Early orthodontic assessment and Invisalign First for children in Waterdown. Guiding growing smiles straight, at the right time. (289) 799-3355.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic assessment by age seven. That sounds early (most children still have a mouthful of baby teeth), but it is precisely the point. At seven we can see how the permanent teeth and jaws are developing while growth can still be guided. An assessment does not mean treatment. Most children are simply monitored. But for the minority with a developing problem, intervening at the right moment can prevent extractions, surgery, or years of complex treatment later.
Early or ‘phase one’ treatment typically runs six to twelve months and uses simple appliances, an expander to widen a narrow upper jaw, a habit appliance, or partial braces. The goal is not straight teeth at age eight; it is creating the conditions for the permanent teeth to arrive properly. A shorter, simpler phase two often follows in the early teens, and sometimes none is needed at all.
For older children, clear aligners are frequently a better fit than brackets and wires, removable for sports, eating and photographs, with no dietary restrictions and much easier brushing. Compliance is the trade-off: aligners only work when they are actually worn, roughly 22 hours a day. We are straightforward with children and parents about that requirement up front, rather than discovering the problem months in.
Dr. Mansour treats children up to age 12. If your child needs orthodontic treatment that runs past that point, we will complete what we can and refer to an orthodontist with a full handover, so nothing is repeated and nothing is lost.
For braces, usually yes. For an assessment, no: the value is in identifying the small number of children who genuinely benefit from early action.
No. Call us directly to book an assessment.
For most common cases at this age, yes. Some complex bite corrections are still better handled with fixed braces, and we will tell you if that applies.
We are welcoming founding families ahead of our September 2026 opening in Waterdown.