Orthodontics: A Specialized Field

To ensure each patient receives the highest level of care and professionalism, British Columbia adheres to a strict set of standards for an Orthodontist to be licensed to practice within the province. Each Orthodontist is required to obtain a license to practice dentistry in Canada by successfully completing at least two years of advanced training in the specialized field of Orthodontics from an accredited university and pass all provincial dental licensing exams in the field of Orthodontics. Only dentists with such advanced specialty education will be able to offer you and your family the specialized Orthodontic services you require.

 At PacificWest Dental we take pride in providing our patients with a beautiful smile, healthy bite and the confidence that comes from having straight teeth. Often people associate braces as the only means of straightening teeth, however, if treated at an early age; many Orthodontic issues can be treated with a less involved technique such as removable appliances like retainers or in some cases, headgear. If done at the appropriate time, jaw growth can be modified, offering very successful results from these techniques and avoiding the need for braces. However, if braces are required, you will discover that technology has advanced significantly since the first "railroad track"  braces models.

 Whether your treatment requires Invisalign,  lingual or labial orthodontics or one of our other modern treatment options - we will ensure that your specific dental needs will be matched with the latest, most effective innovations in Orthodontic technology.

 Whatever your Orthodontic concerns, we can help. Please call us to arrange an initial consultation and take the first step towards a healthy and radiant smile.

A New Experience: What to Expect

 We understand that a new dental experience can be an intimidating process, which is why we strive to keep you and your family well-informed and helping you feel as comfortable and confident as possible. In order to ease your nerves about what to except, the following steps offer an overview of a typical treatment process:

Step 1 -  Initial Consultation

•  Review past and present medical and dental history
•  Perform a visual examination of your bite
•  Analyze other relevant information (such as x-rays)
•  Recommend a tentative treatment plan and associated costs

Step 2 - Diagnosis & Treatment Plan

•  Create Orthodontic x-rays
•  Form custom dental models of your mouth
•  Take photographs of your face and teeth
•  Perform a detailed analysis and complete final diagnosis
•  Create the finalized treatment plan

Step 3 - Presentation to Patient

•  Case and treatment plan explained in detail
•  Finalize cost of plan

Step 4 - Begin Treatment

•  Active treatment commences
•  Series of appointments may be set-up

We encourage our patients to ask any questions they may have along the way, as it is an important part in determining the treatment that is right for you.

 While the type of treatment and severity of the issue will determine the length of treatment, the usual treatment time for full braces ranges between 18 to 30 months. For this type of treatment, visits of 4 to 8 week intervals will be required to adjust your braces to ensure the most successful results of your treatment.

 Although our Orthodontists are fully trained as dentists, we specialize only in the treatment of Orthodontic issues. We strongly recommend that you continue a regular schedule of check-ups and cleanings with your family dentist for the maintenance of your dental health.