Curious about orthodontic treatment for your kids and teens? Uncover the journey ahead! Learn about procedures, care, and fostering a healthy, happy smile.
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Not quite ready?
Your docbraces team always has your child’s best interests at heart. If your child is not considered to be at the appropriate stage in their development to begin treatment, their development will be monitored through regularly scheduled visits until it is determined that they are ready to begin treatment.
Getting started early
If your child is a candidate for early intervention, they will most likely start at what is known as “Phase 1.” Though each phase will be different for every child, Phase 1 usually involves a dental appliance (palatal expanders or space maintainers), which is used to improve the alignment and development of jaws, create space for adult teeth, and reduce crowding.
Dental appliances can also help with correcting harmful oral habits and speech impediments as well as improve the ease of breathing. Following the completion of Phase 1, your child will be regularly monitored by our orthodontists to determine if and when full braces or Invisalign™ are required to completely align any remaining teeth and bite issues.
The guideline set out by the Canadian Association of Orthodontists states that children should see an Orthodontist for an early evaluation by the time they turn seven. By this point, a child’s jaw and teeth will have formed enough so that any developing issues are obvious, and an Orthodontist will be able to identify what treatment, if any, will be beneficial. For most patients, treatment won’t start until well after age seven. You don’t need a referral to have your child assessed by a docbraces Orthodontist.
If you participate in sports or play a musical instrument, docbraces can provide you with special mouthguards or provide guidance on how to protect your braces during these activities. It's important to let your orthodontist know about your specific concerns so they can provide appropriate solutions.
Yes, you can continue to participate in contact sports while wearing braces. However, it's recommended to wear a mouthguard specifically designed for orthodontic patients to protect your teeth and braces from potential injuries. Your orthodontist can provide you with the necessary information and guidance regarding mouthguard options.
If a wire or bracket becomes loose or breaks, contact docbraces immediately. They will advise you on the next steps, which may include scheduling a repair appointment or providing instructions on how to temporarily alleviate any discomfort until you can see the orthodontist. It's important not to try fixing the issue yourself as it could lead to further complications.
