You may have noticed more young children with braces or other orthodontic appliances, and are asking yourself why. We're here to answer your questions.
Why would a young child need orthodontics?
A preventive approach to orthodontics, implemented when children are between 5 and 11 years old, can reduce the need for more invasive treatment later on.
In fact, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an orthodontist before age 7 for an initial assessment.
This is because many conditions and behaviours often seen in children – including speech issues, snoring, eating problems, teeth grinding, and more – can be related to airway or orthodontic issues.
There are many reasons you personally may be considering orthodontic treatment for your child.
Your family dentist or physician may have recommended he or she see an orthodontist. Or, maybe you've been talking with other parents whose young children are in orthodontic treatment.
Whatever the reason, if you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child, you probably have a lot of questions. Is it too soon? Is it fair to them? What are the long-term benefits? Is it even necessary? We hear you, and we're here to answer your questions.
Prevention & Growth Guidance
The fact is, our concept of the ideal approach to orthodontics has undergone an evolution in recent years. We now know that we can take advantage of the natural growth patterns of children's palates and jaws to ease the way for healthier development.
There is a prevalent myth that we must wait until permanent adult teeth have erupted before orthodontic treatment can begin. In fact, the opposite is true.
The earlier orthodontic issues are addressed, the better our chances are of achieving positive outcomes for oral and overall health. This is why early detection and proactive intervention are critical to future oral health in your child's teen and adult years.
We believe orthodontics evaluations are essential for children.
By the age of 4 years old, roughly 60% of facial development takes place.
By the age of 12 years old, this number increases to 90%.
If we can catch developing issues in children early on, we can reduce (and in some cases eliminate) the need for more invasive orthodontic treatments and procedures when they are teens or young adults.
This is the foundation of the myORTHODONTIST 2-Phase Approach to orthodontics for kids and teenagers.
2-Phase Orthodontics
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, for children between 5 - 11, takes a preventive approach with the aim of making Phase 2, during the teenage years, shorter and less invasive.
Why Early Intervention?
Early Intervention allows us to guide jaw development to improve the width of dental arches and chewing and swallowing function and help correct unhealthy habits.
What to Expect: The First Visit
Ready to get started? Find out what to expect during your child's initial appointment with us, from assessment to treatment planning, and everything in between.
Children's Orthodontic Treatment Options
At myORTHODONTIST, we most frequently use the following treatments in early intervention for children & kids.
Palatal Expansion
Palatal expansion can help create more space in the mouth for erupting teeth by widening the upper jaw.
Braces
Braces consist of brackets and wires that straighten teeth and gradually shift them into position.
Invisalign First
Invisalign's line of clear aligners especially for children, to straighten their teeth as they develop.
Airway Focus
Airway and breathing problems in children can often be addressed early on with orthodontic treatments.
Concerned About Cost? We've Got You Covered.
We know that concerns about the cost of orthodontic treatment can create a lot of stress for parents. To make this as easy for you as possible, we'll develop a flexible, customized payment plan that works for your family.