Braces can be, and usually is, an expensive and time consuming rollercoaster for your mouth, requiring a host of temporary, but lengthy, lifestyle changes while your teeth reconfigures. As such, it's always wise to look for a quality establishment that you can respect for the long haul that awaits. After doing background research and having a chat in-office with numerous dental and orthodontic practices in and outside my city I eventually selected Smiles in Motion (SiM) -- the orthodontic office of Dr. Robert Tocchio located in Brantford, Ontario (Canada). SiM offers three types of braces: self-ligating (SPEED brands), Invisaligns (think of these as clear removable aligners), and ceramic braces (a clear type with an arch wire). Although each patient's case is different for the most part ceramic and Invisalign are more for people who are concerned about aesthetics during treatment. Once your braces are in place expect to return to the ortho chair every two months for necessary adjustments. I couldn't help but appreciate how well organized this establishment was -- top-notch class. The staff was second-to-none with an impeccably contagious effervescence -- always eager to answer any and all questions no matter how esoteric. You could tell they loved working there which made return visits an enjoyable experience. For a business to flourish listening to its customers is of the highest paramount and thankfully SiM was very receptive. They were patient and genuinely focused on dealing with concerns effectively. I was also very impressed how their dental assistants/hygienists routinely made an extra effort to bring up helpful advice that went beyond what one would expect when dealing with braces. Not satisfied by just having a general information website (located at braces.ca) SiM goes further by also offering a nifty online patient centre where you can look up pictures/scans of your treatment, create/update appointment times, and get more information on what happened during prior visits. You can also setup automatic notifications that will email/SMS you a few days in advance prior to an appointment. Their response time when using the available online contact form, direct email, and voice mail was astonishingly fast. Interestingly, near the end of treatment Dr. Tocchio makes it a routine to say that your braces won't come off until you are completely satisfied with the results which I thought was an important plus because when you think about it I imagine most in his field would want to get patients out the door ASAP to make room for the next in line. It was a nice subtle reminder that SiM genuinely cared about the work they were doing. For those getting braces I strongly recommend you speak up and don't be afraid to voice any concerns you may have before and during treatment. There is a never-ending deluge of online questions by braces-wearing kids and adults alike who are far too scared to verbalize what they want to say when in the dental chair hoping instead on the fabled omniscient powers of their doctor. Sure that is fine if the issue is obvious but subtle ones may go unnoticed unless you say something. With SiM they are more than willing to answer any questions and will promptly deal with all concerns. Dr. Tocchio and his merry staff are a very rare breed in their industry -- caring unquestionably by the work they craft. I highly recommend them. read more