Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will it take to complete treatment?
2. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
3. How often will I have appointments?
4. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
5. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
6. Do braces hurt?
7. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
8. Do you give shots?
9. Do you use recycled braces?
10. Can I still play sports?
11. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
12. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
13. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
14. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
15. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
16. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
17. Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
18. Will my child need an expander?
19. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
20. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
21. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?

1. How long will it take to complete treatment?

Treatment time depends on each patient's specific orthodontic condition. In general, treatment times range from 18 to 30 months. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 2 years.
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2. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you and determined your orthodontic treatment plan. We will explain the exact cost of treatment, and outline the various payment schedules during the initial examination. We have a number of payment “plans” and payment modalities (VISA, MasterCard, Debit, cheque) to accommodate your needs. We will also provide you with a completed CAO Insurance Predetermination Form for you to submit to your insurance company to determine what type of orthodontic coverage you may have.
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3. How often will I have appointments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
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4. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 6 to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make every effort to meet your scheduling needs.
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5. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in when picking up their child.
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6. Do braces hurt?

Braces in and of themselves do not hurt.  After the initial placement of the braces there is an adjustment period when the teeth can become quite tender.   As well, after certain visits, 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.
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7. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?

Yes. You may experience some discomfort, but you will still be able to attend school.
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8. Do you give needles?

No. Injections are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
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9. Do you use recycled braces?

Absolutely not. Each patient receives single-use braces, of the type that best suits their orthodontic requirements. 
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10. Can I still play sports?

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
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11. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

Absolutely.  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.
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12. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
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13. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

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 as well as use small “orthodontic specific” tooth brushes.
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14. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks or loosens, you should call our office immediately. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require a repair appointment, we will set aside time for you.  If after hours, you have an orthodontic emergency causing you pain, please call the office and you will be directed on how to reach us by telephone.
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15. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. 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.
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16. What is Phase One (early) treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.
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17. Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

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 "holding period," during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
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18. Will my child need an expander?

At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.
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19. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
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20. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
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21. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
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