Dr. Caroline Blais – Dentist | Timmins, ON

Dr. Caroline Blais is a Orthodontist. Practicing at Blais Orthodontics in Timmins, ON, Dr. Blais is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Blais 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. Blais 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. Blais serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Caroline Blais earned a Dental Degree from Université De Montreal, graduating in 2010. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Orthodontist at the Université de Montreal in 2016. With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. Blais is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Blais's commitment to professional development ensures patients receive the most current and effective orthodontic treatments. This dedication, combined with their extensive clinical experience, allows Dr. Blais to provide comprehensive and personalized care.

Key aspects of Dr. Blais's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Blais provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Caroline Blais addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Jaw Alignment Growth Concerns

• Jaw Growth Discrepancies & Skeletal Imbalances in Growing Patients: Concerns about the proportional growth and development of the upper and lower jaws in children or adolescents, potentially requiring interceptive orthodontic treatment (Phase I) with functional appliances or headgear to guide jaw growth, or future orthognathic (jaw) surgery in conjunction with orthodontics for severe skeletal imbalances.

Orthodontic Assessment Needs

• Concerns about Crooked, Crowded, Gapped, or Protruding Teeth: Dissatisfaction with the alignment, spacing, or protrusion of teeth, seeking professional orthodontic evaluation to understand treatment options.
• Bite Problems (Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open Bite, Deep Bite): Experiencing functional or aesthetic issues with how upper and lower teeth meet (malocclusion), affecting chewing efficiency, speech, appearance, or potentially contributing to jaw joint discomfort or tooth wear.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Complex dental cases that significantly benefit from the superior diagnostic information and precise measurements provided by CBCT scans for optimal treatment outcomes.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Blais. 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: Specialist evaluation of bite problems, teeth alignment, and jaw relationships using clinical exams, dental models, photographs, and advanced imaging (X-rays, CBCT).
• Orthodontic Retainers (Fixed & Removable): Essential follow-up care to ensure the stability of orthodontic results long-term.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Blais. 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. Caroline Blais 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. Blais is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Blais Orthodontics, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Blais about having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard is to attain their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.
• Understanding the frustration needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect can cause, Dr. Blais tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain.
• The journey from wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances to wellness often involves Dr. Blais's dedicated care. The milestone is feeling confident about effectively cleaning around their dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances after personalized instruction, which opens the door back to activities such as delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected at Dr. Blais's practice is consistently achieving successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their dentures feeling so secure they almost forget they are wearing them.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Blais, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Blais is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Blais Orthodontics is situated in a central location within the Timmins neighborhood of Timmins, ON. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Blais at Blais Orthodontics?

Your first visit with Dr. Blais 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. Blais 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.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Blais?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Blais for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Blais Orthodontics.

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 like Dr. Blais. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Blais identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

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 used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Blais 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).

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Blais for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Blais will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Always follow Dr. Blais's specific recommendation.

How long does orthodontic treatment (e.g., braces, Invisalign®) usually take with Dr. Blais?

Treatment time varies greatly depending on case complexity, patient age, appliance type, and patient compliance. Average treatment can range from 12-36 months. Dr. Blais will provide a personalized estimate after a comprehensive orthodontic assessment.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, 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 and check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.

Blais Orthodontics
12 Elm St N #A
Timmins, ON, P4N 6A1

Phone: (705) 531-3555

Dr. Caroline Blais 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: 84810

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=84810

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Blais 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.