FAQ

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.


  1. What is your payment policy?
  2. Are all dental offices the same?
  3. How much is a cleaning?
  4. How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
  5. Children and dentistry/orthodontics
  6. How can cosmetic dentistry help and improve the appearance of my smile?
  7. How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?
  8. What should I do if I have bad breath?
  9. How often should I brush and floss?
  10. Why is it important to use dental floss?
  11. What type of toothbrush should I choose? Does it matter?
  12. What can I do about stained or discoloured teeth?

Q5: When I should consider orthodontics and dental appointments for my children.

When should I bring my child in for their first visit?

We like the child's first visit to be a pleasant experience rather than "an emergency". Although each child is different, the first visit should be between the ages two and three years old.

How should I prep my child for his/her first dental visit?

First rule of thumb… no bribery. Treat the first visit like a visit to a friend's house. There's no need to forewarn the child that "it won't hurt". Don't forget, children are smart and that they will pick up the parent's apprehensive cues in their tone of voice. As well, refrain from showering the child with overbearing hugs and kisses after a visit, or ask them "did it hurt?"

Do I have to wait for all of my child's adult teeth to come out before considering braces?

No, absolutely not. Depending on each child's individual growth spurt, orthopedics (moving of the bone) is most effective when the child is between 7 and 9 years of age. This is when we can develop the jawbone into the desired profile. For example, if the child has an underbite, this would be the perfect time for the Phase I (orthopedics) treatment. With early intervention, we can prevent future jaw surgery if we can rectify the problem now.