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In the same way that a cardiologist is a physician specializing in
the diagnosis and treatment of
the heart, the orthodontist is a dentist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of
disorders
that affect teeth and jaws, also known as malocclusion problems.
Still following this example, as a cardiologist must take his medical training before becoming a
specialist, an orthodontist must first complete his 5-year dental education before specializing
in
orthodontics.
This specialization requires 3 years of additional studies to obtain a diploma, in
order to be recognized as a certified orthodontist.
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A dentist may perform some orthodontic treatments.
However, it is
important to remember that because
of his training, his expertise and the fact that he devotes himself solely to the practice of
orthodontics for all his patients, an orthodontist remains the person of choice to perform such
treatments.
It is for this reason that the Ordre des Dentistes du Québec awards a specialist
diploma
to orthodontists so that the public can recognize the qualifications that are unique to it.
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For full details on initial visits, please refer to the First Visit
section of our website.
In a
nutshell, during this first consultation, you will be informed of the nature of your problem,
the
possible solutions, the treatment options to resolve it, as well as the orthodontic appliances
that
will be used to get there.
It will also be an opportunity to discuss with you the terms of
payment
as well as your insurance, if you have any.
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The best way to get an answer to this question is to contact the
company responsible for your dental
insurance plan directly.
By having your police number in hand, they will tell you if you are
covered
for orthodontic treatments or not.
During your first visit, we will be able to discuss the payment terms and provide you with an
estimate of the costs associated with your treatment plan, which you can send to your insurance
company.
Once you have received confirmation of your coverage, you will be able to undertake
your
treatment with confidence and knowing that you will be reimbursed for a portion of the costs.
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Most orthodontic treatments are spread over several months.
This is
also the case for payments,
which are spread over the duration of the processing.
Generally, you will have two more
important
appointments at the beginning of the event, followed by periodic visits.
For this reason, you
will
have to pay more money at the beginning of your treatment, which will be representative of the
work
performed during these first two appointments.
Subsequently, the balance of the total amount
will be
divided into monthly payments, spread over the estimated treatment time.
We always e-mail you the receipts for your claims, as well as an annual tax receipt.
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It is important to adopt good habits during orthodontic treatment, in
order to put all the chances
on your side for it to be successful.
First, it is very important that you follow your
orthodontist's instructions, which is called COOPERATION.
This will promote faster and more
efficient treatment.
Then, following the correct HYGIENE rules is equally important, which one will never repeat
enough.
This helps avoid unpleasant surprises that can delay treatment, such as dental cavities, gum
disease, or spots on the teeth.
Third, you should be vigilant in your EATING HABITS avoiding eating certain foods that may
damage
your orthodontic appliances.
This way, you will minimize the number of emergency appointments
and
make sure that your treatment will take no longer than expected.
Finally, you must RESPECT YOUR APPOINTMENTS.
Indeed, when they are scheduled, you expect your
orthodontist to be present, so he expects the same from you in return.
Unfortunately, too many
patients cancel their appointments without notifying us 24 hours in advance.
This causes many
problems and complicates the task when it comes to respecting the planning of your treatment.
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If such an incident occurs, it is important that you contact us
promptly.
Our secretary can then
arrange with you an appointment as soon as possible, so that your treatment is not delayed.
If you have more questions, please see the video we prepared to answer them.
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Even if your orthodontist is trained in general dentistry, when you
visit him, he will focus on
offering orthodontic treatments to help you correct problems with your alignment and occlusion.
Therefore, it is essential that you continue to visit your dentist once or twice a year so that
he
can ensure proper follow-up of your oral health.
He will then be able to detect a problem at the
source, in order to resolve it before it does harm to your mouth and your teeth.
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Contrary to what many people think, the answer is NO! If you would
like to get professional advice
on the orthodontic condition of your children, your teenagers or for yourself, do not hesitate
to
contact us.
You can do this directly by phone or email, by filling out the contact form on our
website.
We recommend that you consult an orthodontist with your child when he/she is about 7 years old.
This
makes it possible to know the current situation as to the formation of its teeth and jaws, in
order
to quickly detect a problem before it evolves to a more advanced stage.
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There is a tendency to believe that orthodontic treatments are
reserved for children and
adolescents, simply because it is more common to see this age group with a device or with
braces.
However, more and more adults in Quebec decide to undergo orthodontic treatment, either to
improve
the appearance of their smile or to resolve other oral health problems.
By following an orthodontic treatment, many adults end up with a smile they never thought they
would
be able to display.
Righter teeth are synonymous with healthier teeth, and healthy teeth are
easier
to maintain even as they age.
To learn more, visit the Adult Treatment section.