The questions Coquitlam families ask most, answered straight. Every answer links to its full guide.
How long do braces take?
Most comprehensive cases: 12–30 months, adjustments every 6–8 weeks; minor adult relapse fixes often 6–12 months. The full journey: month by month.
Do braces hurt?
Bonding is painless; expect 2–4 pressure-sore days after it and some adjustments. The relief kit: discomfort playbook.
What does treatment cost here?
Braces $6,000–$8,500, Invisalign $4,500–$8,500, with monthly plans and direct billing — the complete cost guide.
When should my child first be seen?
Around age 7 — usually the answer is “nothing yet, free recall.” Why age 7.
Do I need a referral?
No. Book directly — consultations are free and your dentist stays in the loop throughout.
What can’t I eat with braces?
Hard, sticky, chewy — popcorn is the #1 bracket-breaker. The full yes/no list: eating with braces.
Braces or Invisalign?
Control and compliance-proofing vs. invisibility and the 22-hour rule — the honest head-to-head settles it for your case.
Something broke — what now?
Wax tonight, repair visit this week: the emergency guide, or call (604) 949-0654.
How long do retainers last?
The routine is nightly, forever; the appliances get replaced every few years — retention explained.
Am I too old for treatment?
No — see adults and orthodontics after 60.
More questions we hear every week
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes — examination, X-rays, scan and a written plan, no obligation. Monitoring visits for children too.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist in BC?
No. Book directly; your dentist stays part of the team and we coordinate.
Are retainers included in the fee?
Yes, with retention checks through the first year.
Do you treat kids, teens and adults?
All three, from the age-seven check to orthodontics after sixty.
Braces or Invisalign — which do you recommend?
Whichever the case and the patient's habits suit. We fit both and price both side by side.
Where are you and where do I park?
1158 The High Street, Unit 106, at Coquitlam Centre; underground parking off Atlantic Avenue; Lincoln Station nearby. Near you.
Do you see patients from Port Moody and PoCo?
Every day — ten to fifteen minutes away. Neighbourhood guides.
Related reading
Questions about children and early treatment
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
Around seven. Most leave with a free recall date. Why seven.
What is Phase 1 treatment?
An appliance during growth — expander, twin block, partial braces or Invisalign First — that changes how the jaws develop.
Does my child need braces or just monitoring?
Most need monitoring. The free assessment tells, on evidence.
Questions about money
How much do braces cost in Coquitlam?
$6,000–$8,500 comprehensive at our practice, retainers included; Invisalign $4,500–$8,500. Details.
Do you offer payment plans?
Interest-free through our office. How they work.
Does insurance cover braces?
Many plans pay a percentage to a lifetime maximum; we direct-bill.
Questions about living with braces
Can I play sports with braces?
Yes, with an orthodontic mouthguard. Sports.
What if a bracket breaks?
Wax it and call us — same-day repairs available, included in the fee, with after-hours support.
How often are appointments?
Every six to eight weeks for braces; every six to ten for aligners.
Questions about the site
Who writes these pages?
Our clinical team, reviewed by our specialists. Positions of ours are labelled as ours.
Do you publish reviews?
No — read independent ones, and judge the consultation in person.
Can I use these guides at another clinic?
That's the point. Every page works anywhere in the Tri-Cities.
Questions about appliances
What are spacers?
Tiny separators placed before molar bands; achy for three days. Explained.
What is a power chain?
A connected elastic chain that closes gaps along the arch. Explained.
What is an expander?
An appliance that widens a child's narrow upper jaw while the growth seam is open. Explained.
What is Invisalign First?
Early treatment in aligners for six-to-ten-year-olds — one of our preferred Phase 1 tools for suitable children. Explained.
Questions about location and access
How far are you from Port Moody, PoCo and Burke Mountain?
Ten, ten to fifteen, and twelve to fifteen minutes respectively. Neighbourhood guides.
Can my teenager come alone?
Many do, by SkyTrain to Lincoln Station, once treatment is under way.
Do you offer early-morning appointments?
Yes — held for school-age patients, along with alternating Saturdays.
Questions about the practice
What languages do you speak?
English, Tagalog, Polish, Spanish, Punjabi, Farsi, Vietnamese and Mandarin. Ask when you book.
Do you offer same-day repairs?
Yes, and after-hours support.
Are there family or pay-in-full discounts?
Yes — contact us for details. Flexible down payments, 0% interest and extended plans are also available.
What retainers do you use?
Vivera retainers by Invisalign as our go-to, with a bonded lower wire case by case. Explained.