Pricing a perfect smile
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

Both my husband and I, as well as all our siblings, had braces. So it doesn't look good for my own children. As I watch my seven-year-old's new adult teeth budding with the early signs of the vampire-like fangs I sported as a kid, I know orthodontic care is in our future. The little one has her dad's teeth, so she's no better off.

The thought makes me cringe. Not that for even a minute I'd consider forgoing braces for my children -- if my parents had of done that to me, I'd be a social outcast or a prime candidate for a bit-part on Vampire Diaries. But the cost is nearly as frightening as the fangs themselves.

Fees vary
Unlike regular dentistry, there are no provincial guidelines for fees. Full braces range from $5,000 to $8,000, says Dr. Ritchie Mah, a Burnaby, B.C.-based orthodontic specialist and president of the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, adding many factors are at play when determining the cost. "It really comes down to the work being done, but geography is also a consideration." (In urban areas where rents are higher, so are fees.)

The good news, says Mah, is "everybody offers some type of financing plan. Treatment is spread out over a period of time and so are payments."

Some orthodontists offer a free initial consult, while others charge a nominal fee of $40 or $50. Afterwards, they'll outline options and the price range, but it's only after diagnostic testing that pricing is fully determined.

Don't procrastinate
Timing is key. When I got braces, you waited until your adult teeth were in place, and then tackled the issues. Not anymore. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) recommends children visit an orthodontist no later than the age of seven and states on its website: "Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early rather than waiting until jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean a patient will avoid surgery or other more serious corrections later in life."

Less invasive usually means less costly treatment.

Finding an orthodontist
When meeting an orthodontist, ask:

• Are there any extra fees -- for x-rays or added equipment -- not included in the original estimate?
• What's the premium for ceramic or invisible braces?
• How does your payment plan work?
• How long will my child need to wear braces?

According to Mah, the most important question is: Are you an orthodontist? "There are a lot of people who aren't specialists and give credentials that don't mean anything."

Orthodontic specialists are uniquely qualified to correct dental and facial irregularities. The Canadian Dental Association requires they have at least two years post-doctoral, advanced training in orthodontics in an accredited program, after they complete dental school. Ask your dentist or family and friends for referrals or visit CAO's website to check its member list.