FAQ

How long will it take to complete treatment?
How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
How often will I have appointments?

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Do braces hurt?
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Do you give shots?
Do you use recycled braces?
Can I still play sports?
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
Will my child need an expander?
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
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 as well as their response to the orthodontic forces. 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?

We cannot provide you with an exact cost for orthodontic treatment until you have had a consultation to determine your orthodontic treatment plan and types of appliances which are to be used. The exact cost of treatment will be explained, and an outline the various payment schedules will be provided during the initial consultation appointment. Payments can be arranged in several different ways, and different payment modalities are available (VISA, MasterCard, Debit, Cash) to accommodate your needs. We will also provide you with a completed CAO (Canadian Association of Orthodontists) Insurance Predetermination Form for you to submit to your insurance company to determine what type of orthodontic coverage you may have. The office does not submit directly to your insurance company, but does provide you with the receipts and any other documentation required for your insurance company to refund you (the policyholder) directly.

3. How often will I have appointments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs and appointment intervals may vary during your treatment. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 10 weeks, but if there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, you may have to come in more often.

4. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

We cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. These times are reserved for shorter appointments to maximize the number of patients that can have their adjustmetns in that ever-popular time slot. Because most appointments are scheduled 6 to 10 weeks apart however, most patients will miss minimal school over the entire treatment time. We 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, as well as to set up the next appointment.
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6. Do braces hurt?

After the initial placement of the braces there is an adjustment period when the teeth are often quite tender. The cheeks and lips will often be slightly irritated while getting used to new braces. There are also certain adjustments that will result in some tooth soreness the day after the adjustment. In these situations, over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. After most visits, patients do not complain of any discomfort 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. Distraction is often a great help in getting used to new braces.
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8. Do you give needles?

No. Injections are not necessary in orthodontic treatment. In fact, there are none kept in the office, so there is no need to fret over “surprise” injections.
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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 as well as their cosmetic preferences.
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10. Can I still play sports?

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all contact sports, both during and after orthodontic treatment. While your teeth are moving with orthodontic treatment, you cannot have a custom sportguard made, but we do stock “boil and form” mouthguards to be used while braces are in place. When orthodontic treatment is complete, custom mouthguards/sportguards can be fabricated to the new tooth positions. You have to protect your investment!
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11. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

Absolutely. Regular checkups with your family dentist are essential while in braces as your dentist is monitoring both your dental and gum health during orthodontic movement. The family dentist will also determine the required intervals between cleaning appointments.
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12. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Yes. At the braces placement appointment, 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 having additional 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 three times each day. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces as well as use small “orthodontic specific” tooth brushes. Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective if the technique and amount of time is sufficient.
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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 which causes you pain or is damaging your cheeks/tongue, you should call the 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 that cannot wait until the office re-opens, please call the office and you will be directed on how to reach Dr. Grubisa on her cell phone. You can also email Dr Grubisa directly to ask her advice.
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15. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. Some specific orthodontic problems are indications for early orthodontic treatment. Without a specific indication for early treatment being present, Dr. Grubisa will follow the patient's growth and development until the time is right for full orthodontic treatment to begin.
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16. What is Phase 1 (Early) treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10 and typically lasts 12-18 months. The primary objective for early treatment is to address significant problems, particularly those which may cause damage to erupting permanent teeth or jaw growth. In some cases, early treatment can prevent a problem from becoming more severe and it can also improve self-esteem.
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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?

Palatal expanders are used to expand a palate which is too narrow. This specific condition results in a crossbite, and expanders are used in these cases only. Expanders are not used in every orthodontic patient, only in those with a narrow upper jaw.
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19. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

No patient is "too old" to wear braces! The way in which teeth respond to orthodontic forces does not change from childhood to adulthood. The speed of tooth movement may be slightly slower in adults due to slower bone turnover, but tooth movement is not limited to children.
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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, often in preparation for bridges or implant placement.
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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. In Canada, Orthodontic specialists, a.k.a. “Orthodontists” have 3 years of additional training after dental school that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
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