Dr. Melissa Nicole Sander – Dentist | Brantford, ON

Dr. Melissa Nicole Sander is a Orthodontist. Practicing at Clarence Street Dental Group in Brantford, ON, Dr. Sander is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Sander 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. Sander 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. Sander 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 Clarence Street Dental Group.

Dr. Melissa Nicole Sander earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2003. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Orthodontist at the University of Toronto in 2007. With over 22 years of practice since 2003, Dr. Sander remains dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment to professional development ensures Dr. Sander consistently incorporates the latest advancements in orthodontic techniques and technologies into their practice, benefiting all patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Sander's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Sander provides consultations in English.

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

Malocclusion Orthodontic Issues

• Misaligned Teeth & Jaws Requiring Specialist Orthodontic Correction: Addressing significant bite problems (malocclusions) and complex dental or skeletal irregularities for optimal long-term oral health, function, and appearance, managed by an orthodontic specialist.

Crowding Spacing Teeth

• Crowded, Overlapped, or Excessively Spaced Teeth: Addressing issues of dental arch length discrepancy leading to either crowding or spacing of teeth.

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Dental situations where standard 2D X-rays (bitewings, panoramic) are insufficient and a 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan is required for accurate diagnosis, assessment of anatomical complexities, or detailed planning of complex treatments like implants, orthodontics, or endodontics.

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.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Sander. 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: Detailed consultations to discuss all aspects of orthodontic care, including treatment duration, appliance options, and expected outcomes.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Clear Aligner Therapy (e.g., Invisalign®, Spark™): Aesthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional braces for correcting various alignment and bite issues.

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

• Managing experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Sander and the dental team. The clear aim is always finding a dental team that understands and effectively manages their dental nervousness, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying enjoying the sensation of a clean, healthy mouth after every meal and hygiene routine and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Sander when they first notice needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve feeling significantly more relaxed and calm during dental visits due to effective anxiety management strategies or sedation, enabling them to once again enjoy their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet without hesitation.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Sander to see patients who were troubled by experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease successfully achieve their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Sander with concerns about feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry, making a positive and lasting return to feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. Sander's practice, Clarence Street Dental Group, is situated in the Eagle Place, Echo Place neighborhood of Brantford. The clinic is conveniently located near Woodland Cultural Centre and is accessible via Brantford Transit. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Sander 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. Sander for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Sander 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). It is important to follow Dr. Sander's specific recommendation.

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

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

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 you might be eligible for and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Sander at Clarence Street Dental Group?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Sander and the team will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Sander will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Clarence Street Dental Group
1325 Clarence St S #1
Brantford, ON, N3S 0C7

Phone: (519) 756-8080

Dr. Melissa Nicole Sander 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: 58886

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=58886

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