Orthodontics for Children

While there is no specific 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 teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and possibly correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and with less invasive treatment.

Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:

  • Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straighter
  • Coordinate the width of the upper and lower arches
  • Create more space for crowded teeth
  • Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
  • Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems

For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment.  When in doubt, ask your dentist.

Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • A hard time chewing or biting food
  • Mouth breathing
  • Finger or thumb sucking
  • Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
  • Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
  • Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
  • Jaws and teeth that do not seem proportionate to the rest of the face
  • Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment with Dr. Boutin for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthier, improved smile for the future.

Drumheller Office

180 Riverside Dr E
Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y4

Calgary Office

4935 40 Ave NW Suite 124
Calgary, AB T3A 2N1