Point Grey Orthodontics
Because the world needs more smiles! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question before booking? You’re not alone. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often at Point Grey Orthodontics. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, call us or book a free consultation — we’re happy to talk it through.

General Questions

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?

No referral needed. You can book a free consultation directly with us — no dentist referral required. Many of our patients come to us on their own, and we coordinate with your family dentist throughout your treatment. 

Common signs include crowded or crooked teeth, a noticeable overbite or underbite, difficulty chewing or biting, or simply feeling self-conscious about your smile. The best way to know for sure is a free consultation — we will assess your teeth and jaw and give you an honest recommendation, whether or not treatment is needed right now. 

There is no single right age. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic assessment by age seven — not because treatment starts then, but because early assessment lets us spot issues while teeth are still developing. Adults can benefit from orthodontics at any age. At Point Grey Orthodontics, we treat patients from young children through to seniors. 

Treatment length depends on the complexity of your case. Minor alignment issues can take as little as six months with Invisalign. Most comprehensive braces or Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 24 months. We will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation after assessing your teeth. 

Most patients feel some pressure or mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or after an Invisalign tray change — similar to the feeling of a tight muscle. This typically settles within 48 to 72 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) is usually enough to manage any discomfort. We will walk you through what to expect at every stage of your treatment. 

Invisalign Questions

Invisalign works well for a wide range of cases — from mild crowding to more complex bite issues. As Invisalign Platinum Providers, Dr. Bichu and Dr. Herbertson have the training and case volume to treat more complex situations that some practices would not take on with aligners. The best way to find out is a free iTero Lumina digital scan — we can show you a 3D simulation of your outcome before treatment even starts. 

The iTero Lumina is the most advanced intraoral 3D scanner available. Instead of taking physical impressions (the traditional tray-and-putty method), we digitally scan your teeth in minutes. The scan is comfortable, precise, and gives us a detailed 3D model of your mouth. For Invisalign patients, it also generates an Outcome Simulator — a visual preview of what your smile could look like after treatment. 

Yes — that is one of the main advantages. Invisalign aligners are fully removable for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. For treatment to work as planned, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Most patients find this easy to maintain once they build the habit. 

Both achieve excellent results when treatment is managed by a certified specialist. Invisalign offers the advantage of being nearly invisible and removable. Traditional braces offer more precise control in certain complex cases and do not require the same discipline around wear time. At your consultation, we will give you an honest comparison based on your specific teeth — not a preference for one product over another. 

Cost & Insurance Questions

Treatment cost depends on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment recommended. We provide a full, transparent cost breakdown at your consultation — before you commit to anything. We offer flexible payment plans to spread the cost over your treatment period, and we accept most major dental insurance plans. 

Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit — typically a lifetime maximum that can be applied to either braces or Invisalign. We will help you understand your coverage and submit claims on your behalf. If you are unsure what your plan covers, bring your insurance information to your consultation and we will review it with you. 

Yes. We offer flexible monthly payment plans that spread the cost of treatment across the duration of your care. We work with most major insurance providers and can structure payments to align with your coverage and budget. Details are discussed at your consultation with no pressure to commit. 

Appointment Questions

Your first visit is a no-commitment conversation. We will take a full look at your teeth and jaw, discuss any concerns you have, and explain what treatment options are available to you. For Invisalign candidates, we may do an iTero digital scan on the same visit so you can see a simulation of your results. There is no charge for the consultation. 

For most patients, check-up appointments are every six to eight weeks. These visits are typically short — 20 to 30 minutes — and are used to monitor progress and make any adjustments. Our online booking system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can schedule at a time that suits you. 

We are open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday for clinical appointments. Our online booking system is available around the clock, and our team responds to enquiries on clinical days. For urgent concerns on non-clinical days, please leave a message and we will follow up at our earliest opportunity. 

Still have a question? Book a free consultation at pointgreyorthodontics.ca or call us at (604) 224-1902. No referral needed.

Call Us 604-224-1902