Dr. Donal Christopher Flanagan – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Donal Christopher Flanagan is a Orthodontist. Practicing at a orthodontist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Flanagan is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Flanagan is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. As a certified specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Flanagan 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. Flanagan 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 the clinic.

Dr. Donal Christopher Flanagan earned a Dental Degree. This was followed by specialized training in advanced training to become a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Flanagan brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Flanagan is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Flanagan'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. Dr. Flanagan provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Jaw Alignment Growth Concerns

• Jaw Growth Discrepancies & Skeletal Imbalances in Growing Patients: Addressing underlying skeletal contributions to malocclusion through growth modification therapies or planning for future surgical-orthodontic correction when growth is complete.

Overbite Underbite Crossbite

• Specific Bite Problems: Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open Bite: Addressing various anteroposterior, vertical, or transverse bite problems through specialized orthodontic care.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Requiring advanced three-dimensional imaging to precisely visualize teeth, bone structures, nerve pathways, sinuses, and TMJ in intricate detail.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Flanagan. 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).
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Clear Aligner Therapy (e.g., Invisalign®, Spark™): Providing advanced orthodontic treatment with a series of custom-made, removable clear plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth discreetly.
• Orthodontic Retainers (Fixed & Removable): Providing and managing custom-made retainers (fixed lingual wires or removable Essix/Hawley retainers) to maintain teeth in their corrected positions after active orthodontic treatment.
• 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. Flanagan. 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. Donal Christopher Flanagan adhere to scope of practice for Orthodontists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Flanagan is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dr. Donal Christopher Flanagan's practice, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• If simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Flanagan develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern.
• Many people seek Dr. Flanagan's professional help and expertise when dealing with waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their gums feeling healthy and looking good, contributing to overall oral wellness.
• Effectively addressing experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits with Dr. Flanagan's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of experiencing a significant reduction in jaw pain and morning headaches after treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their ability to enunciate words clearly for better communication and social interactions.
• Through Dr. Flanagan's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding often find they can readily achieve the dark spot on their tooth being treated, preventing a larger cavity from forming and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine.

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

Dr. Flanagan's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Harbour Centre and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). 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. Flanagan at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Flanagan 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. Flanagan 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.

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 to minimize any potential exposure. 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. Flanagan 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 to see a general dentist like Dr. Flanagan?

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Flanagan will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients 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. It is important to follow Dr. Flanagan's specific recommendation.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In British Columbia, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

S200-650 41st Ave W
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2M9

Phone: (604) 263-2727

Dr. Donal Christopher Flanagan is a licensed Orthodontist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

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