide you with expert treatment.