Teeth, Bite & Airway Care For Children (5-10)
Children's Orthodontist Calgary
Early Orthodontic Care for Children Ages 5-10
At Impact Orthodontics, we understand the importance of setting the foundation for good oral health at a young age.
As leading pediatric orthodontists in Calgary, our mission is to provide specialized care for children aged 5-10, ensuring healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Dr. Jen is one of only two orthodontists in Calgary with privileges at the Alberta Children’s Hospital — which speaks to the depth of experience our whole team brings to treating young patients, including those with special health care needs.
When To See A Children's Orthodontist
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7.
We believe that early visits starting at age 5-7 can provide early detection of potential issues with jaw growth, airway, and baby teeth. This early evaluation allows us to provide guidance to parents, ensuring their child’s oral health is on track.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Assessment
Prevents Crowded Teeth and Misalignment
Addressing issues like crowded teeth early can reduce the need for complex traditional braces later.
Guides Jaw Development
Monitoring jaw growth ensures that permanent teeth have enough space to emerge correctly.
Reduces Need for Oral Surgery
Early detection of problems can help avoid more invasive procedures.
Encourages Good Dental Habits
Early visits help teach kids and parents how to care for their child’s teeth properly.
Our Approach to Pediatric Orthodontics
At Impact Orthodontics, we are children’s orthodontists. We prioritize education and early detection. We believe that empowering parents with information about their child’s oral health is essential for getting the timing right.
Our process is designed to create a positive dental experience for children, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.
Stages of Orthodontic Care for Young Children
1. Initial Consultation (Ages 5-7)
During the free first visit, we evaluate your child’s mouth, check the development of their baby teeth and adult teeth, and monitor their jaw growth.
This helps us determine if there are any potential alignment issues that may require future orthodontic treatment.
2. Monitoring and Preventive Care (Ages 7-10)
We continue to monitor your child’s oral health through routine check-ups.
If necessary, we may recommend orthodontic services such as space maintainers or expanders to assist with jaw growth and permanent teeth alignment.
3. Active Treatment (Ages 10+)
If treatment options like traditional braces or clear aligners are needed, we ensure your child receives excellent care in a welcoming environment.
By this stage, early visits and monitoring help minimize the complexity of the treatment.
Specialized Care for Children of All Backgrounds
Our team at Impact Orthodontics has extensive experience working with young patients from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Jen’s work at the Alberta Children’s Hospital gives our whole team unique insight into kids with special health care needs, ensuring that every child receives excellent care tailored to their individual requirements.
Whether your child has crowded teeth or other dental health concerns, we offer orthodontic services that promote good oral health. If your child has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can work alongside their sleep physician as part of their care team. Our goal is to provide specialized care that makes children feel comfortable and excited about their dental care.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences for Children
We understand that dental visits can be intimidating for some children. That’s why we focus on creating a welcoming environment where children feel safe and at ease.
Our friendly team is dedicated to making every visit enjoyable, fostering good dental habits that carry into adulthood.
Why Choose Impact Orthodontics?
Experience and Expertise
Our orthodontists bring 35+ years of combined orthodontic experience to our clinics. Our work at the Alberta Children’s Hospital exposes us to the most challenging cases.
Child-Centered Approach
We tailor our treatment plans to fit the unique needs of each child, ensuring a personalized, positive dental experience.
Comprehensive Services
From early visits to traditional braces to sleep apnea care and corrective jaw and bite procedures, we offer a full range of orthodontic services to support your child’s dental health at every stage.
Insurance and Direct Billing
We offer direct billing to all insurance plans, ensuring that parents can focus on their child’s orthodontic care without financial stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. That doesn’t mean treatment starts at 7 — most children that age don’t need any. It means there are enough adult teeth in place to see how the bite is developing, and any problems worth catching early can be spotted while the jaw is still growing.
Q: Does my child need a referral to see an orthodontist?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us at any time. Many families come in on their own after noticing something — a tooth growing in at an odd angle, a bite that looks off, or a dentist mentioning something worth watching.
Q: Is the first consultation free?
Yes. First consultations at Impact Orthodontics are always free for children under 20. No treatment starts at that visit — only information. You’ll leave knowing exactly where your child’s development stands.
Q: What's the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?
Phase 1 is early treatment that happens while your child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth, usually between ages 7 and 10. It targets specific, time-sensitive problems — like a narrow jaw, a crossbite, or an underbite — where acting during growth leads to a very different result than waiting. Phase 2 is full braces or clear aligners once all the adult teeth are in. Most children go straight to Phase 2 without needing Phase 1 at all.
Q: Will my child still need braces after Phase 1 treatment?
Usually yes. Phase 1 changes what Phase 2 needs to do — sometimes significantly — but it rarely removes the need for it entirely. The goal of Phase 1 is to fix a specific problem that’s easier to address while the jaw is still growing, not to complete all orthodontic treatment.
Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take for kids?
It depends on what’s being treated. Phase 1 typically runs 9 to 12 months, followed by a rest period before Phase 2 begins. Full braces or clear aligners in Phase 2 usually take 18 to 24 months. Some straightforward cases take less. Dr. Jen, Dr. Dena, and Dr. Wendy give you a realistic timeline at your first visit, based on what they actually see — not a generic estimate.
Common Questions from Parents
Not sure where to start, or what’s actually worth worrying about? These articles answer the questions Dr. Jen, Dr. Dena, and Dr. Wendy hear most often from families.
Are crooked teeth in kids normal?
Usually yes — at least during the years when baby teeth are falling out and adult teeth are coming in. But “normal” has limits, and the age and type of crookedness matters. Find out when crooked teeth in kids are normal and when they need attention.
How do I know if my child needs braces?
The signs that matter aren’t always visible in the mirror. Learn what to look for when deciding if your child needs braces — and what to mention when you come in.
What happens at a child's first orthodontist appointment?
No needles, no drills, no surprises. Here’s exactly what happens at a child’s first orthodontist appointment and what you’ll leave knowing.
Should my child see a dentist or an orthodontist for braces?
For children under 12, or anyone with a bite issue or jaw concern, the specialist difference is real. Here’s why children should see an orthodontist rather than a dentist for braces.
Does my child need Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?
Most children don’t — but for those who do, the timing matters a lot. Dr. Jen, Dr. Dena, and Dr. Wendy explain when Phase 1 orthodontic treatment makes a real difference and when it doesn’t.
Does my child need a palate expander?
It depends on what’s happening with the jaw, not just the teeth. Find out when a child needs a palate expander — and when they don’t.
What actually helps a child stop thumb sucking?
Most children stop on their own, and for those who don’t, there are several proven methods worth trying before anything more is needed — see what actually helps a child stop thumb sucking for what works, in order.
Does my child need a space maintainer if they lose a tooth early?
Sometimes, and when they do, we use a bedtime-only retainer instead of a fixed appliance — read why we use a bedtime retainer instead of a fixed space maintainer to see how it works.
Can we bring our child in for growth checks before any treatment starts?
Yes, starting as early as age 5, with no obligation and no charge, ever — see free growth checks from age 5 for exactly what those visits involve.
Contact Us for Pediatric Orthodontics in Calgary
If you’re searching for a children’s orthodontist in Calgary who specializes in caring for young patients, Impact Orthodontics is here to help. Our goal is to provide excellent care that leads to beautiful smiles for years to come.
Call us today to schedule your child’s first consultation. No referral is required and new patient exams are free for children. Early detection and treatment can set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.
At Impact Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing orthodontic services that help children thrive. Let’s build healthy smiles together!
This content was created by Dr. Jennifer Smith, DDS, MS — an orthodontic specialist with over 20 years of experience and co-founder of Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, Alberta. Dr. Smith completed her specialty training at the University of Michigan and holds hospital privileges at Alberta Children’s Hospital, where she provides care for patients with cleft lip and palate, craniofacial, and special needs cases. She is passionate about helping patients of all ages feel welcome, confident, and like part of the Impact Ortho family.