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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, 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. This page covers what orthodontics addresses, the treatment options available, when a child should be assessed, how treatment differs for adults, and the real difference between general dental orthodontic care and specialist care.
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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. The Canadian Dental Association covers orthodontic treatment as part of its general procedures overview. 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, and many patients also ask about what orthodontic treatment actually costs and how long treatment realistically takes at this stage. 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

What Orthodontic Concerns Does Barton Dental 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

What Orthodontic Treatment Options Are 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

When Should a Child Have an Orthodontic Assessment?

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

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

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Differ for Adults?

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers, a significant proportion of patients pursuing orthodontic care are adults. Jaw growth is complete in adults, meaning skeletal discrepancies cannot be corrected through growth modification alone, tooth movement may proceed more gradually, and existing dental work must be factored into treatment planning.
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 or 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.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
A referral from a general dentist is not required to see an orthodontist in Ontario, you can generally book directly with a specialist orthodontic practice on your own. At Barton Dental, we provide an orthodontic assessment first and can coordinate a referral where specialist management is appropriate, which often makes the specialist appointment more efficient since your records and X-rays are already available. This also means you get an honest, informed opinion about whether specialist care is genuinely needed for your specific situation before you commit to a specialist consultation. If your case is within general dental scope, you may not need to see a specialist orthodontist at all.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial assessment by age seven, since there is enough permanent dentition present by that age to meaningfully evaluate bite development. Early assessment does not automatically mean early treatment, in many cases the recommendation is simply to monitor development over time and reassess at future checkups. Children’s routine checkups at Barton Dental already include age-appropriate bite monitoring, so a formal orthodontic assessment can often be folded into an appointment your child is already attending. Where a concern is identified early, our dentist discusses whether monitoring, referral, or early intervention is the appropriate next step.
Many dental insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit, typically structured as a lifetime maximum with age eligibility limits rather than an annual allowance like routine dental coverage. Coverage amounts and eligibility rules vary significantly between insurers and individual policies, so we recommend confirming your specific benefit with your insurer before beginning treatment. This is particularly important for orthodontic treatment since it often represents a larger financial commitment than routine dental care and unfolds over months or years rather than a single visit. Our team can help you understand what questions to ask your insurer, though the final confirmation of coverage needs to come from your specific plan details.
General dental practitioners manage straightforward orthodontic cases, including Invisalign clear aligner therapy for situations within general dental scope, and are trained to recognize when a case exceeds that scope. Orthodontists complete additional post-graduate specialist training exclusively in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, and manage complex cases including fixed appliance therapy and significant skeletal discrepancies. Neither pathway is inherently better, the right choice depends on what your specific case actually needs, which is exactly what an assessment is for. At Barton Dental, we are direct about which category your case falls into rather than defaulting to in-house treatment regardless of complexity.
Duration varies considerably by treatment type, case complexity, and patient age, so there is no single answer that applies to everyone. Minor corrections with clear aligners may take several months, while complex cases involving fixed appliances or significant skeletal correction may take two years or longer to complete. Our dentist provides a realistic estimate specific to your case at the assessment stage, based on what the clinical exam and X-rays actually show, rather than a generic timeline. Retention with a retainer is required indefinitely after any active treatment ends, regardless of how long the active phase itself took, since teeth continue to have a natural tendency to shift without it.

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Barton Dental is currently welcoming new patients across Hamilton. We offer convenient weekday and Saturday hours to accommodate busy families in Barton Village, Crown Point, and the East End. We accept most major insurance plans and are always happy to answer questions before your first visit.

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