Dr. Ian M. Milne Answers Your Questions about Orthodontics

There are many factors to consider when deciding on an orthodontist. Since you will be visiting our office at regular intervals throughout treatment for an extended period of time, we make sure that you feel comfortable. You should know what is involved with each aspect of your treatment before you start and you should feel comfortable asking questions at any time.

Here are some helpful websites:

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic screening by the age of seven. Even if comprehensive treatment is not indicated at that age, this appointment will serve as a baseline from which we can monitor future growth and development of the teeth and jaws. Our patient range in age from 4 to 71!

Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule a consultation themselves.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Upon arriving, each patient or parent will fill out an information sheet to prepare for the initial exam. If needed we will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. Dr. Milne will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.

There are three essential questions that we will cover during the initial consultation:

• Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
• What must be done to correct the problem?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every five to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled five to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

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.

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

If something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12-21 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

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.

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!

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 "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.