We understand that getting braces for your child can feel overwhelming at first. This is a new experience for you and your little one, and you want to make sure they get the proper treatment they need for a healthy and aligned smile.
The good news is that orthodontic treatment can provide your child with a lifetime of benefits and improve their overall oral health! Our team of pediatric and orthodontic professionals have put together some of the most commonly asked questions by parents so can feel confident about making an informed decision about treatment.
1. What’s The Right Age For Getting Braces?
Adults can get braces at any age, but with children it’s dependent on their oral development. According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, all children should have their first orthodontic checkup by the time they turn 7-years-old. Generally, the orthodontist will want to wait until all the permanent teeth are in (or almost in). This can be around age 11 or 12, but kids do mature at different rates. Sometimes, the orthodontist will recommend early treatment, which means the use of an orthodontic appliance while baby teeth are still present. Your orthodontist will ask questions about your child’s growth, and also use X-rays to determine a good starting time.
2. What Will The First Visit Be Like?
The first orthodontic checkup isn’t anything to be worried about. There will probably be some X-rays taken of your child’s teeth, and the orthodontist will discuss their findings and recommendations. Even if your child’s teeth appear straight on the surface, an orthodontic checkup is still recommended to check in on development and for preventative purposes. Plus, if you bring your child to our Richmond Hill location, they can meet our facility dog, Mango!
3. What Kind of Changes Will My Child Need to Make While Wearing Braces?
If it’s determined that your child needs braces, our orthodontists, Dr. Lee or Dr. A, will recommend some foods to avoid eating, such as sticky foods, popcorn, and nuts. There will also be more responsibility to keep their teeth brushed and flossed, and the appliance clean. There may be some initial rubbing in the mouth that could cause sores, and thus requires a bit of orthodontic wax. Our orthodontic team will educate your child thoroughly on proper care for their braces.
4. How Long Do the Braces Need to Stay On?
Most likely, your orthodontist will not have a firm answer for this question at the initial consultation. The length of treatment depends on the problem at hand. It could take 12 months. It could take 30 months. Moving teeth is a slow process, but well worth the time!
Visit Kids Dental Group For Orthodontic Treatment!
Are you ready to talk to an orthodontist about getting braces for your child? We provide orthodontic treatment at our Richmond Hill, Markham and Stouffville locations! New and existing patients are welcome to send an email to info@kidsdentalgroup.ca to schedule their child’s orthodontic consultation! We can’t wait to help get your child’s smile progressing!