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Orthodontics for Children
Early evaluation helps us catch issues before they become complex — and sometimes, simply watching and waiting is the best treatment of all.
Early evaluation helps us catch issues before they become complex — and sometimes, simply watching and waiting is the best treatment of all.
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. By this age, most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, making it easier to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner — and without surgery.
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 — early enough to identify developing issues while the jaw is still growing and most treatable.
For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment. Here are some things to look for:
Early treatment is something Dr. Rajasekaran considers carefully and performs only when absolutely necessary. Based on scientific research and orthodontic guidelines, there are several reasons why Phase I treatment may not be recommended in certain cases:
Many issues such as crowding may correct themselves as permanent teeth erupt and jaws continue to grow. Early treatment may not be necessary if the problem is likely to resolve on its own.
Starting treatment too early can lead to unnecessary procedures — including extractions and appliance use — that may not ultimately benefit the child's long-term dental health.
Introducing orthodontic treatment at a very young age can potentially affect a child's self-esteem and social development, especially if peers are not undergoing similar treatment.
Early treatment may not shorten the overall duration of care. In some cases it can extend total treatment time if additional phases are needed later.
Teeth may shift back toward their original positions after early treatment if growth and facial development continue to change.
Early treatment can be costly, and the benefits may not outweigh the investment if the problem can be managed effectively at a later stage.
The AAO and other professional organizations recommend evidence-based care, often advocating for waiting until the optimal time based on individual developmental stages.
Orthodontic outcomes are typically more stable when treatment is performed during the optimal developmental period, which is often not early childhood.
As a qualified orthodontist, Dr. Raj will assess your child's specific dental and skeletal development to determine the most appropriate timing for treatment. To learn more, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
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