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Orthodontic Assessment — Hamilton, ON

Orthodontic Assessment and Referral Services in Hamilton, ON

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities — including the alignment of teeth and the relationship of the upper and lower jaws. At Barton Dental in Hamilton, our general dental practitioners provide orthodontic screening, assessment, and referral. Where treatment falls within general dentistry scope, we may manage it directly. Where specialist care is indicated, we coordinate referral to an orthodontist.
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Overview

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics addresses the position of teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Beyond appearance, well-aligned teeth are generally easier to clean, distribute bite forces more evenly, and are less prone to certain forms of wear. Orthodontic concerns range from minor crowding or spacing that may be manageable with clear aligners at the general dental level, through to complex bite discrepancies with a skeletal component that require specialist care. At Barton Dental, every patient presenting with alignment or bite concerns undergoes a clinical assessment before any treatment is recommended. Our dentist explains the nature of the concern, which treatment options are appropriate, and — where specialist involvement is needed — what the referral process involves.
Common Concerns

Common Orthodontic Concerns We Assess

Orthodontic concerns vary widely in type and severity. The following are among the most frequently identified in our patient population.
Crowding and Spacing
Crowding — insufficient space in the arch — causes teeth to overlap, rotate, or be displaced. Spacing concerns result from missing teeth, small tooth size, or other factors. Both are assessed for clinical significance and appropriate management.
Overbite and Underbite
A deep overbite (excessive vertical overlap of upper over lower front teeth) can cause wear and discomfort. An underbite (lower teeth in front of upper teeth) may have dental or skeletal causes and varies in complexity of management.
Crossbite
A crossbite exists when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Posterior crossbites can affect jaw growth symmetry in children. Anterior crossbites vary in severity and management approach.
Open Bite and Overjet
An open bite occurs when upper and lower teeth don’t contact when back teeth are together. Overjet refers to excessive horizontal protrusion of upper front teeth. Both may have dental or skeletal contributing factors that affect management approach.
Treatment Options

Orthodontic Treatment Options — What Is Available

Orthodontic concerns vary widely in type and severity. The following are among the most frequently identified in our patient population.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Clinical Examination
Fixed Orthodontic Appliances (Traditional Braces)
Radiographic Assessment
Functional Appliances
Growth Stage Assessment
Retainers
Plain Language Discussion
Surgical Orthodontics
Referral When Appropriate
Children and Orthodontics

Early Orthodontic Assessment for Children

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic assessment by age seven.

1

Why Early Assessment Matters
At age seven, there is sufficient permanent dentition to evaluate bite development and identify concerns. Early assessment does not automatically mean early treatment — in many cases the recommendation is simply to monitor and reassess.

2

Conditions That Benefit from Earlier Attention
Posterior crossbites, certain spacing patterns, and habits affecting jaw development are more effectively managed during active growth than after growth is complete.

3

Monitoring at Routine Checkups
Children’s routine checkups at Barton Dental include age-appropriate assessment of tooth eruption patterns and bite development. Where a concern is identified, our dentist discusses whether monitoring, referral, or early intervention is appropriate.
Adult Orthodontics

Orthodontic Treatment for Adult Patients

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. A significant proportion of patients pursuing orthodontic care are adults.
How Adult Treatment Differs
Jaw growth is complete in adults, meaning skeletal discrepancies cannot be corrected through growth modification alone. Tooth movement may proceed more gradually. Existing dental work must be factored into treatment planning.
Clear Aligners for Adults
For adult patients at Barton Dental, Invisalign clear aligner therapy is available for appropriate cases. Cases requiring fixed appliance therapy or specialist orthodontic management are referred to an orthodontist.
Gum Health and Orthodontic Eligibility
Active gum disease must be treated and stabilised before orthodontic treatment begins. Moving teeth in the presence of active periodontitis can accelerate bone loss and compromise long-term stability.
Existing Restorations
Crowns, bridges, veneers, and implants in the treatment zone must be factored into orthodontic planning. Implants are fixed in the bone and do not move with orthodontic force. Our dentist identifies all existing restorations at assessment.
GP vs Orthodontist

General Dentist vs. Orthodontist — What Is the Difference?

Understanding the distinction between general dental orthodontic care and specialist orthodontic care helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment pathway.

General Dental Practitioner

  • General dental practitioners can provide orthodontic screening, assessment, and manage straightforward alignment cases.
  • Clear aligner therapy (Invisalign) for appropriate cases is within the scope of general dental practice.
  • At Barton Dental, our dentists are direct about when a case falls within general dental scope and when specialist involvement is more appropriate.
  • A referral to an orthodontist is a sign of appropriate clinical judgment — not a limitation.
  • Where possible, our dentists continue to provide routine dental care during any specialist orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontist

  • An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional post-graduate training exclusively in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics.
  • Complex bite relationships, skeletal discrepancies, and cases requiring fixed appliance therapy are most appropriately managed by an orthodontist.
  • A referral from a general dentist is not required to see an orthodontist in Ontario, but having dental records available can facilitate a more efficient specialist appointment.
  • Our dentist coordinates the referral and shares relevant clinical records to support continuity of care.
  • Routine dental care at Barton Dental continues during and after specialist orthodontic treatment.
During Orthodontic Treatment

Maintaining Dental Health During Orthodontic Treatment

Whether treatment is managed at Barton Dental or by a referred orthodontist, maintaining oral health during the treatment period is essential for both the outcome and the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
  • Maintain thorough oral hygiene throughout treatment — fixed appliances and aligners both create additional surfaces and spaces where plaque accumulates, and gum disease or decay during treatment can compromise both health and the final outcome
  • Attend all scheduled monitoring and checkup appointments — both at the orthodontic provider and at Barton Dental for professional cleanings, which continue throughout active treatment
  • Wear your retainer as prescribed after active treatment ends — without consistent retainer wear, teeth will shift toward their pre-treatment positions regardless of the appliance type used during treatment
  • Report any loose brackets, broken wires, lost aligners, or unusual pain promptly — orthodontic appliance problems that are not addressed interrupt the treatment plan and can extend the overall timeline
  • If your orthodontic treatment is managed by a specialist, keep our team informed of progress — we maintain your broader dental care during the orthodontic period and want to coordinate appropriately at each stage
Why Barton Dental

Thorough Clinical Assessment Including X-Rays

At Barton Dental, orthodontic concerns are assessed by general dental practitioners who are direct about case scope and who coordinate referrals when specialist care is the appropriate pathway.
Thorough Clinical Assessment Including X-Rays
An orthodontic assessment at Barton Dental is not a sales appointment for Invisalign — it is a clinical examination that includes X-rays, bite assessment, and an honest evaluation of whether the concern is within the scope of general dental orthodontic management or whether specialist involvement is the more appropriate path. Where fixed appliance therapy, functional appliances, or complex bite correction is indicated, our dentist makes that recommendation clearly and coordinates a referral to an orthodontist rather than offering treatment that does not match the clinical need.
Honest Discussion of Treatment Options and Scope
At the assessment, our dentist explains what is present, what is clinically significant, and what each treatment option involves — including timeline, method, approximate cost, and the realistic limitations of each approach. We are direct about when two options are genuinely comparable and when one is clearly more appropriate than the other. Patients leave the assessment with enough information to make a considered decision, not a partial picture designed to lead toward a specific outcome.
Invisalign Available for Appropriate Cases — New Patients Welcome
For appropriate cases, Invisalign clear aligner treatment is available at Barton Dental — managed by our general dental practitioners for mild to moderate alignment and spacing concerns within the scope of general practice. For cases requiring specialist management, referrals are coordinated and communicated clearly so continuity is maintained. New patients are welcome for orthodontic assessments — including children, teens, and adults who have never had orthodontic treatment or who are experiencing relapse after previous treatment.
Related Services

Related Dental Services at Barton Dental

Orthodontic assessment at Barton Dental is connected to a range of related services available at our Hamilton practice.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Clear aligner therapy for appropriate cases — managed by our general dental practitioners at Barton Dental for cases within general dental scope.
Children’s and Family Dentistry
Routine dental checkups for children include monitoring of tooth eruption and bite development, with referral for orthodontic assessment where indicated.
TMJ Therapy
Bite relationship and jaw function are assessed as part of the orthodontic evaluation — concerns about the temporomandibular joint are identified and managed in coordination with orthodontic care.
Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontics in Hamilton — Patient FAQs

Answers to the most commonly asked questions about orthodontic assessment and treatment at Barton Dental in Hamilton.
Q: Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
A referral from a general dentist is not required to see an orthodontist in Ontario. At Barton Dental, we provide an orthodontic assessment and can coordinate a referral where specialist management is appropriate.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial assessment by age seven. Children’s routine checkups at Barton Dental include age-appropriate bite monitoring, with referral discussion where concerns are identified.
Many plans include an orthodontic benefit — typically a lifetime maximum with age eligibility limits. We recommend confirming your specific benefit with your insurer before beginning treatment.
General dental practitioners manage straightforward cases including Invisalign for appropriate situations. Orthodontists complete post-graduate specialist training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, and manage complex cases including fixed appliance therapy.
Duration varies by type, complexity, and patient age. Minor corrections may take several months; complex cases involving fixed appliances may take two years or longer.

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Barton Dental is currently welcoming new patients in Hamilton. We offer convenient weekday and Saturday hours, accept most major insurance plans, and are always happy to answer questions before your first visit.

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