Treatment Options - MacLeod Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Treatment Options

Your first visit

A new patient exam is conducted by Dr. MacLeod, which includes a detailed clinical assessment of both the alignment and fit of the dentition, the current stage of dental development, the facial structure and growth pattern of the patient. In addition, a screening radiograph (x-ray) may be taken to look at structures within the jaws, such as developing or impacted teeth.

Using this information Dr. MacLeod will answer two important questions:

Is orthodontic treatment needed?

If so, is now the appropriate time?

Early treatment

Also known as interceptive treatment, this includes any treatment typically performed when a patient still has a mixture of primary teeth and adult teeth. Early treatment can involve the selective removal of primary teeth, the placement of space maintainers or the use of active appliances that may either be fixed to the teeth or removable. For some patients, early treatment eliminates the need for future orthodontic treatment all together, but for others a second phase of more comprehensive treatment is needed once all of the adult teeth are in. For these patients, early treatment serves to make the second phase of treatment less complicated and, in many cases, shorter in duration.

Obtaining records

For patients who require comprehensive treatment in adolescence or adulthood a detailed treatment plan is formulated using a set of diagnostic records, which includes digital photographs of the bite, an additional cephalometric (head) radiograph, and models of the teeth.

Treatment modalities

Metal braces
Clear braces
Removable Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

We offer treatment with both fixed orthodontic braces and removable clear aligners. After your examination, Dr. MacLeod will let you know which treatment modality is best suited to your needs. Most treatments can be performed with a patient’s existing dentition but in certain cases the extraction of one or more permanent teeth is required. Dental extractions, if needed as part of orthodontic treatment, can help to alleviate crowding, improve the fit of the teeth and maintain the health of the gums.

In non-growing patients with severe discrepancies between the size and shape of the upper and lower jaw, corrective jaw surgery may be required as part of the comprehensive orthodontic plan. A certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is included as part of the treatment team for surgical patients.

Length of Treatment

Although individual treatment times vary, comprehensive orthodontic treatment typically takes an average of two years to complete, after which time orthodontic retainers are fabricated to help keep the teeth in their final position and are worn for a prescribed period of time.

Appointment Intervals

After braces are in place, routine adjustments are typically performed at 6-week intervals.

Cost

Once a plan for orthodontic treatment has been formulated a financial contract with monthly payments will be arranged, with no interest charged. Please talk to our staff about your payment options including Interac, Visa, MasterCard and pre-authorized debit. Our office does not direct-bill insurance companies but will provide a pre-determination for insurance. We ensure that patients have all necessary insurance paperwork in order to submit claims to their insurance company for a timely reimbursement.

Useful video links from the American Association of Orthodontists