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A Proactive Approach to Children's Orthodontic Care
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this stage, your orthodontist can monitor how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and identify any concerns that may need attention.
Early (Phase 1) orthodontics focuses on guiding dental and jaw development while your child is still growing. Addressing certain concerns early may help create a healthier foundation for future orthodontic treatment.
Early orthodontic care can also help address concerns related to tooth alignment, bite development, and oral habits that may affect your child’s smile as they grow.
At our orthodontic clinic in Vancouver, we offer treatment options for children, including palatal expanders, Invisalign First clear aligners, and traditional braces, depending on your child’s individual needs.
Complimentary Initial Consultations for Children
If you or your child’s general dentist have questions about their orthodontic development, an evaluation with an orthodontist can provide helpful insight. Bring your child to Ocean Orthodontics for a complimentary initial orthodontic consultation.
Phase 1 orthodontics focuses on guiding your child's smile while their teeth and jaws are still developing. Early evaluations allow your orthodontist to identify concerns and determine if treatment may be beneficial.
Depending on your child's needs, Phase 1 treatment may involve options such as palatal expansion, braces, or Invisalign First. Your orthodontist will recommend a treatment approach based on how your child's smile is developing.
Phase 1 treatment may include:
- Preparing for future orthodontic care
For children who continue to Phase 2 treatment, early orthodontic care can help address specific concerns and create a plan for their future smile development. Your orthodontist will monitor progress and determine the appropriate timing for additional treatment.
- Tracking your child's progress
Throughout Phase 1 treatment, your orthodontist will monitor changes in your child's teeth and jaws. Records such as X-rays, photographs, and digital scans may be used to help guide treatment decisions.
- A period of observation
After active Phase 1 treatment is complete, your child may enter a monitoring period while their remaining permanent teeth continue to erupt.
During this time, regular visits allow your orthodontist to follow their development and recommend next steps when needed.
- Evaluating future needs
Phase 1 treatment does not always mean additional treatment will be needed right away. Ongoing assessments help your orthodontist determine if and when further orthodontic care may be appropriate.
Phase 2 picks up where Phase 1 left off, once all the permanent teeth have erupted. It involves making the remaining changes to the smile and bites with either braces or Invisalign Teen.
For children who have completed Phase 1 treatment, Phase 2 builds on the progress already made and addresses any remaining alignment or bite concerns.
Think of Phase 2 as the final stage of your teen's orthodontic journey, helping bring their smile together with the support of a personalized treatment plan. The length of treatment will vary depending on your child's individual needs.
- Continuing toward a healthy smile
The goal of Phase 2 is to help position each tooth for a balanced bite and a smile that works well with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and surrounding teeth.
- Phase 2 braces or aligner treatment
- Retainers after treatment
After Phase 2 treatment is complete, your child will receive retainers to help support their new smile and maintain their orthodontic results.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Children
At Ocean Orthodontics, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options to support children’s developing smiles.
Braces for Children
At Ocean Orthodontics, we use braces to guide the development of children's teeth and jaws for healthier, straighter smiles.
Invisalign First for Children
Invisalign First is Invisalign just for kids! This system of clear aligners works with your child's developing smile to straighten teeth and correct jaw misalignments.
Palate Expanders for Children
Learn about palatal expansion and its benefits in correcting narrow arches in children.