Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry. It is through orthodontics that we can diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial anomalies. The technical term used to define these problems is "malocclusion".

A malocclusion refers to a poor relationship between the teeth and/or the jawbone. Your orthodontist has all the professional skills necessary to develop, place in the mouth and control the devices or braces that will help align your teeth and jaws, and thus give you a stunning smile!

Heredity plays a role in dental and facial problems. The width and shape of the jaws are very important factors in the positioning of teeth.

Some malformations are caused by bad habits such as thumb or finger sucking, continuous thrusting of the tongue on the teeth or the tendency to bruxism (grinding of the teeth). Poor swallowing or chronic mouth breathing problems (caused by asthma, allergies, sinusitis, frequent colds, etc.) can also lead to poor tooth positioning.

Finally, premature loss of primary or permanent teeth due to an accident, cavities or gum disease can cause the teeth to shift and lead to a malocclusion./p>

• Upper front teeth that protrude too far in relation to the lower teeth
• Upper front teeth that overlap the lower teeth too much
• Upper front teeth that are set back or behind the lower teeth
• Upper and lower front teeth that do not meet when the mouth is closed
• Teeth that are noticeably crowded
• Upper and lower teeth that are not aligned
• Thumb or finger sucking habits that continue after age six
• Difficulty chewing
• Excessive or uneven wear of teeth
• Chin that is deviated from the center of the face
• Gaps between teeth

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit as early as age 7.

However, it is always better to consult earlier rather than later, as the child's level of development can make a difference in the choice of treatment. When we intervene early, we are often able to obtain better results and create beautiful smiles without having to extract teeth.

Remember, it is not necessary for a dentist to refer you to see an orthodontist. Do not hesitate to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Rodrigue.

Although it is recommended to start treatment before the jaws have finished growing, there is no age limit to start orthodontic treatment.

Today, nearly 25% of patients undergoing treatment are adults and it is no longer uncommon to treat people in their fifties. There are now almost invisible devices that make orthodontic treatment very discreet.

Do not hesitate to consult us for information on the treatment that would be right for you. It is never too late to be proud of your smile!.

How long does orthodontic treatment last? Three factors can affect the duration of treatment. First, orthodontic treatment is primarily a team effort. Without the patient's cooperation, we will not be able to achieve optimal results within the time frame initially planned. Then, the growth pattern of the jaw and face and the severity of the initial problem are the two other factors that can affect the duration of treatment. The time required to correct malocclusion problems is generally 1 to 3 years.

At the end of corrective treatment, we still monitor the patient's dental progress for a few years to ensure the stability of the results. Most patients have to wear a night appliance on the palate during this stage and a lingual wire permanently installed on certain teeth.

Yes, we recommend that you see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam.

As we have pointed out, the success of orthodontic treatment depends a lot on the goodwill and cooperation of the patient. You will therefore need to adopt impeccable oral hygiene and pay particular attention to your diet. For the entire duration of the treatment, hard or sticky foods should be avoided, because the breakage of the appliances can extend the duration of the treatment.

Also, do not abuse sugary foods, which can cause cavities and decalcification of the teeth, and make sure to floss well and brush your teeth often to avoid stains, cavities and gum problems.

​The placement of orthodontic appliances is usually painless. However, when the brackets are connected together by the wire, you are likely to feel some toothache that will last for a few days (2 to 5 days). Your lips and cheeks will probably need a few weeks to get used to the irritation of the appliances.

Investing in orthodontic treatment is for life. Don’t hesitate to ask about the costs, you may realize that it is much less expensive than you initially thought. Since the costs depend on each case, it is difficult to establish an average cost.

However, during your consultation visit, we will be able to assess what you will have to pay for the different treatments offered. In addition, we can offer you financial arrangements to facilitate the payment of your treatment according to your financial capacity, among other things, by monthly payments.

We also accept payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard), debit card, checks or pre-authorized debit. Also, more and more insurance plans cover part of the orthodontic costs. These costs are also tax deductible.