At Orthodontic Smile Studio, we believe that a vibrant smile opens doors to brighter futures. Not only are straight teeth nice to have, but having proper alignment of your teeth and jaw can improve comfort, prevent unnecessary wear on teeth, and prevent other dental issues by making teeth and gums easier to clean.
From dentofacial orthopedics, which helps guide jaw growth and development in childhood, to braces, Invisalign®, and other treatments in pre-teen and teen years, Dr. Caley is experienced in providing customized orthodontic treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs.
Schedule your child’s consultation today to get started.
Both the Canadian and the American Associations of Orthodontists recommend bringing your child to see an orthodontist by the age of seven. This allows the orthodontist to identify issues, particularly related to the growth and development of your child’s jaw, that can be treated before all permanent (adult) teeth grow in.
It’s not always clear when children need orthodontic care. However, these signs can indicate it’s time to visit an orthodontist:
If you notice any of these signs in your child, schedule an appointment with us. Dr. Caley will evaluate their teeth, jaw, and bite to determine if they need orthodontics and which treatments she would recommend.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, and aesthetic result while they’re growing.
By addressing these concerns early, you reduce the need for more significant and potentially invasive treatments later on.
Phase 1 of the two-phase treatment plan uses dentofacial orthopedics to guide growth using appliances like palatal expanders. The second phase occurs once all permanent teeth have emerged and may include braces or Invisalign to straighten teeth and correct alignment.
The first phase focuses on helping the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all permanent teeth and improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together. Children often show early signs of jaw problems as they grow, such as an upper jaw that is growing too much or is too narrow.
If children over the age of 6 exhibit these signs, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Children around age 8 with crowded front teeth can also benefit from early orthodontic treatment, as it can help prevent the need to extract permanent teeth later.
A common appliance used in phase 1 is a palatal expander. This device helps direct the growth of your child’s jaw, so it will accommodate their future permanent teeth.
Once the first phase is complete, there will be a resting period to allow for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt. The length of the resting period depends on how long it takes for your child to get all their permanent teeth.
We’ll continue to monitor your child’s teeth during this phase. In some cases, we may recommend the removal of certain primary (baby) teeth to help your child’s permanent teeth come in.
Once your child’s permanent teeth have all grown in, we’ll begin planning phase 2. This stage involves adjusting your child’s teeth into alignment. This helps the function of their bite, the comfort of their lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw, and provides them with straight teeth.
Phase 2 usually involves full upper and lower braces or Invisalign, depending on their needs and preferences. Once your child is done with their phase 2 treatment, they will receive a retainer to keep their teeth in alignment.
Hearing “you need braces” can feel daunting or scary. But today’s orthodontics are more user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile than ever before. From traditional and ceramic braces to Invisalign, there are many options to explore that can make orthodontic treatment feel easier for your lifestyle.
The length of time you’ll need to wear braces or aligners depends on your treatment plan. Certain factors, such as your jaw development, how carefully you follow your treatment plan, and the current alignment of your teeth and jaw, can all impact the treatment time.
After your consultation, we’ll discuss which orthodontic treatment options we recommend for you. Once we decide on a treatment plan, we’ll walk you and your parent through what to expect during each stage of treatment. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Maintaining oral hygiene is important during your or your child’s orthodontic treatment. The health of your teeth and gums plays a critical role in your overall well-being as well as the effectiveness and duration of your treatment.
We recommend brushing your teeth after every meal. This prevents food particles from getting trapped in your appliance. To brush your teeth effectively, angle the brush at 45 degrees to your gum line. Use small, circular motions to dislodge any food particles or plaque.
Flossing after every meal can help get any stubborn particles between your teeth that the toothbrush might miss. Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss if you have braces, or floss normally if you’re using Invisalign.
Maintain your regular dental cleaning schedule with your dentist during your orthodontic treatment.
Assist your child with brushing and flossing as necessary. If your child is too young to floss on their own, we can show you techniques that make it easier to assist them during their appointment.
If you’re interested in exploring orthodontic treatments for your child or teen, we’re here to assist. Our team works hard to make sure children feel relaxed and at ease in the clinic, to help make the experience easier and less stressful. For certain appliances, we can offer different colour elastics or ligatures to customize your child’s appliance to their style.
Completing an orthodontic treatment is a great achievement. Once their braces are off, our team puts together a candy cup with delicious treats that your child had to avoid during treatment as a celebratory gift!
We’re here to assist with all your orthodontic questions, whether for your child, teenager, or yourself. Schedule a free consultation to discover how we can contribute to a future filled with confident, beautiful smiles.
Find us in The Boardwalk shopping centre on the second floor of building 235. We’re just across the parking lot from Staples and above Popeyes and Booster Juice.
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