CHILDREN'S ORTHODONTICS
Get an Early Start On A Beautiful Smile
Early (Phase 1) orthodontic treatment is care provided while a child’s jaw is still growing, used to guide jaw development or address specific bite problems before all adult teeth have come in. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have a first orthodontic checkup by age 7; Miller Orthodontics in Newmarket offers this initial exam free of charge.
As parents ourselves, we understand you want only the best for your family. That includes healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. At Miller Orthodontics, we’ll treat your patients like our own (sometimes even better ;)) and give them the best possible orthodontic care around.
Your Child Should Get Their First Orthodontic Check-Up By 7
Having a first orthodontic check-up at an early age is very beneficial for many reasons. By the age of seven, your teeth are developed enough to reveal any subtle issues with jaw positioning and emerging teeth before all baby teeth are lost. You may also find out that your bite is developing perfectly fine and braces won’t be needed at all, or if they are, it may not be for a long time!
In some cases, Dr. Miller may find a developing issue and recommend monitoring growth and development. Based on this long-term observation, Dr. Miller will be able to indicate if and when treatment would be beneficial. In other cases, Dr. Miller might find an issue that requires immediate attention, and recommend early treatment.
Early Treatment: What Is It?
The age that kids get braces varies from case to case, but comprehensive (full and final) orthodontic treatment usually starts between 10 and 14.
Certain orthodontic issues are easier to correct if they are found and treated early.
After an initial exam, Dr. Miller will determine whether or not your child would benefit from treatment and when to begin.
This helps Dr. Miller to:
- Direct jaw growth
- Decrease the potential of trauma to protruded front teeth
- Instill positive oral hygiene habits
- Improve your child’s self-esteem
- Direct permanent teeth into a straighter position
- Create a harmonious facial arrangement with lips, face and teeth
Signs Your Child’s Bite Isn't Right
It isn’t always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem that requires braces or other treatments.
Even if your child’s teeth are straight, there could be an underlying issue with their bite.
Here are some common indicators that your child may require orthodontic attention:
- Losing baby teeth early or late
- Trouble when biting or chewing
- Breathing prominently through the mouth
- Thumb-sucking
- Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that appear too far forward or back
- Protruding teeth
- Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet, or don’t meet in a normal way
- A face that appears uneven
- Clenching teeth or grinding
Schedule A Free Consultation
If you’ve noticed an issue in your child’s dental development, or just want to come in for a general screening, contact us and set up a free consultation. We’re proud to serve patients of all ages in Newmarket, Aurora, Bradford, East Gwillimbury, and the surrounding areas.
We’ll talk about your child’s orthodontic options and create a treatment plan customized to meet your child’s specific needs.
FAQ
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7, even if your child still has baby teeth. Miller Orthodontics in Newmarket offers a free first exam so you can find out early, with no obligation.
My child is only 7 — why would they need to see an orthodontist already?
By age 7, enough adult teeth have usually come in for Dr. Miller to spot early signs of crowding, bite problems, or jaw growth issues, even if treatment isn’t needed for a few more years. Catching these early can mean simpler treatment later.
What is Phase 1 (early) orthodontic treatment?
Phase 1 treatment is early intervention, generally used when a child’s jaw growth needs to be guided while they’re still growing — it’s not needed for every child. Dr. Miller will tell you plainly at your free consultation whether your child is a candidate, or whether it’s best to simply monitor and revisit later.
What are signs my child’s bite isn’t right?
Signs can include crowded or crooked teeth, teeth that don’t meet correctly when biting down, thumb-sucking past age 5, mouth breathing, or losing baby teeth very early or very late. If you notice any of these, Miller Orthodontics offers a free exam to take a closer look.
Will my child definitely need braces after an early checkup?
No — many children who come in for an early checkup at Miller Orthodontics simply need to be monitored as they grow, with no treatment started right away. The checkup is about catching problems early, not starting treatment early.