About
Dr. Allen Drew Smith is a Orthodontist. Practicing at N/A in London, ON, Dr. Smith is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Smith is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Smith focuses exclusively on the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and comprehensive treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), misaligned teeth, and jaw irregularities using a full range of orthodontic appliances including braces, clear aligners, and retainers for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Smith serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at N/A.
Dr. Allen Drew Smith earned a Dental Degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 1993. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Orthodontist at the Marquette University in 1996. With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Smith is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures Dr. Smith remains at the forefront of orthodontic advancements, consistently integrating the latest techniques and technologies into their practice to deliver optimal patient outcomes.
Key aspects of Dr. Smith's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Smith provides consultations in English.
As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Allen Drew Smith addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:
Preventative Oral Health Topics
- Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
- Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
Crowding Spacing Teeth
- Crowded, Overlapped, or Excessively Spaced Teeth: Addressing issues of dental arch length discrepancy leading to either crowding or spacing of teeth.
Malocclusion Orthodontic Issues
- Misaligned Teeth & Jaws Requiring Specialist Orthodontic Correction: Seeking advanced orthodontic treatment, typically involving fixed braces (metal or ceramic) or comprehensive clear aligner therapy (e.g., Invisalign® Full), from a specialist to achieve optimal dental alignment, bite function, and facial aesthetics.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Smith. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
- Comprehensive Orthodontic Diagnosis & Treatment Planning: Developing individualized orthodontic treatment plans to correct malocclusions and achieve optimal dental and facial aesthetics.
- Interceptive Orthodontics & Growth Modification (Phase I Treatment): Phase I orthodontic treatment to address skeletal and dental issues in growing patients, setting the stage for a healthier bite.
- Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
- Traditional Metal & Ceramic Braces: Classic and aesthetic brace options for comprehensive orthodontic correction in children, teens, and adults.
- Clear Aligner Therapy (e.g., Invisalign®, Spark™): Utilizing leading clear aligner systems for effective and virtually invisible teeth straightening.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Smith. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.
All dental services by Dr. Allen Drew Smith adhere to scope of practice for Orthodontists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Smith is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At N/A, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:
- Many people seek Dr. Smith's professional help and expertise when dealing with a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to enjoying romantic moments without self-consciousness about their breath or smile.
- The primary focus for patients seeking help for a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal at Dr. Smith's practice is consistently achieving their teeth and gums feeling exceptionally clean and healthy after a necessary deep cleaning procedure. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine.
- Patients experiencing their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Smith's practice, a key objective is feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in maintaining fresh breath, which improves their social and professional interactions.
- Effectively addressing a dental problem that was causing significant difficulty or pain when they tried to eat certain types of foods with Dr. Smith's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle and social interactions.
Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Smith, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Smith is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.
Dr. Smith's practice, which is N/A, is situated in the Stoneybrook, Uplands neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Budweiser Gardens and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.
- Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?
- Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Smith will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
- Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?
- While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Smith identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Smith?
- Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact N/A directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Smith.
- Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- In ON, provincial health plans (like OHIP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at N/A.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Smith at N/A?
- Your first visit with Dr. Smith will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Smith will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Smith for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Smith will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Smith's specific recommendation.
- How long does orthodontic treatment (e.g., braces, Invisalign®) usually take with Dr. Smith?
- Treatment time varies greatly depending on case complexity, patient age, appliance type, and patient compliance. Average treatment can range from 12-36 months. Dr. Smith will provide a personalized estimate after a comprehensive orthodontic assessment.
N/A
235 North Centre Rd #301
London, ON, N5X 4E7
Phone: (519) 433-3701
Dr. Allen Drew Smith is a licensed Orthodontist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).
License Number: 13258
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=13258
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Smith and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.