Generally children are excellent dental patients. Thay approach dental visits with a positive attitude & love visiting us because it is fun.

There are a few tips to help your child prepare for their first visit & to ensure that they look forward to coming to the dentist:

1. Many adults did not have a positive experience with the dentist as a child. It is important to remember that dental visits have changed & for the better. Try not to pass on your own fears to your children. It is common for children to grow up without a cavity & is very common for them to never experience dental pain. Avoid the use of words such as needles, pain & hurt & replace them with fun, new adventure & friendly.

2. We encourage Mom & Dad to start bringing their children to their appointments when their child is young, even from birth. This will serve two purposes. Firstly, a new parent often has concerns or questions regarding how to clean the babies mouth, to use a pacifier or not & tooth eruption, these questions can be addressed at your visit more adequately if your child is present. Secondly, your child becomes familiar with us & our office so that when it comes time for their visit it is already a place they have visited many times.

3.Bring younger children to an older sibling's appointment. They love to sit with their brother or sister in the dental chair or be a helper to the Hygienist.

4.Children generally are ready for their own visit between the ages of 2-3. By around 2 years of age they have all their baby teeth & it is important to check their teeth at this time.

5. There are many great books & videos that you can show your child prior to coming to our office. "Barney goes to the Dentist" is a great book that shows a little girl going to the Dentist for her dental exam.

6. Play Dentist with your child at home. Lean your child into your lap & using a flashight count their teeth with their toothbrush. Remember to let your child be the Dentist as well.

7. It is important to start dental visits & home care at an early age to avoid dental emergencies. We love children & make a special effort to make evry visit a great visit.

It is important to us that the parent & child to feel absolutely comfortable in our dental office.

One of our Dental Hygienist, Kelly, has outlined what your child's first visit entails.

Welcome to Our Office!

I have been a Dental Hygienist for 9 years & the best part of the day is when I have a child in my care. Its play time & I get to be a be a kid again. I once had a mother say to me," I cannot tell my children that we're seeing the dentist the night before their appointments because they would not sleep". Since we deal with individuals with dental phobias I was concerned. Mom said, "The reason they do not sleep is because they are so excited about their dental visits". I have listed what to expect at our office I hope you find it helpful.

1. Mom & Dad, brothers & sisters, grandparents are always welcome into the treatment rooms.

2. Children are ready between the ages of 2-3. You will be surprised, many parents tell me that their child will not sit in the dental chair at 2 years of age, they will.

3. First appointment is primarily with the Dental Hygienist. We greet your child in the reception area & offer them our hand. It is up to Mom & Dad if they are comfortable with their child leaving them behind. If the child comes in on their own Mom & Dad are always welcome to pop in to see how we are doing.

4. We offer your child a "ride in our chair". Children love to see if they can touch the ceiling as the chair climbs higher & higher.

5. Once we are back at ground level, we can explain what equipment we have in our treatment room. All equipment is shown to your child before we use it in their mouths. We have tooth counters, teeth ticklers, stretchy gloves, masks, funky sunglasses & air & water squirters ( great for spraying the other staff members as they walk by). The more fun we can make it the more comfortable your child feels.

6.Children are never pushed during their visit with us. At an examination appointment the teeth are counted & we use a laser cavity detection machine that minimizes the use of dental x-rays. This is a very sensitive machine that looks like a pen with a small light on the tip. We check your child's bite & discuss any developing habits if any & how to deal with them.We polish the teeth with bubbblegum, blueberry, cotton candy or cookie dough polishing paste. This can all be done while your child watches themselves in the mirror or while they watch cartoons.

7. Children are sent home with a special loot bag for their first visit & a trip to our treat box is always a must.


Your child will love coming to see us, I look forward to seeing you soon.

Dr.Pong has been providing orthodontic care to his patients since 1987. Both adults & children can benefit from orthodontics.You do not need to be a patient of Dr.Pong's to proceed with treatment, we accept referrals from other Dental Offices.

The First Step:

1. If you are unsure if you or your child requires orthodontic treatment, we invite you to visit us for a no charge visit to discuss your concerns. For children, 7 years of age is typically the age when an assessment for orthodontic treatment is recommended.

2. When you have decided to proceed with treatment an appointment is made to take the necessary records. From this information a treatment plan is comprised.Records include impressions of your teeth, photographs of your smile,2 orthodontic x-rays, measurements & assessment of the teeth & a health history. This appointment is 30 minutes in length.

3. Two weeks after the orthodontic records have been collected an appointment is required for you to sit down with Dr.Pong & discuss your treatment options. This appointment is approximately 30 minutes.

4. Dianna, your Treatment Co-ordinator will supply your insurance company with the necessay information to proceed with your care.

5. You are now ready to start your orthodontic treatment.

Types of Braces

Ceramic or clear braces- many adults choose the clear braces. These braces are almost invisble and provide the same results as conventional braces.

Silver braces- children & adults can both benefit from the conventional silver, metal braces. We make braces FUN!! Colourful ties that are changed at each ortho visit make wearing braces fun. Orange & black ties for Hallowe'en or green & red for Christmas, you choose the combinations.

Orthodontic Appliances- in many cases orthodontis retainers or appliances are used. Again, we make appliances FUN!! Purple retainers with the Toronto Raptors Logo or Glow in the Dark appliances.