FAQ
General & New Patient Questions
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes! We are always happy to welcome new families to our Carling Avenue practice. Whether you are looking for a routine cleaning or have a specific dental concern, we would love to meet you.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Your first visit is all about getting to know you. We’ll perform a gentle exam, take digital scans with our TRIOS technology (no messy goop!), and discuss your goals for your smile. We never rush; we take the time to ensure you feel comfortable and informed.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes! We accept CDCP and can guide you through your eligible dental benefits.
Our "Harmony" Approach & Technology
What is "Non-Invasive" or "Minimal Intervention" dentistry?
It’s a philosophy of “saving” as much of your natural tooth as possible. Instead of aggressive drilling, we use advanced tools to find and treat issues early. This leads to smaller fillings, less discomfort, and longer-lasting results for your teeth
Does the Waterlase laser really mean "no needles"?
In many cases, yes! Our Biolase Waterlase uses a gentle combination of laser energy and water to perform fillings and gum treatments. Because it doesn’t create heat or vibration like a traditional drill, many patients don’t require freezing or needles at all.
What are the benefits of a TRIOS digital scanner?
Say goodbye to those uncomfortable, gag-inducing putty impressions. The TRIOS scanner is a small wand that takes a 3D digital map of your mouth in seconds. It’s faster, much more comfortable, and incredibly accurate for crowns, bridges, and Invisalign.
Anxiety & Comfort
I’m very nervous about dental visits. How can you help?
You are not alone, and there is no judgment here. Dr. Okhravi has 15 years of experience helping anxious patients. We focus on a “calm side of dentistry” meaning a quiet environment, gentle techniques, and the use of lasers to eliminate the sounds and sensations that cause anxiety.
Do you see children?
Absolutely! We love seeing families. Our gentle, non-invasive tools (like the laser) are actually perfect for kids because they are much less intimidating than traditional dental equipment.
Learn More About Invisalign
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
For the best results, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You only take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and perform your daily oral hygiene routine.
Is the treatment painful?
Invisalign is designed with the philosophy of gentle dentistry in mind. While you may feel some pressure for a few days when switching to a new set of aligners—which is a sign your teeth are moving—it is generally much more comfortable than the sharp wires and brackets of traditional braces.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Treatment typically costs between $3,500 and $7,500 depending on the complexity of the treatment.
Will my dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans in Ontario include orthodontic benefits. We recommend checking with your provider to see if “major restorative” or “orthodontic” coverage is included in your plan. We can also prepare a predetermination for your treatment and submit it to your insurance prior to starting the treatment.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. To make care accessible and stress-free, we offer flexible financing options. Monthly installment plans typically range from $250 to $350 per month, depending on your initial down payment and the length of your treatment.
Can I use a Health Spending Account (HSA)?
Absolutely. If you have a Health Spending Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, you can often use those tax-free dollars to pay for your Invisalign treatment, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Night Guards and Sport Guards?
Do you make night guards and Sport guards?
yes, we do make custom made Night Guards and Sport Guards for patients.
What is a night guard?
A night guard is a custom-fitted dental appliance worn over your teeth while you sleep. At our practice, we focus on a harmony-based approach, using high-quality materials like KeySplint™ instead of traditional acrylics to ensure your guard is both safe and durable.
What are they used for?
Night guards are primarily designed to protect your teeth and jaw from the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). They serve several key purposes:
- Protecting Tooth Enamel: The guard acts as a protective barrier, preventing your upper and lower teeth from grinding against each other, which can wear down enamel over time.
- Reducing Jaw Pain: By cushioning the constant pressure of clenching, a night guard helps alleviate strain on the jaw joints and muscles.
- Preventing Damage to Dental Work: If you have crowns, bridges, or veneers, a night guard helps ensure these investments aren’t fractured by nocturnal grinding.
- Minimizing Morning Headaches: Reducing the tension in your jaw and facial muscles can often lead to a decrease in tension-related headaches upon waking.
Why choose a custom-fitted guard?
Unlike over-the-counter options, our custom guards are designed using a TRIOS scanner for a precise, comfortable fit that won’t interfere with your breathing or sleep quality. This aligns with our commitment to non-invasive and gentle dentistry, providing a solution that feels natural and keeps your smile in harmony.
What makes your night guards different from traditional ones?
Most traditional night guards are made from acrylic, which can sometimes contain residual monomers—unreacted components from the manufacturing process that may leach out into the mouth over time. Instead of acrylic, we use KeySplint Hard™, a highly cross-linked resin that cures into a dense, stable structure, significantly reducing these health concerns.
Why should I choose a night guard from your practice?
With over 15 years of experience, we focus on harmony and non-invasive care. By combining advanced materials like KeySplint Hard™ with precision digital scanning, we provide a solution that protects your teeth while aligning with our philosophy of gentle, health-conscious dentistry.
Logistics
Where are you located and is there parking?
We are located at 1852 Carling Avenue in Ottawa. We have convenient free parking available for our patients, making your visit as stress-free as possible.
What are your office hours?
We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Fridays are available by appointment only to ensure we can accommodate more complex procedures in a quiet setting.