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Braces for kids & teens

Braces for kids & teens

The teen years can be an overwhelming time. The gift of a beautiful smile and confidence is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. A healthy, beautiful smile can improve your child's dental health while also improving their overall self-confidence.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an early orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Having an early consultation with a docbraces orthodontist can help your child avoid more complex and expensive treatments later in life, and in some cases, can eliminate the need for braces altogether. Patients with more complex cases or oral habits such as thumb-sucking can benefit dramatically from an early phase of treatment, preventing the need for more invasive treatment later.

What to expect when getting orthodontic treatment for your child

Curious about orthodontic treatment for your kids and teens? Uncover the journey ahead! Learn about procedures, care, and fostering a healthy, happy smile.

EXCEPT KIDS TEENS

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At this stage, one of our friendly treatment coordinators will review the details of the prescribed treatment plan, explore flexible financing options with you, and answer any questions you may have.

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Step 01

One of our warm and friendly team members will take digital x-rays and examine in detail your child's teeth and jaw. Our orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan based on your child's needs.

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Step 03

Once all of the details are finalized, treatment can begin – even on the same day – and your child will be on their way to having the happy, healthy smile that they deserve!

01

Step 01

One of our warm and friendly team members will take digital x-rays and examine in detail your child's teeth and jaw. Our orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan based on your child's needs.

02

Step 02

At this stage, one of our friendly treatment coordinators will review the details of the prescribed treatment plan, explore flexible financing options with you, and answer any questions you may have.

03

Step 03

Once all of the details are finalized, treatment can begin – even on the same day – and your child will be on their way to having the happy, healthy smile that they deserve!

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.

QUITE READY

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.

Treatment options

Invisalign™ Teen Braces
Treatment options

Invisalign™ Teen

Invisalign Teen uses a series of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-made to reposition a teenager’s teeth, based on a customized treatment plan created by your orthodontist. The trays are clear and can be removed at any time, which means cleaning and maintenance is simple, and your teenager can continue eating whatever they like.


Each set of Invisalign Teen trays are worn 22 hours a day and replaced every seven days, but varies by patient and doctor. Each new tray has slight tooth movements built into them and, over time, these subtle changes will cause a teenager’s teeth to slowly move into their desired position.


Best for aesthetic purposes, such as misaligned teeth, Invisalign Teen is ideal for older teenagers, ages 14 and up.

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Treatment options

Braces

Best for fixing gaps in teeth, crowding, misalignment, overbite and underbite, braces are a functional solution for even the most complex cases. At docbraces, we offer clear braces, which are made out of a translucent material that does not stain, and friction-free braces, which do not require elastic or metal ties.

Clear braces are a great solution for those who don’t want to draw unwanted attention to their orthodontic treatment. Depending on the amount of treatment that is needed, clear braces may only be used for the upper front teeth, which are the teeth that are displayed most when smiling.

Friction-free braces utilize light, high-tech wires that move teeth faster and more comfortably than conventional materials. Without the need for tightening, fewer adjustments are required during treatment, while the ceramic and stainless steel used also give the brackets a smaller appearance.

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Kids and teens orthodontics FAQs

What is the right age to bring my child in for an orthodontic consultation?

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.

Are there any signs I might notice in my child’s development that can indicate a possible orthodontic issue?
  • Development of poor habits like finger or thumb-sucking
  • Tongue thrusting
  • Mouth breathing or breathing with greater difficulty than should be expected
  • Delayed or impeded speech
  • Crowding of teeth on the upper or lower jaw
  • Crooked eruption of adult teeth
  • Premature loss of baby teeth
  • Late loss of baby teeth
  • Headaches
  • An obvious overbite or underbite
What should I do if I have a sports or musical instrument-related concern during my orthodontic treatment?

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.

Can I still play contact sports with braces?

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.

What if a wire or bracket becomes loose or breaks?

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.

Ready for the smile you've always wanted? Let's talk!

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