Early Orthodontic Check (Age 7) in Aurora

What it is

The American Association of Orthodontists suggests every child have an orthodontic check by about age 7. That is not because seven-year-olds need braces. It is because, around that age, the first adult molars and front teeth have come in next to the remaining baby teeth. That mix gives a clear view of how the jaws are growing and whether the adult teeth will have room.

Parents often wonder what this first orthodontic visit actually involves. Dr. Farhad Sobouti, DDS, MSc (Orthodontics), FRCDC, provides our orthodontic treatment and does these checks. He watches how your child opens, closes and bites, looks at the spacing of the teeth, and asks about habits such as thumb-sucking or mouth breathing. There is no drilling and no needles. Records such as X-rays or a digital scan are only taken if something needs a closer look.

Most families leave with one of three answers. Often, nothing is needed and the regular checkups with your family dentist are enough. Sometimes, growth is worth watching, and we suggest a short recheck in 6 to 12 months. For a smaller group of children, early orthodontic treatment can guide a developing problem while the jaw is still growing. The Canadian Dental Association notes that in some cases it helps to start before all the adult teeth are in.

Our blog post on the right age to start orthodontic treatment covers timing for children, teens and adults. This page focuses on the check itself, so you know what to expect when you bring your child in.

Is it right for me?

• Your child is around 7 and has never had a bite check.
• Adult front teeth look crowded, tilted or are coming in behind baby teeth.
• Your child's jaw shifts to one side when closing.
• Baby teeth were lost much earlier or later than classmates'.
• Your child still sucks a thumb or breathes through the mouth most of the time.
• You were told by a family dentist that a bite check would be a good idea.

Step by step

1. Chat with you firstWe ask about your child's health, habits, any family history of bite problems and what you have noticed at home.
2. A look at the biteDr. Sobouti checks how the teeth meet, how the jaw moves and how much room there is for adult teeth.
3. Records if neededIf a closer look would help, he may suggest X-rays, photos or a digital scan, and explains why before taking them.
4. Your answer, in plain wordsYou hear whether to do nothing for now, come back for a growth check, or consider early treatment, with reasons for each.
5. A plan for next timeIf a recheck is suggested, we book it. If treatment is suggested, you get a written plan and estimate first.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

The early check is billed like other dental exams, and the fee depends on whether any records are needed, with the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Many plans cover exams for children, while orthodontic treatment often falls under a separate benefit with its own limit. Children enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan may have exams covered, but the plan does not currently list orthodontic services. IFHP rules vary. We bill all insurance plans directly. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. If early treatment is suggested, you'll get a written estimate before anything starts.

What shapes your estimate

• Whether the check needs records such as X-rays, photos or a scan
• How many recheck visits are suggested
• The type of appliance if early treatment is advised
• Whether a second phase is likely later
• Your plan's coverage for orthodontic exams and treatment

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

Questions