How to choose an orthodontist in Winnipeg comes down to four things: specialist training, a clear treatment plan, options that fit your family, and an office that is easy to get to. Meet the orthodontist before you commit. Ask direct questions and notice how well they explain your options. The right fit is the one you still trust after the first visit.
Winnipeg has plenty of choices, which can make the search harder instead of easier. This guide covers what to look for, what to ask at a consult, and the warning signs worth noticing. It also shows what to expect at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, so you have a real example to measure against.
What Should You Look for When Choosing an Orthodontist?
Start with training, then look at treatment options and how clearly the team communicates. These three tell you most of what you need to know before a first appointment. A short list of questions covers the rest.
What Training Should an Orthodontist Have?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist. After dental school, they complete extra accredited training focused on tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction. Ask where your orthodontist trained and whether they are registered as a specialist.
Dr. Alvaro Salles at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is one example. He completed a Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Manitoba in 2017 and passed his board exam at The Royal College of Dentists of Canada.
What Treatment Options Should an Orthodontist Offer?
Look for an office that offers more than one option. Metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners each suit different cases. When several are available, the recommendation can follow your teeth instead of the limits of one product.
Topsmiles offers metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and its own in-house clear aligners.
Why Does Communication Matter as Much as Credentials?
Credentials tell you what someone studied. Communication tells you what treatment will feel like. A good orthodontist explains your diagnosis in plain language, walks through your options, and tells you what is expected of you. If you leave a consult confused, that is worth noticing.
What Questions Should You Ask at Your First Orthodontic Consultation?
A first consult is a two-way conversation. Knowing how to choose an orthodontist is easier when you bring a short list and ask about what matters to you. These questions are a good place to start:
- Who will treat me at each visit?
- Which treatment options suit my case, and why?
- How long is treatment likely to take?
- How often will I need appointments?
- How do you take records, and what will I see before treatment starts?
- What happens if a bracket breaks or I lose an aligner?
- What does retainer care look like after treatment?
- Which locations and hours fit my schedule?
Write the answers down. Comparing notes between two consults is often what makes the choice clear.
How Do You Compare Two Orthodontists Fairly?
If you visit more than one office, use the same yardstick for each. Otherwise the nicest waiting room can win by default. Try this simple approach:
- Ask every office the same questions.
- Write down what each orthodontist recommends and why.
- Note who explained your options most clearly.
- Compare locations, hours, and how easy the office was to deal with.
- Trust your read of the team, since you will see them often.
A recommendation that differs between offices is not a red flag by itself. Ask each orthodontist why they chose it.
What Makes the Best Orthodontist in Winnipeg for Your Family?
What counts as the best orthodontist in Winnipeg for one family is not always the best fit for another. A parent coordinating two school schedules needs different things than an adult fitting appointments around a work week. These factors matter for almost everyone:
- Specialist training. Confirm the orthodontist completed accredited specialty education.
- A range of treatments. Braces and aligners should both be on the table.
- Clear explanations. You should understand the plan before you agree to it.
- Convenient locations and hours. Look for an office you can reach without rearranging your week.
- Family-friendly care. An office that treats kids, teens, and adults can make family scheduling simpler.
- Support between visits. Ask what happens when something breaks or feels wrong.
When Should You Start Looking for an Orthodontist?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists both suggest a first orthodontic check by around age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in to show how the bite is developing. Many children at that age only need monitoring.
Many people start as teens, since most permanent teeth are in and growth can still help. Adults can start at any age as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. If you are unsure, a free consult answers the question without any commitment.
What Warning Signs Should You Watch For?
A few signs are worth noticing before you commit:
- No in-person exam before treatment begins
- A one-size-fits-all recommendation made before anyone looks at your teeth
- Pressure to sign up on the spot
- Vague answers about who will treat you or how long it will take
- No clear explanation of why one option fits you better than another
None of these proves a problem on its own. Together, they are a reason to ask more questions or get a second opinion.
A virtual consult is a fine way to get a first opinion, as long as a full in-person exam comes before treatment. Planning treatment without ever examining your mouth can miss gum and bone problems.
What Can You Expect at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics?
Topsmiles is a dual-specialty office, which means kids dentistry and orthodontics happen under one roof. Dr. Alvaro Salles, DDS, is the orthodontic specialist.
Dr. Adriana Salles, Dr. Saffana Jbara, and Dr. Mitch Vodrey are pediatric dentists. Dr. Adriana Salles has practiced pediatric dentistry for more than 20 years.
Orthodontic care starts with a free ortho consult. You fill out a short form, choose an office, and the team reaches out to book your appointment with Dr. Alvaro Salles. If you are short on time, the free virtual consult lets you send up to eight photos from your phone, and the doctors review them and share treatment plan options.
Treatment options include metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and in-house clear aligners. Patients of all ages are welcome, from kids to adults. The two offices are on St. Anne’s Road and Portage Avenue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Orthodontist in Winnipeg
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
Both complete dental school, but an orthodontist then completes additional accredited training in tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction. A dentist handles everyday oral health, such as cleanings, fillings, and crowns. An orthodontist focuses on straightening teeth and correcting bites with braces, aligners, and other appliances.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
Around age 7, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists. Enough permanent teeth have come in by then to show crowding, bite problems, and jaw growth concerns. Many children only need monitoring at that stage.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It depends on the case. Topsmiles patients typically finish within 12 to 30 months, depending on complexity. Your orthodontist gives you an estimate after reviewing your records.
Can adults get braces or aligners?
Yes. Teeth can move at any age when the gums and supporting bone are healthy. Adults often choose clear braces or clear aligners for a more discreet look, though metal braces remain a strong option for complex bites.
Is a virtual consult the same as an in-person exam?
No. A virtual consult gives you a first opinion from photos. A full in-person exam still comes before treatment so your orthodontist can check your teeth, gums, and bite directly.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring your questions, your dental and medical history, and any recent dental records or X-rays you have. If you are visiting for your child, add a list of anything their dentist has mentioned.
Book a Free Orthodontic Consult in Winnipeg
Now that you know how to choose an orthodontist, the next step is meeting one. Book a free ortho consult at either Topsmiles office, or start with the free virtual consult if that suits your schedule. It is a chance to ask your questions and hear your options.
St. Anne’s Road Office: 246 St. Anne’s Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2M 3A4, 431-317-7777
Portage Avenue Office: 3025 Portage Ave., Unit 245, Winnipeg, MB R3K 2E2, 204-956-2060