Parents in Burnaby who are considering braces for kids in Burnaby may be surprised to learn that an early orthodontic consultation does not always result in immediate treatment. According to the orthodontic team at Metrotown Orthodontics, many children benefit from careful monitoring over several years before braces or other interventions are recommended. This approach, detailed in a recent announcement, underscores the importance of distinguishing between monitoring and active treatment for growing children.
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At this age, an orthodontist can identify potential concerns and determine whether a child needs treatment, continued observation, or simply routine dental care. 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. This wait-and-see approach is not passive; it is an active strategy that allows the orthodontist to track changes over time and intervene at the optimal moment.
Monitoring involves regular follow-up visits where the orthodontist observes 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 for kids in Burnaby can address a range of orthodontic 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. 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. Parents who are concerned about crowded teeth, unusual tooth eruption, bite problems, or jaw development can schedule an orthodontic evaluation to determine whether their child would benefit from treatment or continued monitoring. For more information, visit https://www.metrotownortho.com/childrens-orthodontist-in-burnaby-why-some-kids-need-monitoring-years-before-treatment-starts/.
