Parents in Burnaby who are considering braces for their children may be surprised to learn that an early orthodontic consultation does not necessarily mean treatment will begin right away. According to the orthodontic team at Metrotown Orthodontics, some children benefit from careful monitoring for several years before braces or other orthodontic treatment are recommended. The practice outlines this approach in a recent post, noting that the distinction between monitoring and treatment is important for growing children.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. An early assessment allows an orthodontist to identify potential concerns and determine whether a child needs treatment, continued observation, or simply routine dental care. While some orthodontic issues require early intervention, others may naturally change as permanent teeth erupt and the jaws develop. For example, a child may appear to have crowded front teeth while still having several baby teeth; because the permanent teeth and jaws are still developing, an orthodontist may recommend waiting rather than immediately placing braces.
When considering braces for kids in Burnaby, a monitoring plan allows an orthodontist to observe changes over time rather than making treatment decisions based on a single snapshot of a child’s development. During follow-up visits, an orthodontist may monitor how permanent teeth are erupting, whether sufficient space is available for adult teeth, changes in crowding or spacing, jaw growth and development, overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites, early or delayed loss of baby teeth, oral habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or mouth breathing, and whether the bite is developing evenly on both sides.
Metrotown Orthodontics notes that some children may simply require observation, while others may eventually benefit from braces or another orthodontic appliance. When active treatment is appropriate, braces can address a range of concerns, including crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. Many children begin orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 14, although the appropriate timing varies according to tooth development, jaw growth, and the type and severity of the orthodontic concern. Traditional metal braces remain a common option for children and teens, and depending on the child’s needs and age, clear braces or Invisalign Teen may also be considered.
For parents, being told that their child does not need braces yet can sometimes feel unexpected. However, monitoring is an active orthodontic strategy—not simply waiting and hoping a problem resolves on its own. Regular assessments allow the orthodontist to identify meaningful changes and explain when treatment may become appropriate. In some cases, monitoring may ultimately show that treatment is unnecessary. Parents don’t have to determine for themselves whether their child’s teeth are developing normally. An orthodontic evaluation can provide a clearer picture of what is happening now and what may need attention as the child grows.
Metrotown Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults in Burnaby, including traditional braces, clear braces and Invisalign options where appropriate. The practice focuses on individualized treatment planning based on each patient’s dental development, bite and orthodontic needs.
