Guided jaw growth
- Influences proper development
- Reduces severity of issues
- Supports facial harmony
Early guidance • Healthy growth • Confident smiles
Children & Orthodontics in Toronto
Orthodontic care for children is about guiding healthy development—not just straightening teeth. Early evaluations can influence jaw growth, create space for adult teeth, improve bite function, and often reduce the need for more complex treatment later. We assess your child’s unique growth pattern and recommend the ideal timing for any intervention.
Growth-focused care
Prevention-minded planning
Clear timelines
Benefits of early orthodontic evaluation
Assessing development early allows us to guide growth, prevent complications, and often simplify or shorten future treatment.
Better space for teeth
- Reduces crowding risk
- May avoid extractions
- Simpler alignment later
Improved bite function
- Comfortable chewing/speech
- Reduces TMJ strain
- Prevents uneven wear
Confident smiles
- Healthier long-term results
- Boosts self-esteem
- Easier hygiene
When children benefit from orthodontic care
Timing is everything. We evaluate growth, eruption, bite, and habits to recommend monitoring, early guidance, or full treatment at the optimal stage.
Crowding or spacing issues
Teeth overlapping, rotated, or persistent gaps as adult teeth come in.
- Early space loss
- Impacted/erupting problems
- Proactive planning
Bite problems
Overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, or teeth that don’t meet properly.
- Functional concerns
- Uneven wear risk
- Early correction benefit
Habits affecting growth
Thumb sucking, tongue thrust, mouth breathing, or prolonged pacifier use.
- Influences jaw/teeth position
- Early habit guidance
- Prevents worsening
Jaw or facial asymmetry
Uneven jaw growth, shifting midline, or facial imbalance signs.
- Growth modification potential
- Early intervention advantage
- Better long-term harmony
Luxury detail that matters
The best orthodontic care respects natural growth. We never rush treatment—only recommend it when it provides meaningful long-term benefit for function, health, and confidence.
The orthodontic evaluation process
Thorough, gentle, and informative. We explain everything clearly to you and your child.
01
Discussion & history
Review habits, concerns, family history, and growth patterns.
02
Clinical exam
Assess teeth, bite, jaw relationships, facial proportions.
03
Records if needed
Photos, models, or low-dose imaging only when helpful.
04
Personalized plan
Recommendations: monitor, early guidance, or future treatment timing.
Why timing matters in kids’ orthodontics
Children grow rapidly—using that growth window can make corrections easier, more stable, and often less invasive than waiting until all adult teeth are in.
Growth leverage
Guide jaw development
Prevention
Reduce future complexity
Function
Healthy bite & breathing
Confidence
Natural, lasting results
When is the best age to start
Most benefit from an evaluation around age 7 (when first adult molars and incisors appear), but we tailor timing to your child’s specific growth and signs.
Home care during orthodontic treatment
Good habits protect appliances, keep teeth healthy, and help achieve the best results.
1
Brush after every meal
Use soft brush and fluoride toothpaste; clean around brackets/wires carefully.
2
Floss daily
Use floss threaders or water flosser to clean under wires.
3
Avoid sticky/hard foods
Skip gum, caramel, nuts, ice—protect appliances from breakage.
4
Attend all appointments
Regular adjustments keep treatment on track and catch issues early.
Children & orthodontics FAQ
Clear answers about evaluation timing, treatment options, and what to expect.
When should my child have an orthodontic evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends by age 7. Many children only need monitoring at this stage, but early checks catch growth opportunities.
Does every child need braces
No—many only require observation. Treatment is recommended only when it improves bite function, prevents future issues, or addresses significant concerns.
What is interceptive orthodontics
Early, limited treatment that guides jaw growth, creates space, or corrects bite problems to make future comprehensive treatment simpler or unnecessary.
How long does orthodontic treatment take
Varies widely—early interceptive phases often 6–12 months; full braces typically 18–30 months depending on severity, age, and cooperation.
Are aligners an option for kids
Yes for some older children/teens who are responsible with wear time. Effectiveness depends on the case—braces are often more reliable for complex movements.
How do we maintain results after treatment
Retainers are essential—worn as directed to hold teeth in place while growth continues. We provide clear instructions and follow-up checks.
Guide your child’s smile the right way
Call your preferred location to schedule a children’s orthodontic evaluation.
Every plan is based on a thorough clinical exam and your child’s unique growth stage—no one-size-fits-all approach.
