At What Age Should You Consult an Orthodontist for Your Child?
Complete Guide for Quebec Parents (2025)
Introduction
As a parent, you're probably wondering when you should take your child to see an orthodontist for the first time. It's a question I hear every day at the Orthodontic Center, and it's completely normal to want to do things at the right time to ensure your child's best dental development.
The good news? There are clear recommendations based on decades of orthodontic research, and I'm here to guide you through this journey with precise and reassuring information.
The Golden Age: 7 Years for First Visit
Why 7 Years?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) and American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) unanimously recommend a first orthodontic consultation from age 7, even if everything seems perfect with your child's smile.
At this magic age, several things happen:
- First permanent molars appear
- Permanent incisors (front teeth) begin to emerge
- Jaw development can be assessed
- Potential problems become detectable before they worsen
Important: This first visit does NOT necessarily mean treatment will begin immediately! It's primarily a preventive evaluation.
Free Consultation at Orthodontic Center
At Dr. David Benguira's Orthodontic Center, we offer a free initial consultation. It's the ideal opportunity to meet our team, visit our clinics (Queen Mary in Montreal or North Shore in St-Eustache), and get a professional evaluation without financial commitment.
Warning Signs: When to Consult Earlier
Even before age 7, certain signs should prompt you to quickly consult an orthodontist:
Obvious Visual Signs:
- Tooth crowding or pronounced dental overcrowding
- Significant spaces between teeth
- Teeth not touching when mouth is closed
- Misaligned jaw (chin too far forward or too far back)
- Deformation caused by prolonged thumb sucking
Functional Signs:
- Frequent mouth breathing (instead of nose)
- Regular nocturnal snoring
- Chewing or swallowing difficulties
- Noisy jaw or deviates when opening/closing
- Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
Concerning Habits:
- Thumb sucking beyond 4-5 years
- Tongue thrusting against teeth (tongue interposition)
- Excessive teeth grinding (bruxism)
If you observe any of these signs, don't wait! An early consultation can make all the difference.
Interceptive Orthodontics: Acting Early for Spectacular Results
What is Interceptive Orthodontics?
It's a type of preventive orthodontics used only in children to guide or correct poor dentition and jaw growth, before growth is complete.
About 20% of patients seen before age 10 will benefit from interceptive treatment (phase 1). This early treatment generally lasts 12 to 18 months, followed by a 2-year supervision pause before a possible phase 2 around age 12.
Early Treatment Advantages:
- Prevent more serious problems: It's much easier to guide bone growth while it's active than to correct established problems in adulthood.
- Free up space necessary for all permanent teeth eruption, thus reducing future extraction probability.
- Reduce trauma risk: Very advanced incisors are more likely to fracture during a fall.
- Improve functional balance: Breathing, chewing, speech – everything works better with good alignment.
- Psychologically favorable age: Children aged 7-10 are generally very cooperative.
- Simplified future treatment: If phase 2 is necessary, it will be faster and less expensive.
Optimal Age for Main Treatment: 11-12 Years
Most complete orthodontic treatments begin between 11 and 12 years, when all permanent teeth have erupted and active growth allows maximizing results.
Costs and Financing of Orthodontic Treatment
Each orthodontic case is unique – complexity, estimated duration, available technological options vary considerably from patient to patient. This is why we don't present generic rates in this article that might not reflect your specific situation.
✨ Free and No-Obligation Consultation ✨
The best way to understand your orthodontic treatment cost? A direct consultation at Dr. David Benguira's Orthodontic Center. We will analyze your specific case and discuss all available options.
For Detailed Information on Finances and Insurance
A comprehensive resource is available on this subject. You will find:
- Price ranges by treatment type
- Financing options and payment plans
- Provincial health coverage and private insurance
- Points to check with your insurer
- Tips to maximize your insurance coverage
👉 For personalized consultation on costs and financing, contact us directly or visit www.monorthodontiste.org/finances-assurances-orthodontie
Provincial Health Insurance
Orthodontics is not covered by provincial health insurance, regardless of age or treatment reason. However, many private dental insurances offer partial coverage.
Private Dental Insurance
If you have private dental insurance, here are important points to check with your insurer:
- Maximum covered amount (often between $1,500 and $3,000 lifetime)
- Age limit (some insurances only cover up to age 18)
- Waiting period (delay before coverage activates)
- Reimbursement percentage (generally 50% of cost, up to maximum)
Contact Us
100% FREE Initial Consultation
🌐 Website: www.monorthodontiste.org – Book online or discover our virtual visit
📍 Our clinics:
- Centre Orthodontique Queen Mary: 3766 Queen Mary, Montreal
📞 Phone: 514 667-9498 - Centre Orthodontique Rive Nord (North Shore): 464 rue du Parc, suite 122, St-Eustache
📞 Phone: 450 983-4233
Article written by Clara Morgan, Orthodontic Assistant at Dr. David Benguira's Orthodontic Center.
Invisalign certified and trained in 3D imaging, I'm passionate about supporting young patients and their families in their orthodontic journey. Having worn braces myself as a teenager, I understand parents' and children's concerns.
Updated: November 2025
Your smile (and your child's) deserve the best. Together, let's create it! 😊✨
Dr. David Benguira
Specialist Orthodontist DDS, MSc, FRCD(C)
Active member of CHU Sainte-Justine and affiliated with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), Dr. Benguira dedicates himself exclusively to orthodontics to offer excellence care to his patients of all ages.
