Providing your child with orthodontic treatment can give them the lifelong benefit of having a beautiful and well functioning smile. We understand that orthodontic treatment can be a large financial and time commitment, and that you might have a few questions before proceeding. 

Our team of experienced professionals at Beach Braces have put together some of the most commonly asked questions to help you make an informed decision about orthodontic treatment.

Q: At what age should I schedule my child’s first orthodontic checkup? 

According to Canadian Association of Orthodontists, you should schedule your child’s first appointment no later than age 7. Most children have a mix of permanent and baby teeth at this age, making it the ideal time to assess any orthodontic problems at their earliest.

Q:What are the most common types of oral problems? 

Among children, the most common problems are crossbites, crowding, open bites, protrusion, spacing, and underbites. All of which can be corrected with a personalized treatment plan from Dr. Dask. 

Q: Will the braces hurt? 

Braces themselves do not hurt, but your child might experience some mild discomfort after the braces are initially put on or tightened. We can prescribe some pain medications to ease the soreness, but most of the time, there shouldn’t be any pain at all.  

Q: How long will my child need to wear braces? 

Depending on the orthodontic problem at hand, the braces’ treatment timeline can vary from 12 to 30 months.

Q: Can my child play sports or instruments while wearing the braces? 

Wearing braces will not stop your child from participating in any school activities, but at first, they may require an adjustment period. For example, they’ll need to remember to wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports to protect their teeth and braces. 

Q: Are there any foods to stay away while undergoing treatment? 

There are some foods to avoid, mostly anything that is overly chewy or hard. Dr. Dask will take the time to carefully explain these instructions to you and provide you with a full list of foods to avoid and modify. You can also find more information about the recommended diet with braces here on our website. 

Visit an Orthodontist in Toronto

Malocclusions don’t go away on their own. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment for your child and give them that perfect smile. We’d be happy to talk to you about our orthodontic treatment options, including Invisalign, self-ligating braces and more! We can’t wait to meet you and your child soon.