New patients

Welcome to Embrace Orthodontics

Booking for your child, your teen or yourself? Getting started is simple, free, and there is no pressure at all. This page walks you through your first visit, the forms that save you time on the day, and everything else worth knowing before you come in. If there is something we have not answered, just call us, we are always happy to help.

Book your free consultation Call 902-817-6453

Free first visit No referral needed Seen within a week

The bright waiting area that welcomes new patients at Embrace Orthodontics, Halifax

Your first visit

Three simple steps to get started

Get in touch today

Call, text or use the booking form, whichever is easiest. There is no referral to chase and no cost, and most new patients are seen within a week.

Meet Dr. Catherine McLeod

Usually within a week, she examines your teeth, bite and jaws and takes any records she needs, often with a quick iTero digital scan rather than goopy impressions.

Leave knowing your options

You go home with your choices explained simply, a clear timeline, and your exact fee in writing. There is never any pressure to decide on the day.

Your forms

Get the paperwork done before you arrive

Some people like to have the paperwork out of the way before they walk in. If that is you, download the New Patient Intake Form and fill it in on your phone, tablet or computer, or print it and write it out by hand. Bring it with you, or email it to hello@embracelifesmiling.com ahead of your first visit.

New Patient Intake Form (PDF)

There is no need to do any of this in advance. You are always welcome to fill everything in when you arrive, and nobody is ever turned away over paperwork. For the full set, see our patient forms page. Digital intake with e-signature is coming soon, which will make this easier still.

Why Embrace Orthodontics

Why families choose us

A few of the reasons parents and adult patients pick Embrace Orthodontics, and keep sending their friends.

Seen within a week

There is no waitlist, so most new patients are seen within a week of getting in touch, in person or by virtual consult.

Specialist care, warm team

Dr. Catherine McLeod is a specialist orthodontist, not a general dentist, working alongside an all-female team that children and nervous patients feel at ease with.

Plans from $149

Interest-free monthly plans from $149 at 0% interest, with direct insurance billing where your plan allows.

All-digital, no messy molds

A quick iTero scan replaces goopy impressions and lets us design custom, 3D-printed appliances made to fit only you.

Free parking, near the schools

Free parking steps from the door, within walking distance of several Halifax grade schools, with early before-school times.

A first check by age seven

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic visit no later than age seven, when guidance is simplest.

There is more to it than a list. Read the full story of why families choose Embrace Orthodontics.

What to bring

What to bring to your first visit

There is nothing you must bring, but a few things help us make the most of your time together.

Your insurance details, so we can submit a pre-determination and show you what your plan is likely to cover.
A list of any medications you or your child currently take.
Any previous dental or orthodontic records, if you are transferring from another practice.
No referral. You really do not need one to be seen.

One thing to line up before treatment begins is a dental exam and cleaning with your regular dentist within the last six to twelve months, so your teeth and gums are healthy and ready for braces or aligners. If it has been a while, ask your dentist for clearance, and if anything needs attention they will look after it first.

Insurance and payments

Clear costs, no surprises

Cost is clear from the very first visit. Interest-free monthly plans start at $149 at 0% interest, and we bill most insurance companies directly where your plan allows, so you pay less up front. Your fee is patient specific, so you are never quoted a package price. Instead, Dr. Catherine McLeod confirms your exact, all-in fee in writing at your free consultation.

You can see how the plans work on our your investment page, or run a few numbers yourself with the payment calculator.

Getting here

Finding us on Spring Garden Road

You will find Embrace Orthodontics on Spring Garden Road, located above Park Lane Mall. Parking is free and easy in the Park Lane Parkade at 5550 Annandale Street, steps from the door. For maps, transit and every way into the office, see how to find us.

Would you rather start from home? You can meet Dr. Catherine McLeod first on a complimentary virtual consultation over Zoom, then come in when you are ready.

Good to know

New patient questions

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?

No. You can book directly with Embrace Orthodontics in Halifax, with no referral from your dentist required. A referral is welcome if you have one, but it is never a condition of being seen. Your first consultation with Dr. Catherine McLeod is free and carries no obligation, so you can call or text us and pick a time that suits you.

How long does a first visit take?

Plan for about an hour. We keep the first appointment unhurried on purpose, so there is time for Dr. Catherine McLeod to examine your teeth, bite and jaws, take any records she needs, answer your questions, and talk through your options in words that make sense. You will not feel rushed, and you leave understanding where things stand and what, if anything, comes next.

Is the consultation really free?

Yes, genuinely. Your first consultation includes an examination, an iTero digital scan where it helps, and a written quote if treatment would be worthwhile, all at no cost and with no obligation to go ahead. You leave knowing your options, your likely timeline and your exact fee in writing, whether or not you decide to start.

How soon can we start?

Usually quickly. There is no waitlist, so most new patients are seen within a week of asking for their free consultation, and treatment can often begin shortly after. The one thing to sort out first is a recent dental exam and cleaning, so your teeth and gums are ready. Once your dentist gives the go-ahead, we can get started.

Ready when you are

Book your complimentary consult today by calling 902-817-6453 or texting 902-706-9716. Your first visit is free, no referral is needed, and most new patients are seen within a week.

Book your free consultation Call 902-817-6453