As a parent, you're constantly monitoring your child's development, from their first step to their first words. But when do their teeth come in? At Tooth Fairy Dental on Eglinton, our kids' dentist team near Yonge and Eglinton see parents frequently asking if their child would need orthodontic care. Today, we'll cover the warning signs of orthodontic issues and when you need to schedule that initial visit.
Early Warning Signs Your Child Might Need Braces and you need to visit a Kids dentist on Yonge and Eglinton
Children's smiles change rapidly as they grow. But certain signs could indicate orthodontic needs. As experienced kids dentists in the Yonge and Eglinton area, we recommend searching for these common indicators:
Crowded or crooked teeth
Does your child have overlapping or crooked teeth? Crowding occurs when the jaw is not large enough to fit all teeth. It's not just about appearance but can also cause cleaning to be difficult, which could lead to cavities and gum problems.
Gaps Between Teeth
Although some gaps in spaces are usual in the course of development, permanent large gaps between teeth may need orthodontic consideration. Such spaces may collect food particles and even influence your child's speech or self-confidence.
Chewing or Biting Difficulty
If your child laments about chewing or biting with difficulty or if they often bite the cheek, then this may be a sign of a bite problem. A well-functioning bite is important in terms of nutrition as well as comfort.
Early or Delayed Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are the placeholders for adult teeth. Losing them too soon or too late can affect the alignment of adult teeth. If your child's tooth pattern is abnormal, a children's dentist at our Yonge and Eglinton clinic can determine whether this will lead to problems with alignment.
Mouth Breathing or Snoring
Chronic mouth breathing or snoring may be a sign of airway problems that can impact dental development. The breathing patterns at times are associated with problems related to jaw position, which can be treated with orthodontics.
When Should You Book an Orthodontic Appointment with a Kids Dentist on Yonge and Eglinton
Most parents are surprised to know that orthodontic assessments should be done earlier than they anticipate. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists suggests that kids get their initial orthodontic check-up at age 7.
Why Age 7 Is Best
Most children this age have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, so our kids dentists can spot any problems with jaw development and emerging teeth. Early detection means:
- Less painful, simpler treatment
- Potential savings on treatment time with braces in the future
- Can guide jaw development as it is developing
- Preventing more serious problems from developing
What Happens at an Early Checkup with a Kids Dentist on Yonge and Eglinton?
When you bring your child to our Yonge and Eglinton dental clinic for an orthodontic evaluation, we'll:
- Check their teeth and jaw alignment
- Take X-rays as needed to see developing teeth
- Discuss any habits that may impact dental development
- Create a monitoring or treatment plan tailored to your child's needs
Not every child who gets an early evaluation will need treatment immediately. In most cases, we just watch development and intervene at the most opportune time if necessary.
For some children, our Yonge and Eglinton children's dentists recommend two stages of treatment:
Phase One (Early Intervention): Usually between 7-10 years of age, this phase guides jaw development and makes room for permanent teeth. This may involve expanders or braces on only some of the front teeth.
Monitoring Phase: Between phases, we will monitor your child as permanent teeth that remain continue to come in.
Phase Two: Traditional braces or clear aligners complete the straightening process after most permanent teeth have come in, usually in early adolescence.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment offers numerous advantages:
Improved self-esteem during formative years
Improved oral hygiene and reduced chance of decay
Reduced chance of dental trauma for protruded teeth
Potential prevention of future tooth extraction
More predictable long-term results
Visit Our Kids Dentist Near Yonge and Eglinton
We at Tooth Fairy Dental on Eglinton are professionals at making the dental experience comfortable for kids of all ages. Our child-friendly environment and skilled team understand how to evaluate young smiles for orthodontic needs without compromising the experience. If you have observed any signs that your child might be assisted with orthodontic screening, or if they are approaching age 7, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us at our conveniently located practice between Yonge and Eglinton. Initial evaluation does not always mean treatment immediately, but it does provide reassurance and a clear plan for your child's future dental care.Contact Tooth Fairy Dental on Eglinton today at 416-546-9870 to schedule your child's orthodontic evaluation. We're located conveniently at 161 Eglinton Ave E, just east of Yonge Street, with underground parking.
