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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I book an appointment at Stars Orthodontics?
Ready to start your journey to a better and healthier smile? Stars Orthodontics make it easy to get started. You can schedule your initial consultation through any of the following methods:
Our website: You can visit the Book Now section of our website to choose a time that fits your schedule. We will respond via email or give you a call back once we receive your request.
By Phone: Call our office at +1 (613) 232-4266 and press 1 to speak with our New Patient Coordinator. She will guide you through all the steps to book your first visit and provide details on what to expect during your consultation.
By Email: Send us an email at info@starsortho.ca with the subject "New Patient Appointment", and we’ll reach out to finalize your details.
Please note that Stars Orthodontics is not a walk-in clinic. Please contact us first to book an appointment before visiting.
Initial Consultation Fee & Referral Perk
There is a $75 fee for the initial consultation, which covers your comprehensive exam, meeting the Doctor, and digital imaging. However, we love seeing our patient family grow! If you were referred to us by a friend or family member who is a currently active patient at our clinic, we will waive the $75 fee entirely. Just be sure to mention their name when you book so we can apply the credit!
Do I need a referral from my dentist to make an appointment?
No, you do not need a referral to visit Stars Orthodontics. While many patients are referred to us by their family dentist, you are welcome to contact us directly to schedule your consultation if you're looking for quality orthodontic treatment. Stars Orthodontics openly accept self-referrals for both you and your family!
What should I expect for my first orthodontic visit?
For an initial consultation fee of CA$75, we designed your first visit at Stars Orthodontics to be as comfortable and informative as possible. There is no pain associated with your exam and no needles, just a comprehensive and detailed conversation with Dr. Sharaf himself about how to improve your smile through orthodontic treatment. Here is everything you can expect to cover during your initial consultation:
Orthodontic Photography: We will take a series of close-up photos of your face and teeth to carefully document your smile and bite from every angle. These include photos of your full smile, your profile, and detailed images of your teeth from the front, sides, and biting surfaces. These photos help us assess your bite, track changes over time, and show you the progress of your smile before, during, and after treatment.
Panoramic Imaging: If needed, we may take a specialized X-ray called a panoramic X-ray (PAN) that gives us a full view of your teeth, jaws, roots, and any teeth that have not erupted yet. If you were referred to us by your family dentist, you may request them to send us a copy of your PAN so we can have it assessed ahead of your first visit.
The Examination: Dr. Sharaf will personally examine your bite, crowding, and jaw alignment to determine the specifics of your orthodontic treatment to bring out your best smile that lasts. He will discuss with you our available treatment options and the timelines to expect for your treatment. This is also the perfect time to communicate to the orthodontist any questions, concerns, or preferences you may have about your treatment, and Dr. Sharaf will be happy to listen to them and provide his expert advice.
Financing: After meeting with the orthodontist, you'll meet with our financial coordinator to discuss our flexible payment options for your specific treatment. This is the best time to discuss with the financial coordinator any financial questions, concerns, or preferences you may have to find the best ways to pay for your treatment. If you decide to proceed, you will be presented with a financial contract that outlines your monthly payments throughout your treatment, including any insurance coverage deductions, if applicable. (If you have insurance that specifically covers orthodontics, please make sure to bring your insurance coverage details with you during your visit.)
You will leave with a clear understanding of your treatment options, estimated timeline, and a personalized financial quote to meet your needs. We look forward to your first visit at Stars Orthodontics!
Does Stars Orthodontics offer virtual consultations?
During the COVID lockdown years, we did offer virtual consultations. But in recent years, most of our consultations are done in-person at our clinic, and we only offer virtual consultations on a case-by-case basis.
If you're in a situation where it is difficult for you to come to the clinic for an in-person consultation, here's how you can request for a virtual consult:
Request Your Consult: Simply email us at info@starsortho.ca to request a virtual consultation. Please include the patient’s full name, date of birth, and the name of your family dentist. Please indicate as to why you need a virtual consultation as opposed to an in-person one. Stars Orthodontics provides virtual consultations to out-of-town patients as well as to those who are planning to relocate to Ottawa but have not arrived in Ottawa yet. We also accommodate mobility or accessibility needs, so please let us know if you have any so we can take them into consideration as well.
Submit Your Photos: We will need good quality photos of your teeth to properly assess your case. We will reply to your email with a short video guide and instructions on how to take 8 specific photos of your smile using your smartphone.
Expert Review: Once received, Dr. Sharaf personally reviews your photos to assess your bite and treatment eligibility.
Schedule & Consent: If approved, our office will contact you to schedule your virtual appointment. Prior to the call, you will receive a standard virtual consent form to review and sign.
Fee: There will be a fee for virtual consultations. We will advise you of this fee ahead of your scheduled consultation.
To conclude: At Stars Orthodontics, consultations are held in-person at our clinic by default to ensure the most comprehensive and personalized care. However, we’re happy to consider arranging a virtual consultation if your circumstances make it difficult to visit us on-site.
What orthodontic treatments does Stars Orthodontics provide?
At Stars Orthodontics, we provide a full spectrum of orthodontic solutions tailored to every stage of life. Whether you’re looking for early intervention for your child, discreet adult braces, or clear aligners, our downtown Ottawa clinic has a custom plan for you.
Clear Aligner Therapy (Invisalign-style)
Clear aligners are the modern, "invisible" alternative to traditional braces. These custom-molded, removable trays gradually shift your teeth into place without the need for metal wires or brackets. They are perfect for Ottawa professionals and teens who want a low-profile treatment that doesn’t interfere with eating, brushing, or snapping photos.
Traditional & Ceramic Braces
We offer time-tested solutions for complex tooth movement and bite correction:
Self-Ligating Metal Braces: A sturdy, classic, and highly efficient option that uses specialized clips to hold the wire, often resulting in shorter appointments.
Clear Ceramic Braces: These offer the same corrective power as metal braces but use tooth-coloured brackets that blend in with your natural smile.
Early Treatment (Phase 1 Orthodontics)
Stars Orthodontics recommends and offers a proactive orthodontic evaluation for children between ages 7 and 10. This "interceptive" phase allows us to guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, and correct teeth alignment early while kids are still growing. By identifying developmental issues early, we can often simplify or even prevent more invasive treatments in the teenage years, setting the foundation for a lifetime of dental health and beautiful smiles.
Surgical Orthodontics & Complex Cases
For patients with severe jaw misalignments or skeletal imbalances, Stars Orthodontics provides coordination with specialized orthognathic surgery. While the surgery is performed by top-tier oral surgeons in Ottawa, we meticulously plan and manage the orthodontic movements before and after the procedure to ensure a functional bite and a balanced facial profile.
Retention Program: Protecting Your Investment
Your journey doesn't end when the braces come off. Every treatment at Stars Orthodontics concludes with a dedicated and complementary Retention Program. We provide custom-fitted retainers and regular follow-up visits over two years to ensure your teeth stay in their ideal positions. We’ve put in the work together, so let’s make sure that "Star" smile lasts a lifetime!
Where can I get teeth straightening in Ottawa?
For convenient, affordable, and compassionate care that brings our your best smile, we highly recommended seeing a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics. At Stars Orthodontics, we offer expert care tailored to your unique smile:
Specialized Expertise: Stars Orthodontics is dedicated exclusively to the science and art of moving teeth and aligning jaws. We utilize modern digital technology and techniques built on decade of experience to provide precise and efficient treatment for every patient.
Comprehensive Options: At Stars Orthodontics, we believe treatment should be as unique as your smile. We offer a range of options, including fixed braces and removable clear aligners, to help identify the solution that best aligns with your clinical needs, lifestyle, and smile goals.
Convenient Access: We are proud to provide orthodontic care to families across the National Capital Region, including those in Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Nepean, and Orléans. Contact our clinic now to book a consultation!
What are clear aligners and how do they work?
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic solution designed to straighten teeth without the wires and brackets of traditional braces. The process relies on three key components:
The Device: You receive a series of custom-molded clear trays made from a transparent, medical-grade polymer. They fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible to others.
The Mechanism: Each tray is engineered to be slightly different from the last. They apply gentle, controlled pressure to move specific teeth by a minute amount before you graduate to the next tray in the series.
The Routine: For optimal results, you wear the aligners for 20 - 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and clean. You will switch to a new set of trays every 1–2 weeks until your ideal smile is achieved.
At Stars Orthodontics, we offer some of the most popular clear aligner brands such as Invisalign and Angel Aligners. We make sure to offer clear aligners that will be most effective for the smile you want to achieve.
What are the differences between clear aligners and braces?
Both treatment options are designed to achieve excellent clinical outcomes. The best choice for you often depends on your daily routine and personal preferences.
Aesthetics: Clear aligners are designed to be discreet and are virtually invisible during daily use. Traditional braces are more visible, although we offer ceramic clear brackets as a more subtle aesthetic option.
Dietary Considerations: Aligners are removable, which allows you to maintain your diet without the specific food restrictions often required with fixed appliances. With braces, it is important to avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods to help prevent appliance breakage.
Hygiene Routine: Because aligners are removed for brushing and flossing, you can typically maintain your existing hygiene routine. Braces require additional time and the use of specialized tools, such as floss threaders, to effectively clean around the brackets and wires.
Compliance Level: The success of aligner treatment depends on consistent wear, as they must be worn for the recommended number of hours each day to be effective. Braces are fixed to the teeth and provide continuous tooth movement without the need for the patient to manage daily wear time.
At Stars Orthodontics, we work with you to evaluate these factors during your initial consultation. Our goal is to provide the information you need to select the treatment method that best fits your clinical requirements and your lifestyle.
Does Stars Orthodontics offer specialized care for children in Ottawa?
Yes. A significant portion of our practice is dedicated to children and teens, making our team highly experienced in meeting the unique needs of younger patients.
Many Ottawa families choose Stars Orthodontics because of our experienced approach treating children and teens. Our approach includes:
Nut-free & Perfume-free Practice: We recognize that young children have special needs sometimes. It is comforting to know that our practice is nut and perfume-free. Please don't hesitate to share your child's allergies with Dr. Sharaf or any of the team members at Stars Orthodontics. We can flag your child’s chart and ensure they are cared for in a safe environment.
Needle-free Practice: Dr. Sharaf doesn't administer local anesthesia to his patients usually. For any of the orthodontic procedures at Stars Orthodontics, if your child is afraid of needles, please assure them that they will not be seeing a needle at Stars Orthodontics no matter where they look.
Scanning instead of impressions: If your child is afraid of taking impressions or is naturally a gagger, we got good news for you. At Stars Orthodontics, we will scan your child's teeth (digitally), instead of taking impressions. Please speak to Dr. Sharaf’s team if your child requires special needs as part of his/her care.
Focus on Prevention: We adhere to the standard recommendation to screen children as young as 7 years old. This allows us to catch potential growth issues early, often simplifying future treatment.
Complimentary Growth Monitoring Appointments: If your child is not yet ready for active treatment, they are invited to join our complimentary growth recall program. During this observation phase, we monitor their dental development on regular basis at no cost. This approach is intended to help us identify the optimal developmental window to begin treatment if it becomes necessary.
Comfort & Expertise: Dr. Sharaf and our team are dedicated to supporting patients who may experience dental anxiety. Our clinic environment is designed to help children feel safe and heard throughout their orthodontic journey. We prioritize clear communication and a gentle approach to ensure a positive experience for every young patient.
How do I choose the right orthodontist in Ottawa?
Finding the right provider is a key part of your smile journey. Whether you are looking for braces for your child or clear aligners like Invisalign in Ottawa for yourself, we recommend looking for these four pillars of quality care:
Specialist Certification
Confirm that your provider is a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics. While many general dentists offer alignment services, orthodontic specialists have completed three additional years of full-time residency training beyond dental school. This advanced education focuses exclusively on the complexities of tooth movement and jaw alignment to ensure a functional, healthy bite.
Financial Transparency
When choosing an orthodontist in Ottawa, prioritize a practice that provides a clear, all-inclusive quote from day one. At Stars Orthodontics, we believe financial clarity is the foundation of a stress-free treatment journey.
Our treatment plans are 100% transparent. When you receive a quote from us, it includes a comprehensive breakdown of the following:
Flexible, Interest-free Monthly Payments: Includes any insurance coverage (if applicable).
Complete Diagnostics: Costs for necessary radiographs (X-rays), oral scans, and professional progress photos.
Final Retention: Your custom-fitted final retainers to protect your investment.
Ongoing Care: Two years of complimentary post-treatment check-ups to ensure your new smile stays perfectly aligned.
We also understand that life happens where appliances can break, brackets come off, and retainers or aligners sometimes go missing. We provide upfront, clear pricing for the repair or replacement of appliances and lost retainers that fall outside your original contract. We want you to have all the information necessary to manage your treatment with total peace of mind.
Advanced Orthodontic Technology
When searching for a modern orthodontist in Ottawa, look for a practice that integrates a digital workflow. At Stars Orthodontics, we combine classic, tried-and-true orthodontic techniques with modern technologies to streamline your path to a better smile.
We use high-precision 3D oral scanners to create precise digital models of your teeth. This technology enhances the accuracy of your treatment plan, leading to more predictable results and a more comfortable experience. Our hybrid approach ensures you get perfectly fitting appliances and retainers for the most effective results.
Flexible Patient Booking
Managing orthodontic treatment should fit into your lifestyle, not disrupt it. We’ve made it easy for our Ottawa patients to stay on track via our dedicated Stars Ortho mobile app. From the palm of your hand, you can book or reschedule visits, message our team, or even request supplies like elastics and wax. Just make sure to inform the clinic at least 3 business days before your appointment if you'd like to cancel or reschedule to avoid a late notice fee.
Experience the Stars Orthodontics Difference
At Stars Orthodontics, we don’t just meet these four pillars, we build upon them. As one of the top providers of orthodontic care in Ottawa, we combine specialist expertise and cutting-edge technology with a patient-first philosophy. Beyond our clinical excellence, we pride ourselves on a personalized experience where you aren't just a chart number, but a member of our "Star" family. From our flexible interest-free payment plans to our commitment to long-term stability, we go the extra mile to ensure your new smile lasts a lifetime.
Are clear aligners affordable in Ottawa?
Yes, clear aligners can be a flexible and accessible option for many families. At Stars Orthodontics, we prioritize value and transparency through three key principles:
Transparent Pricing: In the Ottawa area, the cost for comprehensive orthodontic treatment typically ranges from $3,500 to $8,450, depending on the specific complexity of the case. We provide all-inclusive quotes designed to identify all costs upfront. Our goal is to ensure you have a full understanding of your financial investment, including diagnostics and retainers, with no hidden fees.
Specialist Supervision: Your treatment is planned and managed directly by Dr. Sharaf, a certified specialist in orthodontics. Professional oversight is essential to ensure that your tooth movement is handled safely and effectively. This specialist-led approach is designed to provide predictable results and maintain your long-term oral health.
Wide Accessibility: We are proud to extend our care beyond just the city center, welcoming patients from across the entire National Capital Region including Nepean, Barrhaven, Orleans, and Kanata to experience our specialized service.
At Stars Orthodontics, we strive to make modern smile transformations accessible. By combining clear pricing with specialist expertise, we work to provide a treatment experience that is as seamless as it is effective.
Where is Stars Orthodontics located?
Stars Orthodontics is located at 239B Argyle Ave, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B8. This is in the Centretown area, near the Canadian Museum of Nature.
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