Braces for Children
A healthy smile begins early. At Metrotown Orthodontics, we provide customized children’s braces in Burnaby to help kids and teenagers develop properly aligned teeth, healthy bites, and confident smiles.
Many orthodontic problems are easier to identify and treat when they are discovered early. By monitoring your child’s dental development, an orthodontist can determine the best time to begin treatment and help guide proper tooth and jaw development.
Our goal is to make orthodontic treatment a positive experience for children and families by providing comfortable care, clear communication, and personalized treatment plans.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
Many parents wonder when their child should have their first orthodontic visit.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive an orthodontic evaluation around age 7. This does not mean every child will need braces immediately. Instead, an early evaluation allows an orthodontist to monitor growth and identify potential concerns before they become more complicated.
An early orthodontic assessment can help identify:
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth growing in the wrong direction
- Bite problems
- Jaw development concerns
- Missing or extra teeth
- Habits that may affect tooth development
Early evaluation gives parents valuable information and helps determine the ideal timing for treatment.
Why Do Children Need Braces?
Children may need orthodontic treatment for many reasons beyond crooked teeth.
Braces can help correct:
Crowded Teeth
Crowding occurs when there is not enough room for teeth to properly fit in the mouth. This can make brushing and flossing more difficult and may affect oral hygiene.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. Orthodontic treatment can help improve bite function and tooth alignment.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend in front of the upper teeth. Early evaluation can help determine the best treatment approach.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. Correcting crossbites can help support proper jaw development.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when certain teeth do not meet properly when the mouth closes. Orthodontic treatment can help improve tooth function and alignment.
Benefits of Braces for Children
Orthodontic treatment can provide benefits that last well beyond childhood.
Children’s braces may help:
✓ Create a straighter smile
✓ Improve bite function
✓ Make teeth easier to clean
✓ Support healthier gums and teeth
✓ Improve confidence
✓ Encourage proper dental development
A properly aligned smile can help children feel more confident as they grow.
Types of Braces for Kids and Teens
At Metrotown Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic solutions based on your child’s specific needs.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces are one of the most common orthodontic treatments for children and teenagers.
Today’s metal braces are:
- Smaller and more comfortable than previous designs
- Highly effective for many orthodontic concerns
- Customizable with different coloured bands
Metal braces are often recommended for children who require more comprehensive tooth movement.
Clear Braces
Clear ceramic braces use tooth-coloured brackets that are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
They can be a good option for older children and teenagers who prefer a more discreet appearance.
Invisalign Teen
Some teenagers may qualify for Invisalign Teen clear aligners.
Benefits may include:
- Removable aligners
- Easier brushing and flossing
- No metal brackets
- A more discreet appearance
Our orthodontist will determine whether Invisalign Teen is appropriate based on your child’s orthodontic needs.
What Age Do Kids Usually Get Braces?
The ideal age for braces varies from child to child.
Many children begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14, when most permanent teeth have erupted and the jaw is still developing.
However, treatment timing depends on:
- Tooth development
- Jaw growth
- Type of orthodontic problem
- Severity of alignment concerns
Some children benefit from early orthodontic treatment, while others may simply need monitoring until the right time.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment, sometimes called Phase 1 orthodontics, focuses on guiding dental development while a child is still growing.
Phase 1 treatment may help address:
- Significant crowding
- Jaw growth concerns
- Bite problems
- Teeth developing in abnormal positions
After Phase 1 treatment, some children may require a second phase once all permanent teeth have erupted.
Not every child requires early treatment, which is why an orthodontic evaluation is important.
What Should Parents Expect During Orthodontic Treatment?
At Metrotown Orthodontics, we make the process comfortable and easy for both children and parents.
Initial Consultation
During the first visit, we will evaluate your child’s teeth, bite, and overall orthodontic development.
We will discuss:
- Whether treatment is needed
- The best timing for treatment
- Available orthodontic options
- Expected treatment timeline
Treatment Planning
Every child receives a customized orthodontic plan designed around their dental needs and growth.
Regular Appointments
During treatment, regular visits allow our team to monitor progress and make adjustments.
Retainers After Treatment
Once braces are removed, retainers help maintain your child’s new smile.
How Long Do Children’s Braces Take?
The length of treatment depends on:
- The complexity of your child’s orthodontic concerns
- Growth patterns
- Type of treatment
- How well instructions are followed
Many children complete orthodontic treatment within approximately 18 to 30 months, although every child’s timeline is different.
Why Choose Metrotown Orthodontics for Children’s Braces?
Choosing an orthodontist for your child is an important decision. At Metrotown Orthodontics, we focus on creating a positive orthodontic experience for children, teenagers, and families.
Families choose us because we provide:
- Experienced orthodontic care in Burnaby
- Treatment plans customized for growing smiles
- A comfortable and welcoming environment
- Modern orthodontic technology
- Clear communication with parents
- Treatment options for different ages and needs
Our team is dedicated to helping children develop healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Braces
Many children begin braces between ages 9 and 14, but the ideal timing depends on their dental development and orthodontic needs. An orthodontic evaluation around age 7 can help determine the right approach.
Not always. Some orthodontic issues should be monitored until permanent teeth come in, while others may benefit from earlier treatment.
Parents can encourage good brushing habits, limit hard or sticky foods, and ensure their child attends regular orthodontic appointments.
Poorly aligned teeth often cause problems speaking, biting and chewing. Most irregularities are genetic or occur as a result of developmental issues. Conversely, some irregularities are acquired or greatly exacerbated by certain habits and behaviors such as:
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor nutrition
The orthodontist initially conducts a visual examination of the child’s teeth. This will be accompanied by panoramic x-rays, study models (bite impressions) and computer generated images of the head and neck. These preliminary assessments are sometimes known as the “planning phase” because they aid the orthodontist in making a diagnosis and planning the most effective treatment.
In many cases, the orthodontist will recommend “fixed” orthodontic braces for a child. Fixed braces cannot be lost, forgotten or removed at will, which means that treatment is completed more quickly. Removable appliances may also be utilized, which are less intrusive, and are generally used to treat various types of defects.
Here is a brief overview of some of the main types of orthodontic appliances used for children:
- Fixed braces – Braces comprised of brackets which are affixed to each individual tooth, and an archwire which connect the brackets. The brackets are usually made of metal, ceramic, or a clear synthetic material which is less noticeable to the naked eye. After braces have been applied, the child will have regular appointments to have the braces adjusted by the orthodontist. Orthodontic elastic bands are often added to the braces to aid in the movement of specific teeth.
- Headgear – This type of appliance is most useful to treat developmental irregularities. A headgear is a custom-made appliance attached to wire that is worn to aid in tooth movement. A headgear is intended to be worn for 12-20 hours each day and must be worn as recommended to achieve good results.
- Retainers – Retainers are typically utilized in the third phase (retention phase). When the original malocclusion has been treated with braces, it is essential that the teeth do not regress back to the original misalignment. Wearing a retainer ensures the teeth maintain their proper alignment, and gives the jawbone around the teeth a chance to stabilize.
If you have questions about braces for children, please contact our office.