Orthodontic Care and Children
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a visit to the orthodontist around age seven.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to correct and guide your child’s jaw, create more space for crowded teeth, avoid the need for extractions later in life, and correct thumb sucking and minor speech problems.
There are a few things to watch for, such as crowded or misplaced teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or popping jaws, that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist.
This service is coming soon to KidsDent!
When Does a Child Need Orthodontic Treatment?
The bite is how the upper and lower jaws and teeth come together. Missing, crooked, crowded, or protruding teeth and thumb- or finger-sucking can all contribute to a bad bite.
A bad bite can make it hard to chew and may cause some teeth to wear down. Protruding teeth can be more easily broken or chipped, and crowded and crooked teeth are harder to clean and are more likely to get cavities and gum disease.
How Do Orthodontic Treatments Work?
Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, apply gentle pressure on the teeth over several months or years. This pressure moves the teeth into the right position.
Orthodontics can be used to correct:
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Overjets
- Open bites
- Crowded or crooked teeth
Common Orthodontic Treatments
Braces
Braces are a common orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist attaches brackets to each tooth using glue. Archwires are then fitted into the brackets and held in place with rubber or wire ties.
Braces are used to align crooked or crowded teeth and align misaligned jaws.
Retainers
Retainers are passive appliances and are often used to maintain teeth positioning after other orthodontic treatments.
Retainers can be fixed or removable, and they may be worn all the time or just part time.
Headgear
Headgear is worn both outside and inside the mouth and is used to correct bad bites and support jaw alignment in children whose jaws are still growing.
Your child may need headgear if their bite is severely out of alignment, though it is not as common as it once was.
Removable appliances
Removable appliances are used to move a tooth or group of teeth into the proper position. They can be used before, during, or after braces treatment, or on their own to treat specific issues.
Oral Surgery
Tooth removal or jaw surgery may be needed in extreme cases.
If teeth are overcrowded or badly out of position, removal may be the best option. Jaw surgery may be necessary if there is an extreme difference between the upper and lower jaws.
Find Out More at KidsDent
If you are interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment, please reach out to our team at KidsDent. We are always happy to help.
Visit Our Clinic
How to get there?
KidsDent is located in the uniquely shaped Royal York Medical Centre, on the corner of Royal York Road and Summitcrest Drive.
Our Address
- 1436 Royal York Road, Suite 202
- Etobicoke, Ontario M9P 3A9
Contact Information
- Phone: 416-249-3710
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Why Choose a Paediatric Dentist?
For Kids
Our paediatric dentists know exactly how to make your child’s dental appointments fun and exciting while helping them build healthy, lifelong oral habits to keep their teeth strong.
Learn MoreFor Parents
Children have different dental needs than adults. Paediatric dentists undergo specialized training to give children the extra care and attention they need.
Learn More
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KidsDent
- 1436 Royal York Road, Suite 202
- Etobicoke, Ontario M9P 3A9
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416-249-3710
[email protected]