Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Early Orthodontic Assessments in Jarvis
An early look at a child’s bite can flag crowding, crossbites or habits worth watching. Jarvis parents can learn what an assessment covers and when follow-up is advised.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Seeing Jarvis patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Jarvis patientsWatching growth and bite
An early check is about timing, not rushing into braces.
Children’s jaws and teeth change rapidly, and some bite issues are easier to guide while growth is still happening. An early orthodontic assessment looks at how teeth are coming in, how the jaws relate and whether habits are affecting development. In many cases, the outcome is simply monitoring, with treatment considered later if at all.
Families in Jarvis can arrange this assessment during a regular checkup at our Port Dover office. If a specialist opinion would be helpful, the dentist can explain why and discuss a referral.
When to check
Some bite issues show up early.
Typical age for a first look
Many dental organizations suggest an orthodontic check around age seven, when a mix of baby and adult teeth are present. At this stage, the dentist can see how front teeth and first molars are erupting and judge whether there is likely to be enough space. Not every child needs treatment at this age.
Signs worth mentioning sooner
Mention early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, crowding, a crossbite, protruding front teeth, teeth that do not meet, or a jaw that shifts when your child bites. Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use is also worth raising. These observations help guide the assessment.
The assessment
The dentist looks at the bigger developmental picture.
Teeth and spacing
The dentist examines how teeth are erupting, whether there is enough room for adult teeth, and how upper and lower teeth fit together. X-rays may be recommended to see unerupted teeth and identify missing or extra teeth. Photos or impressions may be taken to document the starting point.
Jaws, airway and habits
Jaw growth, the position of the tongue and lips, breathing patterns and habits are also considered. Mouth breathing or loud snoring may warrant discussion with your physician. The dentist will explain what each finding means and whether it is likely to correct itself with growth.
Possible outcomes
Most children are monitored, some benefit from early action.
Monitoring
If development looks typical or an issue may resolve on its own, the dentist will usually recommend watching it at regular checkups. You may be asked to look out for certain changes. This approach avoids unnecessary treatment while making sure problems are caught at the right time.
Early intervention or referral
Some issues, such as crossbites, severe crowding or habits causing changes, may benefit from early treatment with appliances. A space maintainer may be suggested if a baby tooth was lost early. The dentist may recommend a referral to an orthodontist for a specialist opinion and explain the reasons.
Supporting growth
Parents play an important role between visits.
Helping with habits
If your child has a thumb-sucking or pacifier habit, gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement often work better than pressure. Ask the dentist for age-appropriate strategies. Pay attention to how your child breathes at night and mention snoring or mouth breathing at checkups.
Keeping teeth healthy
Healthy baby teeth help guide adult teeth into position, so continue regular brushing, flossing and checkups. Losing a baby tooth early to decay can affect spacing. If your child injures a tooth or a baby tooth stays in place too long, let the dentist know.
Planning your appointment
Booking an early assessment from Jarvis
Call our Port Dover office and ask for an orthodontic check to be included in your child’s exam. Mention any bite or habit concerns you have noticed.
Bring notes about thumb sucking, snoring or chewing difficulties, and any previous dental records for your child.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Early orthodontic questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Does an early check mean my child needs braces?
No. Many children only need monitoring. The assessment helps identify whether and when treatment might be helpful, which may be years later or not needed at all.
At what age should my child be assessed?
Around age seven is commonly suggested, but the dentist can look at bite development at any checkup. If you notice a concern earlier, mention it.
Will my child be referred to an orthodontist?
Only if a specialist opinion would help. The dentist will explain the reason and what the orthodontist would assess. You can ask questions before deciding.
Can thumb sucking affect teeth?
Prolonged or intense thumb sucking can affect the position of teeth and jaw development. The dentist can assess whether changes are occurring and suggest approaches to help your child stop.
What is a crossbite?
A crossbite occurs when upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. Some crossbites benefit from early treatment. The dentist will explain whether your child’s bite needs attention.
Related growth and habit care
Children’s Dentistry →Space Maintainers →
When a baby tooth is lost too soon, nearby teeth can drift into the gap. Learn how a space maintainer helps hold room for the adult tooth and how Jarvis parents can care for it.
Thumb Sucking and Oral Habit Guidance →
Thumb sucking, pacifier use and tongue thrusting can affect developing teeth. Jarvis parents can learn when to be concerned and gentle ways to help a child stop.