Child Braces Waterloo
Many children are ambivalent about getting braces. On the one hand, they like the idea of perfect teeth, but on the other hand they are nervous about whether the braces will cause pain and discomfort. The good news is that the placement of orthodontic braces is not at all painful, and the end result will be a beautiful straight smile.
Although patients of any age can benefit from orthodontic braces, they tend to work much quicker on pre-teens and teenagers since they are still experiencing jaw growth. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children should first see an orthodontist around the age of seven years-old. An orthodontic examination may be beneficial before age seven if facial or oral irregularities are noted.
What Causes Misalignment of Teeth?
Poorly aligned teeth often cause problems speaking, biting and chewing. Most irregularities are genetic or occur as a result of developmental issues. Conversely, some irregularities are acquired or greatly exacerbated by certain habits and behaviors such as:
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Prolonged pacifier use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Poor nutrition
What’s Involved When a Child Gets Braces?
The orthodontist initially conducts a visual examination of the child’s teeth. This will be accompanied by panoramic x-rays, study models (bite impressions) and computer generated images of the head and neck. These preliminary assessments are sometimes known as the “planning phase” because they aid the orthodontist in making a diagnosis and planning the most effective treatment.
In many cases, the orthodontist will recommend “fixed” orthodontic braces for a child. Fixed braces cannot be lost, forgotten or removed at will, which means that treatment is completed more quickly. Removable appliances may also be utilized, which are less intrusive, and are generally used to treat various types of defects.
Here is a brief overview of some of the main types of orthodontic appliances used for children:
- Fixed braces – Braces comprised of brackets that are affixed to each individual tooth, and an archwire that connects the brackets. The brackets are usually made of metal, ceramic, or a clear synthetic material that is less noticeable to the naked eye. After braces have been applied, the child will have regular appointments to have the braces adjusted by the orthodontist. Orthodontic elastic bands are often added to the braces to aid in the movement of specific teeth.
- Headgear – This type of appliance is most useful to treat developmental irregularities. A headgear is a custom-made appliance attached to wire that is worn to aid in tooth movement. A headgear is intended to be worn for 12-20 hours each day and must be worn as recommended to achieve good results.
- Retainers – Retainers are typically utilized in the third phase (retention phase). When the original malocclusion has been treated with braces, it is essential that the teeth do not regress back to the original misalignment. Wearing a retainer ensures the teeth maintain their proper alignment, and gives the jawbone around the teeth a chance to stabilize.
If you have questions about braces for children, please contact our office.
What to Expect During Braces Treatment
Treatment starts with a consultation. We take impressions or digital scans of your child's teeth, x-rays of the jaws (to see what's coming in and what's still in bone), and photographs for the record. From there we map out a treatment plan: type of appliance, expected length of treatment, what each appointment will look like, and what the cost will be. Most plans run between 18 and 30 months, with check-up appointments every 6 to 10 weeks.
The first appointment after the consultation is the placement of the braces. The teeth are cleaned, a bonding agent is applied to the enamel, and the brackets are positioned and bonded. The archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured. The whole appointment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. There may be mild discomfort for a day or two afterward as the teeth begin to move — over-the-counter pain medication and soft foods help.
At each follow-up appointment we check progress, replace or adjust the archwire, and address any broken brackets or loose ligatures. As treatment progresses the wires become stiffer and more targeted in the forces they apply. Toward the end we may add small accessories — elastics for bite correction, springs for spacing — to fine-tune the final position. When the active phase is complete, the braces come off, the teeth are cleaned, and we move into the retainer phase.
Who Is a Candidate for Child Braces
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, when the first permanent molars and front teeth have usually come in and developing issues become visible. That evaluation doesn't necessarily mean treatment starts at age seven — for most children it doesn't. It means we get a baseline and identify any issues that benefit from early intervention.
- Crowding — when there isn't enough room for permanent teeth to come in straight
- Gaps — large spaces between teeth that don't close on their own
- Overbite — top teeth significantly cover the bottom teeth
- Underbite — bottom teeth sit in front of top teeth when biting
- Crossbite — some top teeth fit inside the bottom teeth rather than over them
- Open bite — top and bottom teeth don't touch when the mouth closes
- Jaw alignment issues affecting chewing or speech
For most children, comprehensive treatment starts in the early-to-mid teen years, once most permanent teeth have erupted. Some benefit from a phase-one treatment earlier (around ages 8-10) to address specific developing issues, followed by phase-two treatment in the teens. The right timing depends on what's happening with growth, when the permanent teeth come in, and the specific issues we want to correct.
Caring for Braces at Home
Daily care matters more once braces are on. Food trapped around brackets and wires can lead to decalcified spots (the chalky white marks where enamel has lost minerals) that show up as permanent shadows once the braces come off. Good home care prevents that.
Brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush, angled to reach above and below each bracket, is the baseline. A small interdental brush helps clean between brackets where a regular brush can't reach. Daily flossing with a floss threader or with orthodontic floss picks gets between the teeth where the archwire would otherwise block standard floss. An electric toothbrush helps many kids by taking some of the technique decisions out of their hands.
Food choices matter too. Hard foods (whole apples, raw carrots, hard candy, ice cubes) can break brackets. Sticky foods (gum, caramels, taffy) pull brackets off. Crunchy foods are usually fine if cut into smaller pieces. Most children adjust within a couple of weeks. If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes a cheek, call us — we'll get you in quickly to fix it so treatment stays on schedule.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Child braces fees come down to the complexity of the case, how long treatment will take, and the type of appliance (traditional metal, ceramic, or clear aligners where the case suits them). We follow the current Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide and give you a complete written estimate at the consultation that includes retainers and follow-up visits.
Most extended dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, often as a separate category from regular dental coverage. Coverage levels vary significantly — typical reimbursement is 50% to 80% of eligible orthodontic fees, subject to a lifetime maximum per dependent (commonly $1,500 to $3,000 per child). We submit claims directly where your plan allows, and we offer interest-free payment plans to spread the cost over the length of treatment.
The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is gradually expanding orthodontic coverage for eligible children — we can review your specific coverage at the consultation.
Child Braces — Frequently Asked Questions
What age should braces be considered?
A first orthodontic evaluation is recommended around age 7. Active treatment usually starts in the early teen years, but a small number of children benefit from an earlier phase-one stage to address specific issues. The evaluation tells us which path is appropriate.
How long does treatment take?
Most cases run 18 to 30 months in the active phase. Simpler cases finish in 12 to 18 months; more complex cases can run 30+ months. After the braces come off, a retainer phase lasts indefinitely — usually nightly wear long-term to keep teeth in position.
Are braces uncomfortable?
There's some discomfort for a day or two after each adjustment as the teeth begin to move. Over-the-counter pain medication, cold water, and soft foods help. Brackets occasionally irritate cheeks or tongue — orthodontic wax (we provide it) covers any bracket that's bothering tissue.
Can my child still play sports and instruments?
Yes, with adjustments. A custom mouthguard is recommended for contact sports — over-the-counter mouthguards often don't fit well over braces. For wind instrument players, there's a short adjustment period (typically a few weeks) before playing feels comfortable again. Mouthguards or silicone covers for the brackets help.
What if a bracket breaks or a wire pokes?
Call us during business hours and we'll schedule an emergency repair as soon as we can — usually same-day or next-day. Don't try to fix it at home. For a poking wire, you can apply orthodontic wax over the wire to ease discomfort until the repair appointment.
Will my child need a retainer afterward?
Yes. After braces come off, the teeth want to drift back toward their original position over time. Long-term retainer wear (typically nightly) holds the result. We provide either a removable retainer or a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, depending on the case.