Dr. Steven Howard Ma

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

Crowding Spacing Teeth

• Crowded, Overlapped, or Excessively Spaced Teeth: Teeth that are too close together, rotated, or overlapping, making them difficult to clean and potentially affecting aesthetics and gum health. Or, teeth that have noticeable gaps or spacing between them.

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.

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.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Ma. 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: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Clear Aligner Therapy (e.g., Invisalign®, Spark™): Aesthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional braces for correcting various alignment and bite issues.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.

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

• Dr. Ma expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options, means they can happily and comfortably get back to knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage.
• The journey from experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow to wellness often involves Dr. Ma's dedicated care. The milestone is a suspicious white or red patch in their mouth being diagnosed early, leading to effective management, which opens the door back to activities such as biting into sandwiches or other challenging foods with complete confidence.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Ma when they first notice their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, enabling them to once again enjoy feeling more outgoing and engaging in conversations more readily without hesitation.

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

Davis Orthodontics, where Dr. Ma practices, is situated in the Central Oshawa, O'Neill neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Oshawa and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Davis Orthodontics.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Davis Orthodontics's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of Davis Orthodontics’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (905) 725-9441. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr. Ma or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Oshawa area.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Ma and the team at Davis Orthodontics will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Ma will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

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

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

Generally, every 6 months for most patients for preventative care. Dr. Ma 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 if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). Follow Dr. Ma's specific recommendation.

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. Ma 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. Ma?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Davis Orthodontics directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Ma.

Davis Orthodontics
419 King St W #130
Oshawa, ON, L1J 2K5

Phone: (905) 725-9441

Dr. Steven Howard Ma 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: 79139

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=79139

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