Frequently Asked Questions

Smiles4Canada is a national, not-for-profit program administered by a central team of staff and regional volunteer directors and committees. The participation of orthodontists in the program is completely voluntary and they are not reimbursed for providing treatment. It is one way they give back to the community.

Smiles4Canada is a public health goodwill program of the Canadian Foundation for the Advancement of Orthodontics (CFAO) in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO).

The CFAO was formed in 1981 as the charitable arm of the association and was established to:

• Promote the advancement of the science and art of orthodontics and dental-facial orthopedics
• Encourage and assist scientific and clinical research in educational institutions
• Support the dissemination of scientific and clinical knowledge and improved technical skills
• Further the public awareness of the benefits of orthodontic health care rendered by certified specialists in orthodontics
• Encourage others to contribute to the advancement of orthodontics

For more information visit: cao-aco.org/en/cfao

The most often-quoted reason for getting your child orthodontic treatment is to help restore his/her/their self-image through straightening his/her/their teeth. Studies have shown that a straight smile can help increase confidence and improve self-acceptance and well-being, and these, in turn, can help foster greater success in life. In addition, it can enhance first impressions – always important in social situations in childhood and adulthood.

But there are physiological benefits to orthodontic treatment as well:

• Teeth are less prone to chipping and wear

• Teeth are easier to clean, and therefore less subject to cavities

• Less likelihood of gingivitis, receding gums, and gum disease
• Less strain on jaw muscles and joints, and reduced risk of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
• Improved chewing and better digestion
• Reduced need for bridges or implants

Orthodontic treatment is an important contributor to enhanced health for your child, both now and in the future.

There is no cost for the orthodontic treatment – participating orthodontists donate their services, including the cost of one set of retainers, to the program.

You are responsible for:

• A one-time $500 administrative fee to help cover the cost of program administration. This non-refundable fee is generally less than 10% of the cost of an average orthodontic course of treatment and, in most cases, it is the only fee you can expect to pay for your child's treatment and will be due after your first consultation with your assigned orthodontist.
• Replacement of retainers (if you lose or break the one provided).
• Cost of maintaining your child’s dental health – your child still needs to see a dentist and a hygienist.
• Any dental work that needs to be done before treatment starts that is not covered by Smiles4Canada.
• Any cost for getting him/her/them to and from the orthodontic appointments.

There are 3 stages to the evaluation process:

• Administrative review: To ensure the application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be submitted to the Regional Committee.
• Regional Committee review: To verify financial eligibility, estimate the scope of the treatment, and assess its likelihood of success considering your child’s general dental health, motivation, and character.
• Matching with a participating orthodontist: If your child is accepted, we will try to find a volunteer orthodontist close to your location who is able to undertake the treatment. To assist this orthodontist, we will share the patient information, personal statement, digital photos, signed/initialed program rules, expectations and release, and dental examination forms with him/her. This orthodontist will meet with you and your child to discuss the potential treatment plan options.

A volunteer orthodontist close to your location who is able and willing to undertake the treatment.

Smiles4Canada will complete the matching of your accepted child with a nearby orthodontist who participates in the program. We do our best to find the closest orthodontist to your home. However, there might be some travel based on the participants accepted in any given year and availability of providers. You cannot approach an orthodontist on your own, and this would be grounds to be removed from the program.

There are various reasons children cannot be matched with orthodontists. Those reasons may include:

• Over age or income limits
• Child still has primary/baby teeth
• Malocclusion determined not to be medically or socially handicapping
• No volunteer orthodontist is available within a reasonable travel distance
• Family has access to dental/orthodontic insurance coverage
• Child requires Phase One treatment before starting braces; Phase One treatment is not covered by Smiles4Canada

If you start or have received orthodontic treatment with any orthodontic or dental professional, your application to Smiles4Canada will be cancelled and you won’t qualify for the program.

We only used fixed appliances (i.e. braces), and not products such as Invisalign. We also do not approve cases for Phase 1 treatment, such as palatal expanders.

If you and your child are not keeping up with your responsibilities and not following the treatment plan, the orthodontist may stop or refuse to complete the treatment.

If you have additional questions regarding the application process, contact us via our contact form.

On behalf of yourself and your child, you agree to:

• Pay a one-time, non-refundable administrative fee of $500 when your child is accepted for treatment. Your orthodontist cannot begin treatment until this fee is paid.
• Undertake any non-orthodontic treatment your orthodontist recommends. This may include cleanings, fillings, extractions, gum surgery, root canals, or jaw surgery. This treatment is not included in the program, and may be an extra cost.
• Maintain your child’s oral health by daily and correct brushing and flossing, regular visits to your general dentist, and complying with any treatment your general dentist may recommend.
• Make all scheduled visits to your orthodontist.
• Ensure your child wears the retainer and, if required, rubber bands.
• Follow your orthodontist’s policies and recommendations for things like keeping your child’s mouth clean, food and drinks to avoid, etc.
• Replace the original set of retainers should they break, be damaged, or wear out. If replacement is required, this is an additional cost to you.
• Complete a short report within three months of the end of the treatment, outlining how the orthodontic treatment has helped your child. This report may be used by CFAO Smiles4Canada for educational and promotional purposes.
• Consent to the use of your child’s name (e.g., Jane D., Toronto, ON), before and after photos, and testimonial report to help CFAO Smiles4Canada promote the program.