Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
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No, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with us! If you decide to start treatment, we will work closely with your general dentist to ensure the best possible care for your smile.
Ready to get started? Schedule your consultation online now, or contact us if you’d like to chat first.
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Your first visit is where we’ll get to know you, take digital scans or X-rays if needed, and discuss your goals. We’ll then create a personalized treatment plan and go over your options, including braces and Invisalign.
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The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early screening visits allow us to identify potential issues and determine if early intervention is beneficial. There are certain types of bites that can only be corrected non-surgically before age 10, and are ideally corrected around 7 for the best result!
Wondering if your child needs treatment? Schedule their consultation now!
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Yes! While our offices are in Carleton Place and Arnprior, we see patients from many surrounding areas, including Almonte, Smiths Falls, Perth, Renfrew, Cobden, Petawawa, Pembroke, Deep River, Kanata, Stittsville, Carp and surrounding communities.
We welcome families from across the region who are looking for expert orthodontic care.
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Braces
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We offer traditional metal braces and LightForce clear braces, a fully customized, 3D - printed orthodontic system. We also offer Invisalign for a clear, removable option.
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LightForce braces are custom 3D-printed, clear braces designed specifically for your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, they are digitally designed for a more precise fit, leading to faster treatment times and fewer office visits. Learn more about Lightforce here.
Interested in LightForce? Schedule your consultation!
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This depends on the complexity of your case, and the type of braces you choose. Dr. Kirk will provide you with a personalized timeline estimate at your consultation.
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You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort after braces are placed or adjusted. This usually lasts a few days and can be managed with soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief. We have more tips to help you get used to braces here.
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Avoid sticky, hard and chewy foods like caramel, nuts, popcorn and hard candies, as they can damage your braces. Popcorn kernels can also lead to gum inflammation or infections, so we recommend avoiding it.
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Let us know! We’ll schedule a repair appointment to keep your treatment on track. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can help prevent irritation. Here are some other tips and tricks.
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Yes! We recommend wearing a mouthguard for sports to protect your braces. Most patients adjust quickly to playing musical instruments.
Invisalign
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Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. Each set is work for 1-2 weeks, and aligners must be worn 22 hours a day for the best results. Learn more here.
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Many patients are great candidates for Invisalign! Even if you’ve been told otherwise, we use our expertise to find creative ways to make Invisalign work for more complex cases.
Find out if Invisalign is right for you! Schedule a consultation now.
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In many cases, yes! With excellent compliance (wearing aligners for at least 22 hours a day), Invisalign can be just as effective as braces. However, for more complex cases, braces may still be the better option.
Find out more about the best options for your smile at a consultation with our team. -
Yes! Retainers maintain your new smile by preventing your teeth from shifting back. At Kirk Orthodontics, we provide retainers at no extra charge after treatment - no hidden fees!
Protect your smile for life! Book a consultation to learn more.
Life with Orthodontic Treatment
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Braces patients typically visit us every 8-10 weeks, while Invisalign patients may have check-ups every 8-12 weeks depending on their progress.
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Most orthodontic issues are minor, but if you experience discomfort, a broken bracket, or a lost aligner, contact us so we can help.
Here are some comfort tips and tricks you can try. -
Yes! As we focus solely on orthodontics all day, every day, it’s essential to continue seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups during orthodontic treatment.
Financials & Insurance
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The cost varies based on your treatment plan, but we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment options.
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Yes! We provide flexible, interest-free payment plans to help make treatment affordable.
Let’s find the right payment plan for you! Schedule a consultation.
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Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment. We will provide you with the necessary insurance forms so you can submit your claim directly.
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No; direct billing is not generally an option for orthodontic offices in the Ottawa area and surrounds.
Orthodontic insurance works differently than general dental insurance. Unlike dental offices that submit procedure codes for each visit, orthodontic coverage is based on a lifetime or annual maximum benefit rather than individual procedures.
We provide a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics Standard Information form, which is approved by the Canadian Association of Orthodontics for your submission to your insurance provider. We are happy to guide you through the submission process and help you maximize your benefits.
Have questions about insurance? Schedule a consultation now or contact us today.
Retainers & Post-Treatment Care
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Yes! Retainers keep your teeth in place after treatment. Without them, your teeth may shift back over time.
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For best results, we recommend wearing your retainer full-time for the first few moths, then transitioning to nighttime wear for life to maintain your smile.
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Contact us right away so we can make a replacement. Wearing your retainer as instructed is the best way to protect your investment in your new smile!
Need a new retainer? Schedule a retainer consultation.
Early (Phase I) Orthodontic Treatment
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The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist for their first evaluation by age 7. At this age, we can assess how the teeth and jaws are developing and determine if early intervention is needed.
Wondering if you child is ready? Schedule their consultation!
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In most cases, we wait until all or most of the permanent teeth have erupted before starting full orthodontic treatment (usually around ages 11-13). However, some children may benefit from Phase I treatment earlier to address specific concerns. To find out if your child could benefit from early treatment, book a consultation with us!
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Phase I treatment is an early, limited round of orthodontics designed to address problems before all the adult teeth come in. This might include:
Correcting severe crowding to create space for permanent teeth
Guiding jaw growth to improve the bite.
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Stopping harmful habits like thumb-sucking
Early treatment doesn’t always mean a child will avoid braces later, but it can shorten the time needed for Phase II treatment and make it more effective, with a superior result.
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If your child doesn’t need early treatment, we will continue to monitor their growth and development at no charge until all their adult teeth have come in. This allows us to catch any potential issues early and ensure treatment starts at the right time. There’s no harm in coming in for an early consultation - even if no treatment is needed, your child will benefit from ongoing specialist monitoring.
Not sure if your child needs early treatment? Book a consultation!
