Children’s Orthodontics in North York, ON
Children’s Orthodontics Near You
What is Children's Orthodontics?
Children’s orthodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating dental and jaw alignment issues in kids. It’s all about ensuring your child’s teeth grow straight and healthy while addressing potential problems early.
Steeles Weston Family Dental is happy to provide families this type of orthodontic care. We invite you to reach out to us if you’d like to gather more information about this. One of our dentists near you would be happy to answer your questions.
Why is It Important?
Orthodontics is not just about creating a winning smile (although that’s a great bonus!). Properly aligned teeth can help with:
- Chewing: Crooked teeth can make it difficult to eat.
- Speech: Some alignment issues affect how kids pronounce words.
- Oral Health: Straighten teeth are easier to clean, preventing cavities and gum issues.
- Self-Confidence: A great smile can boost your child’s self-esteem.
During a preliminary consultation, one of our dentists in North York, ON, can evaluate your child’s smile, review their oral health needs, and identify the best method of care.
When Should Kids See an Orthodontist?
The AAO, or American Association of Orthodontists, recommends an initial checkup by age 7. By this age:
- Baby teeth are transitioning to permanent teeth.
- Orthodontists can spot issues like crowding, overbites, or jaw misalignment.
- Early intervention (if needed) can guide growth and save time (and money) later.
Common Orthodontic Treatments for Kids
- Braces: This is the most common treatment. It fixes crooked teeth, gaps, and bite issues.
- Space Maintainers: Keeps the right spacing when baby teeth are lost too soon.
- Palate Expanders: Widens the upper jaw for better alignment.
- Retainers: Keeps teeth in their new positions after braces come off.
Signs Your Child Might Need Orthodontics
Keep an eye out for these:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth.
- Difficulty chewing or biting.
- Mouth breathing or thumb sucking after age 5.
- Crowded, crooked, or protruding teeth.
- Clicking sounds in the jaw.
Looking to Learn More?
Children’s orthodontics near you is all about ensuring your child’s teeth and jaw develop the right way. Whether it’s braces or other preventive measures, early treatment can make a big difference. And don’t worry—orthodontic care has come a long way, with many kid-friendly options to make the process easier.
Have questions about your child’s smile? We are just a call away!
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
Children should see an orthodontist around age seven. At this stage, dentists can detect early bite or alignment issues and recommend timely orthodontic treatment to guide proper jaw growth.
What are the signs of bite or alignment problems in children?
Signs include crowded or crooked teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, early or late loss of baby teeth, mouth breathing, jaw shifting, or teeth that do not meet properly.
What types of orthodontic treatments are available for children?
Orthodontic treatments for children may include traditional braces, space maintainers, palatal expanders, and early interceptive appliances designed to guide jaw growth and correct alignment problems.
How do we care for teeth during orthodontic treatment?
Children should brush brackets and wires, floss daily, avoid sticky and hard foods and have regular dental visits to ensure their teeth and gums remain healthy while in orthodontic treatment.
Can my child get clear aligners instead of braces?
In some cases, children may qualify for clear aligners instead of braces. However, suitability depends on their age, dental development, and the complexity of the alignment issue.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Orthodontic treatment for children typically lasts between 12 and 24 months. The exact duration depends on the severity of the alignment problem, the treatment type, and how well instructions are followed.
