Any child, teenager or adult with mild, moderate or severe tooth, jaw or alignment problems should see an orthodontist. Treatments can range from simple to more advanced. Parents who are unsure of whether their children require orthodontic attention should come by for a consultation and review. Dr Hicks and his team will never over-treat your orthodontic issues.

Your dentist might refer you to us, or you can simply call us up yourself to make an appointment any time. A referral from your family dentist is not required for a visit.

No. In fact, the space for the front teeth can actually become smaller over time, as adult molars crowd the mouth further. If your child’s teeth (or your own) are crowded, the problem can only be fixed with orthodontics.

Until we have examined you and determined the course of treatment required, it is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment. We will explain all treatments and associated costs during your initial consultation and work with you to find a plan that fits your budget.

Placing braces on your teeth will not hurt, though there may be an adjustment period for the first couple of days as your teeth, gums and cheeks get used to them.

As food can get caught in your braces, it is important to brush and floss thoroughly after every meal: at least three to four times per day. Avoid eating sticky sweets, sugary foods, and foods that can get caught in your braces, like corn on the cob. Consider wearing a mouth guard while playing sports. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly for your scheduled cleaning and check-up.

Each patient’s teeth are different and every smile responds differently to treatment. Typical treatment time for braces is between 2 to 2.5 years.

Since most retainers are used to prevent the teeth from drifting back to their pre-braces crowding and misalignment, retainers are typically recommended long-term. For the first year after you get your braces off, you will probably need to wear your retainer all day. After the first year, you can likely wear it only at night. Most patients should wear their retainer at night indefinitely.

Your retainer should be kept clean by removing it and brushing it with a regular toothbrush and toothpaste every time you brush your teeth. You may also soak your retainer in a denture cleanser. Never boil your retainer or put it in the dishwasher.