The Canadian Dental Association recommends orthodontic consultation with a child as early as age 7. This is an ideal time to intervene with orthodontic treatment.
As the child’s permanent teeth begin to replace their primary teeth, the dentist is able to assess the development of their teeth and jaws. Even if the smile has not yet reached its “final” appearance, it is still possible to detect the presence of an emerging bite problem, or one that may be problematic in the future. If there is a problem, the right care can intercept it and, as the teeth develop, it will be easier to treat. The older the child, the longer the treatment may take as the teeth and jaws have developed further.
During the orthodontic consultation, we perform a complete examination of the child’s teeth and jaws. X-rays are often necessary to make an accurate assessment.