It is really quite easy to find an orthodontic specialist for yourself or your child.

Both the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) 416.491.3186 and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) 1.800.STRAIGHT can help you. The AAO can also provide you with more information on orthodontics.

Members of the Canadian and American Associations of Orthodontists are specialists in orthodontics. These professionals meet exacting standards of education and experience required for membership. CAO/AAO membership is an assurance of quality and highest professional standards.

In addition, your family dentist can likely provide a recommendation and more information on orthodontics.

While it is wise for to investigate the value of any product or service, due to privacy legislation, no clinic will be able to give you names or contact information of their clients. However, there are many reviews of orthodontics online, and orthodontic patients will give it to you straight — it is one of the best investments they’ve ever made.

Orthodontics can improve your self-esteem and oral health, which are benefits that can be lifelong.

We are happy to answer your specific cost questions, so please feel free to ask. Depending on your own needs, you may discover the cost is lower than you expected. Cost, of course, depends on the nature of the problem. Many orthodontic problems require only limited treatment. It is important also to remember that orthodontics offers a lifetime value.

We are happy to discuss fees,  and payment plans to help address your individual financial situation. We are also pleased that many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits at only a few dollars per month for the added coverage.

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. So, NO! An orthodontic specialist can help improve your smile no matter your age. In fact, many orthodontic specialists regularly treat patients who are in their 50s, 60s and older.

The AAO recommends that children see an orthodontic specialist by age seven. However, if an issue is identified or suspected,  a child should be seen sooner, which could be as young as two or three. Many problems, especially in children, are easier to correct earlier rather than waiting when the jaw growth has slowed.

It is important to remember that early treatment may be able to prevent surgery or other more serious issues later in life.

There used to be a time that people thought braces were only meant for kids. The reality is that now, more than one in four Canadians who are in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21.

The basic process involved in moving teeth is the same for adults as it is for children. Orthodontic treatment can usually be successful for anyone at any age, depending on health of the teeth, gums and supporting facial bones.

This is probably a new term for you. Malocclusion is an orthodontic, technical term for crooked, crowded or protruding teeth that do not fit together.

Literally, malocclusion means “bad bite.” Malocclusions include crowding of teeth, excess space between teeth, extra/missing teeth, cleft palate and other jaw and face irregularities. Most malocclusions are genetic, but some can develop due to environmental factors or behaviours, such as thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, dental disease, premature loss of primary or permanent teeth, an accidents or specific medical issues.

If malocclusions are left untreated, the problems generally become worse. Crooked and crowded teeth present challenges to good hygiene and are hard to clean and maintain. When unaddressed, this contributes to conditions that can cause tooth decay, and eventual gum disease and even tooth loss.

A bad bite also causes more opportunity for abnormal wear on tooth surfaces, due to difficulty in chewing and excess stresses on the supporting bone and gum tissue in the jaw.

An attractive smile is just the start. Improved oral health and general well-being are important treatment benefits as well.

You already know braces straighten teeth and improve the look of your smile. But beyond a beautiful smile, orthodontics also offers proper alignment with your teeth, lips and jaws, which also creates a much healthier mouth.  Teeth that are straight function better and are easier to clean.

But, the invaluable benefit of orthodontics is the increase to your confidence and self-esteem that comes from having a healthy smile. There is a very real psychological benefit that can be a significant factor in your decision to undergo treatment. Often this is listed as patients’ primary treatment goal. A beautiful smile can make a true difference in how you see yourself. It is a pleasure to own and a pleasure to see when you look in the mirror.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists is a professional association of qualified orthodontic specialists who are dedicated to advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, and supporting the successful practice of orthodontics.

Orthodontics can boost self-image as patients see their teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned. But an attractive smile is just one benefit. Alleviating or preventing physical health problems are also very real benefits in treatment outcomes.

Without treatment, orthodontic problems can have very serious impacts on tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, and chewing and digestive difficulties. A “bad bite” can also contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth and other injuries of the teeth and jaw.

These days, orthodontics offers many treatment options. From clear (Invisalign) aligner trays to modern braces, each have their uses and an Orthodontist is able to identify and plan for all the variables specific to the needs of your mouth. Orthodontists will talk with you about your unique needs and wishes before recommending treatment options for you.

Orthodontists know exactly what of the wide range of treatments to use and when to use them because of their specialized knowledge and experience.

While you may see a few crooked front teeth, your Orthodontist will see the cause of the crooked teeth in three dimensions. Orthodontists are educated, experienced experts who can delve to the root of your orthodontic problem. Armed then with their three dimensional diagnosis, your orthodontist can offer you a solution – one that will correct your few crooked teeth, and also deliver a healthy, attractive smile with a lasting result.

Your bite includes up to 32 teeth, on upper and lower jaws, covered by gums and muscles that make it all work together. It is a complex biological system! Your Orthodontist’s goal is to make your bite healthy by ensuring all elements are in place for optimal performance.

You’ll get to enjoy the ability to bite, chew and speak well following your orthodontic treatment.

You trust a cardiologist to treat your heart, you trust a dermatologist with your skin and you trust your knees to an orthopedist. When only the best will do, you can trust an Orthodontist’s in-depth training and experience to properly care for your or your family’s teeth. To ease any fears, before agreeing to treatment, ask the following questions:

• What degrees or certificates have they completed?
• What specialty training do they have in orthodontics and how long was this training?
• What experience do they have in orthodontics and do they practice other forms of treatment?