FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Improved smile
• Increased self-esteem
• Decreased risk of wounds to protrusive front teeth
• Guided facial growth and development
• Improved effectiveness of teeth brushing when teeth are aligned
• Improved dental occlusion and comfort
• Improved distribution of forces for mastication
• Better outcome for restorative treatment to replace missing or broken teeth when teeth are aligned and dental occlusion is optimal

The length of a treatment depends on the orthodontic problem of each patient and may be influenced by many factors, such as the severity of the problem, the growth rate of the jaws and the collaboration of the patient. In general, the length of a treatment varies between 12 and 36 months. On average, a person wears braces for about 24-30 months. Excellent oral hygiene and assiduous attendance to regular appointments will contribute to keeping the treatment on track.

Your appointment schedule will depend on your individual treatment plan. The first appointment to install braces generally takes 1 to 2 hours. Most patients come back for adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. These appointments can take about 20 to 30 minutes each. Sometimes, there are specific situations that require a more frequent verification.

If you must postpone an appointment, please call to inform us as soon as possible. Canceling an appointment may delay the progress of your treatment.

Please call us during business hours at 450 218-1892. We will require a 48hrs (2 business days) notification for any appointment modifications/cancellations. Fees may apply if delays are not respected.

If you break or lose your retainer, call us immediately so that we can schedule an appointment to repair or redo it as the teeth may move in the meantime.

Yes, certain orthodontic problems are important enough to require early intervention. However, if the patient is not ready for treatment, we will keep an eye on the situation during their growth and development until they are ready to begin.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam as of age 7. At this age, some permanent teeth are already grown and jaw growth patterns can be analyzed and predictions made for future growth allowing us to properly identify potential orthodontic problems. But, if a developmental problem is suspected, it may be advantageous to consult with an orthodontist earlier in order to monitor your child’s oral development. Certain dental occlusion problems can be intercepted, reduced or even eliminated if they are discovered early.

Many of our patients are adults. 25% of all orthodontic patients are. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are also very important for adults. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment; however, your teeth and gums must be in good health to begin and orthodontic treatment and be monitored throughout treatment by your general dentist. New techniques and materials, supervised by an orthodontist, such as Invisalign® transparent devices, have made treatment much less visible and much more comfortable.

Yes. Dr. Archambault or Dr. Morton, and members of their team, will take an hour with you and/or your child, during the initial consultation, to evaluate your needs and fully explain the situation.

Yes. After the first evaluation of your situation, your orthodontist will take the time to answer your questions and explain the various options that are available to you.

We devote an hour or more to you or your child to examine and explain the orthodontic problems and possible treatment options. Please call us for more information on our consultation fees. If the orthodontist indicates that, for the time being, the situation only requires a periodic monitoring of your child’s dental development, it is good to know that these follow up appointments do not entail any extra fees.

If an orthodontic treatment is needed, the price will vary depending on the needs of the patient and the length of the treatment.

The initial consultation will last about an hour. Your orthodontist will take the time to answer your questions and give you all of the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Normally, ‘’braces’’ do not cause pain. However, after certain adjustment visits, the teeth may be sensitive and cause some discomfort for a few days. In this case, following the recommendations of your orthodontist, medications such as Advil or Tylenol may provide relief Most patients experience only minor discomfort after adjustment visits for a few days.

Yes, dental examinations by your dentist are important while you are wearing braces. Your dentist will determine the interval of your exams, prevention and cleaning appointments. Usually, an appointment with your dentist is required every 6 months.

Yes, as soon as the treatment begins, we will explain and provide a list of foods to avoid, for example, chewing on ice, hard candy, raw uncut vegetables and sweet sticky foods (such as caramel). You can avoid extra appointments to repair damaged or broken braces by following these recommendations.

Yes, if you practice a sport that involves contact, we strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard. For musical wind instruments, there will be a period of adjustment. With practice, you will be able to play your instrument normally.