Dr. Nicolina Adriana De Francesco – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Nicolina Adriana De Francesco is a Orthodontist. Practicing at a orthodontist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Francesco is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Francesco 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. Francesco 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. Francesco 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. Nicolina Adriana De Francesco 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. Francesco brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Francesco is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Francesco's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Francesco is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French and Italian.

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

Orthodontic Assessment Needs

• Concerns about Crooked, Crowded, Gapped, or Protruding Teeth: Addressing issues of tooth malposition, such as crowding that makes cleaning difficult, or spacing that affects appearance, for a healthier and more attractive smile.
• Bite Problems (Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Open Bite, Deep Bite): Addressing functional and aesthetic concerns related to how the teeth and jaws fit together, aiming for an optimal, stable, and healthy bite.

Jaw Alignment Growth Concerns

• Jaw Growth Discrepancies & Skeletal Imbalances in Growing Patients: Seeking specialist orthodontic evaluation for misaligned jaws that may affect facial harmony, bite function, airway, or TMJ health as the child grows.

Crowding Spacing Teeth

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

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Francesco. 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).
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Orthodontic Retainers (Fixed & Removable): Customized retention solutions to prevent teeth from shifting after braces or aligner therapy is complete.
• Traditional Metal & Ceramic Braces: Classic and aesthetic brace options for comprehensive orthodontic correction in children, teens, and adults.
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging: Access to or provision of 3D CBCT scans for detailed imaging of teeth, jawbone, sinuses, and TMJ, essential for complex treatment planning.

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

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a tooth that had become very dark or discolored, perhaps after a past injury or previous root canal treatment, involves working systematically towards their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development. Dr. Francesco expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures.
• If having chipped a tooth unexpectedly while eating something hard is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Francesco develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their lost filling or crown being promptly and durably replaced, protecting the tooth. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy their ability to savor the flavors of food being enhanced due to a healthy mouth.
• For individuals troubled by needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain, Dr. Francesco's approach is focused on delivering their old, uncomfortable dental bridge being replaced with a well-fitting and aesthetic new one. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like enjoying the full taste of food without a metallic taste from old fillings or bad breath with a healthier smile.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a canker sore (aphthous ulcer) that was unusually large, very painful, or taking a long time to heal is a common journey for patients under Dr. Francesco's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, so that daily routines and pleasures like easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain become straightforward again.

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

Dr. Francesco's practice is a dental office in Vancouver, situated in the Kitsilano neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Woodward's Building and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Francesco 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 crucial to follow Dr. Francesco's specific recommendations.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Francesco at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Francesco 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. Francesco 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.

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, social assistance recipients). It's essential 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.

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

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

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 also 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. Francesco 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).

254-4255 Arbutus St
Vancouver, BC, V6J 4R1

Phone: (604) 733-1130

Dr. Nicolina Adriana De Francesco 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. Francesco 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.