An orthodontist is a dentist who went on to complete two to three extra years of training focused specifically on tooth alignment and jaw position. A general dentist looks after your overall oral health, things like cleanings, fillings, and checkups, while an orthodontist specializes in bite problems, crowding, and jaw irregularities using braces, aligners, and other appliances. At Pure Orthodontics, your treatment plan is designed by a board-certified orthodontist, full stop.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first checkup by age 7. That might sound early, but it's the age when adult teeth start coming in, so it's often the easiest time to spot developing bite or crowding issues, even if no treatment is needed yet. An early visit is really about information, not necessarily action.

Most orthodontic treatment in Canada runs somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the type of treatment and how complex the case is. Metal braces tend to sit at the lower end of that range, while clear aligners and less visible options usually cost a bit more. Pure Orthodontics offers a free consultation along with 0% interest, in-house payment plans and no credit check required, so budget doesn't have to be the thing holding you back.

A lot of dental plans include some orthodontic coverage, usually paying 25 to 50 percent of the cost up to a lifetime maximum, often somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000. What's covered really depends on your specific plan, and whether the patient is a child or an adult, since some plans only apply to patients under 18. Pure Orthodontics checks your benefits for you and direct-bills most insurance providers, so you'll know your real out-of-pocket cost before you commit to anything.

Start by making sure they're a board-certified orthodontist rather than a general dentist who also offers braces on the side. From there, read patient reviews, ask about their experience with cases like yours, and pay attention to whether the consultation feels like they're explaining your options or just pushing one treatment. A free consultation is a good sign, since it means they're confident enough in the work to let you meet them first.

Most people finish treatment somewhere between 12 and 24 months. Simple cases can wrap up in as little as 6 months, while more complex bite corrections might run closer to 36. The real answer depends on how much movement your teeth need and how consistently you follow instructions along the way, so your orthodontist will give you a specific timeline once they've seen your case.

Orthodontists treat what's called malocclusion, which just means a bad bite: overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, crowding, and gapped teeth all fall under this. They also deal with issues that affect chewing, speech, or jaw joint function. Left alone, a lot of these problems get worse over time and can lead to uneven wear or gum issues down the road.

It's uncomfortable more than painful. Most people feel some pressure or mild soreness for a few days after an adjustment, similar to how muscles feel after a workout, and it usually fades within 2 to 4 days. Soft foods and a regular pain reliever are typically all you need to get through it.