Heritage Orthodontics is a leading provider of Invisalign and Braces Treatment in Mississauga, Georgetown, and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to provide you and your family with the finest orthodontic care, in a warm and comfortable high-tech environment.
Have you ever heard the story behind our practice? Our tale begins in the early days of Dr. Selnes’ career. After a yearlong, fruitless search for the perfect location in which to begin his orthodontic practice, Dr. Selnes’ wife, Helene, stumbled upon their dream property: the old rectory of St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Dundas Street West in the former village of Erindale.
Built in 1861 in the Georgian Revival style, the rectory was sold as a commercial property in 1960 and was designated a heritage building by the City of Mississauga under the Ontario Heritage Act twenty years later.
By the time Dr. Selnes purchased the property, however, it had definitely seen better days. Undaunted, he and Helene threw themselves into researching how to restore the tired but still-beautiful two-story red brick house and convert it into a busy orthodontic practice.
Restoring History
Heritage organizations recommend taking a minimalist approach to architectural interventions whenever possible. Repairing damaged aspects of the home is preferable to replacing them, especially if those items contribute to the overall character of the property. It’s important to use historically accurate building materials if they can be found. Any modifications should remain faithful to the property’s original time period.
Armed with endless hours of research and an abundance of sage advice from the City of Mississauga, the couple crafted the restoration designs themselves. They were fortunate to have the assistance of Helene’s father Zelko, a talented general contractor who painstakingly brought their vision to life.
The Hard Work Begins for Heritage Orthodontics
Because the house had been used as a commercial property for several decades before Dr. Selnes bought it, significant changes had already been made to the interior. Most of the restoration work concentrated on the interior redesign of the building.
Over the course of six months, the former manse was reconstructed with exquisite attention to detail. When the basement excavation revealed a dangerously damaged foundation wall, the entire area was underpinned and strengthened. The ramshackle porch was demolished and rebuilt with authentic period touches.
The severe lines that are typical of the Georgian Revival style were maintained throughout and the imposing staircase was preserved, along with the authentic exposed brick and the original window casings and mantles. The original front door was spruced up with a few coats of paint in a vibrant, welcoming shade of red.
Old-World Charm and Modern Functionality
While the goal throughout the restoration process was to preserve the integrity of the original building, the demands of modern-day orthodontics meant that some interior modifications were necessary. So while the staircase has remained the focal point of the main floor, interior walls were removed to allow for a more spacious, open-concept design that better serves the needs of our patients.
The result is a perfect marriage of past and present. We’re pleased to be able to offer our Mississauga patients a safe, cutting-edge clinical environment for their Invisalign and other orthodontic needs, housed in a comfortable, beautifully restored heritage home that is older than Canada itself.
It’s always gratifying to have one’s work acknowledged, and we were duly honored that the restoration of our Dundas Street West location won the 25th Annual Mississauga Urban Design Award of Merit in 2006, and the Mississauga Heritage Society Members Choice Award in 2007.
What Does a Heritage Designation Mean?
There are over 270 heritage properties in Mississauga. The “Heritage” designation is simply a way to honor a property for its local heritage and historical value.
- It doesn’t mean the owner is obligated to restore the property to its original state.
- It doesn’t mean there are restrictions as to how the property is used.
- It doesn’t mean the owner must allow access to the public.
- It doesn’t apply to the interior of the property, just the exterior.
Restoring the former rectory was indeed a labor of love, and we take great pride in the outcome. We hope you enjoy the surroundings in our Mississauga practice, which has all the innovative technology you need for top-notch orthodontic care, plus the character and charm of a bygone era that you won’t find anywhere else.
More About Heritage Orthodontics
With practices in Mississauga and Georgetown, Heritage Orthodontics is pleased to provide superb orthodontic care to residents of those communities, as well as to residents of Oakville, Milton, Acton, Guelph, and North Brampton.
We are delighted to offer the latest innovations in orthodontic technology, including Radiance™ clear ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, Lingual (inside braces), and Invisalign® (as a Platinum Provider).
Dr. Selnes has been a top 1% Invisalign provider since 2008, a rare designation among orthodontic practices. We have extensive experience in treating a variety of orthodontic concerns with Invisalign’s clear, comfortable, and convenient aligners.
We also pride ourselves on keeping abreast of technological advances and have integrated the latest in computer technology (digital X-rays and advanced computer graphics) to ensure you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible.
Whether you are an adult, adolescent, or child, Dr. Selnes and our staff are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful, and timeless smile!
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