Specialist-Led Orthodontics in Victoria, BC
Diagnosis-First Orthodontic Care with Airway and Functional Screening
Orthodontics Victoria is an independent specialist practice grounded in diagnostic rigor and clinical judgment. Care decisions are based on structured assessment, biologic principles, and individualized findings rather than standardized treatment pathways.
Care is directed by Dr. Marlon Moldez, a registered orthodontic specialist with a PhD in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine. This advanced training supports comprehensive evaluation of craniofacial development, jaw-related symptoms, and functional considerations within orthodontic scope.
When appropriate, management recommendations are provided or coordination with other healthcare providers is advised.
Orthodontic care at Orthodontics Victoria is led by a registered orthodontic specialist and delivered with the support of a trained clinical team. Diagnosis, treatment direction, and ongoing adjustments remain under specialist oversight throughout care, allowing treatment to respond to biologic change, oral health status, and functional considerations over time rather than following standardized or appliance-driven pathways.
Consultations focus on individualized assessment and treatment planning.
Treatment Planning and Clinical Decision-Making
Orthodontic treatment planning begins with comprehensive clinical assessment. Dental alignment, skeletal relationships, growth status, periodontal support, and functional findings are evaluated to determine whether treatment is indicated and how care should be sequenced.
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Not all patients require orthodontic intervention. In some cases, monitoring or delayed treatment is appropriate. When treatment is recommended, goals and limitations are discussed to support informed decision-making.
Care Across Different Stages of Development
Orthodontic needs change over time. Growth status, dental development, and skeletal maturity influence both treatment timing and treatment approach.
Care may involve observation, phased treatment, or comprehensive correction depending on individual presentation and developmental stage.
Each stage focuses on appropriate timing, sequencing, and scope of care based on individual findings.
Treatment Approaches
Fixed appliance-based care
Braces may be used to guide tooth movement and address bite relationships when clinically indicated.
Treatment mechanics are selected based on individual findings, biological limits, and defined treatment objectives.
Removable appliance-based care
Removable appliances and aligner systems may be used in selected cases to address alignment or bite concerns, depending on case complexity and individual orthodontic considerations.
Growth-directed care
In growing patients, appliances may be used to guide jaw relationships and dental development when clinically indicated. Such approaches are undertaken within recognized biological limits and do not eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment.
Airway considerations
Airway and breathing patterns may be screened as part of orthodontic assessment, particularly in growing patients. Assessment focuses on craniofacial and dental findings within orthodontic scope, including maxillary width, palatal morphology, and oral posture patterns when clinically relevant.
Patients seeking consultation for concerns such as mouth breathing or craniofacial development may schedule an orthodontic assessment to determine whether structural findings warrant monitoring or referral. When findings suggest possible medical or sleep-related concerns, referral to a physician or otolaryngologist is recommended for appropriate evaluation.
Orthodontic treatment does not diagnose, manage, or treat obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorders.
Temporomandibular Disorders
Jaw function and temporomandibular joint status are evaluated as part of orthodontic assessment. Dr. Moldez has formal training in orofacial pain and provides diagnostic evaluation for patients experiencing jaw pain, joint sounds, limitation of opening, or facial muscle discomfort.
Patients seeking consultation specifically for TMJ-related concerns may schedule an assessment to determine the source of symptoms and appropriate next steps. Management may include conservative measures within scope, monitoring, or referral to the appropriate medical or dental provider depending on clinical findings.
Orthodontic treatment is not initiated solely for the purpose of managing temporomandibular disorders unless supported by diagnosis and clearly defined treatment objectives.
When Treatment Is Not Recommended
Not all patients require immediate orthodontic intervention. In some cases, observation, growth monitoring, periodontal stabilization, or interdisciplinary referral may be more appropriate than active treatment.
A consultation may conclude with a recommendation for monitoring or no orthodontic treatment when intervention would not improve long-term stability or oral health. Treatment is proposed only when clinical findings support a clear benefit within biologic limits.
Specialist Oversight and Continuity of Care
Orthodontic care emphasizes continuity of specialist oversight and appropriate sequencing across all phases of treatment.
Coordination with general dentists or other healthcare providers may be recommended when relevant findings influence treatment planning.
Consultation and Clinical Evaluation
An orthodontic consultation is a focused clinical assessment to determine whether orthodontic treatment is indicated and to define appropriate next steps based on individual findings.
The evaluation includes examination of dental alignment, bite relationships, jaw relationships, growth status where relevant, oral health considerations, and functional factors that may influence treatment planning or risk management.
Treatment planning, appliance selection, projected timelines, and associated fees are determined through diagnostic records and specialist clinical evaluation. In some cases, active treatment is not recommended, and monitoring or referral may be advised.
The purpose of the consultation is to provide diagnostic clarity and support informed decision-making.
For common questions about consultations, including what to expect and how decisions are made, please refer to our Consultation FAQs.
Consultation requests initiate a clinical intake process. Scheduling and next steps are determined after review by our clinical team.
What to Expect From a Diagnostic Consultation
A diagnostic consultation includes specialist evaluation of dental alignment, skeletal relationships, growth status, periodontal support, and functional findings when relevant. Clinical findings and treatment considerations are reviewed directly with the patient or parent.
When treatment is indicated, a written outline of recommended objectives, sequencing, and associated fees is provided following diagnostic review. Consultation may also conclude with monitoring, referral, or no active treatment when appropriate.
Treatment Fees and Financial Clarity
Treatment recommendations and associated fees are based on diagnostic evaluation, case complexity, and defined treatment objectives rather than appliance type alone.
When treatment is indicated, the total fee, payment structure, and retention protocol are provided in writing before care is initiated. The quoted fee includes the orthodontic appliances outlined in the treatment plan, routine adjustment visits during active treatment, and retainers provided at completion of active care. Services outside the defined treatment plan are discussed separately if indicated.
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Financial discussions are conducted separately from diagnostic evaluation to maintain clear distinction between clinical decision-making and financial planning.
Continuity of Care
Orthodontic treatment is delivered under direct specialist supervision during both the active phase of tooth movement and the retention phase that follows. Diagnosis, treatment planning, appliance placement, and clinical adjustments are performed by the orthodontic specialist to ensure that tooth movement remains consistent with defined objectives and biologic response. Clinical progress is evaluated at defined intervals throughout care.
Dental assistants provide structured clinical support within defined scope of practice, including digital scanning, documentation, instrument preparation, and patient instruction. Clinical decisions and treatment modifications remain the responsibility of the orthodontic specialist.
Retention is considered an essential phase of orthodontic care. Early retention is supervised to monitor stability and retainer integrity. Continued dental examinations with the family dentist support overall oral health during retention. Management of orthodontic retainers and retention protocols remains under orthodontic supervision. Recommendations regarding long-term retention are individualized based on growth status, occlusion, and risk of relapse.
Technology and Diagnostic Tools
Advanced diagnostic tools are used when clinically indicated to support orthodontic evaluation and treatment planning. i-CAT® CBCT imaging and digital intraoral scanning with iTero® may be utilized to assess dental alignment, skeletal relationships, periodontal support, and craniofacial structure within orthodontic scope.
Three-dimensional modeling and printing are used in the fabrication of selected orthodontic appliances to enhance accuracy of design and fit. Technology supports documentation and monitoring throughout care; treatment decisions remain based on specialist evaluation and biologic response rather than automated or appliance-driven systems.
Clinical Philosophy
Orthodontic treatment is guided by biologic principles and long-term stability rather than cosmetic alignment alone. Tooth movement occurs within the limits of bone support, periodontal health, growth pattern, and functional tolerance.
Treatment is recommended only when clinical findings support measurable benefit within these limits. When intervention would not improve stability or oral health, monitoring or no active treatment may be advised.
Second Opinions
Patients may request a second opinion when clarification is needed regarding an existing orthodontic recommendation. A second opinion consultation includes independent diagnostic evaluation and review of prior records when available.
Findings are discussed in relation to growth status, biologic limits, and long-term stability. Recommendations may include confirmation of the existing plan, modification of objectives, monitoring, or no active treatment depending on current clinical findings.
Serving Greater Victoria
Orthodontics Victoria provides specialist-led orthodontic care for patients seeking a Victoria orthodontist throughout Greater Victoria, including Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, and the Westshore communities such as Langford.
Consultations and treatment are provided at our Victoria location with continuity of care under specialist supervision.
Next Steps
Submit a request for a diagnostic consultation to determine whether specialist orthodontic assessment is appropriate at this stage. Our clinical team will review your information and contact you to coordinate scheduling.
Consultations focus on clinical evaluation and diagnostic discussion. Treatment recommendations and associated fees are based on appropriate records and comprehensive clinical findings.