Precision Meets Play.
Braces forChildren & Kids.
Modern braces designed for growing smiles.
Braces For Children
While most people associate braces with high school, they are a powerful tool for younger children (ages 7–10) as well.
Braces are a reliable, time-tested orthodontic treatment method used to correct issues such as misaligned, crowded or disproportionate teeth.
Kids’ braces offered by Vivid Orhodontics may appear different from what you remember; due to advances in treatment, braces have become smaller and more comfortable for mouths that are still growing.
Braces often work well for children as they are more economical and durable. They are also fixed and non-removable, meaning your child won’t need to remember to put them back in after brushing or eating.
We may recommend braces for children with bite issues and extreme overcrowding. They are often part of an overall treatment plan designed specifically for each child’s needs.
Why braces for kids?
Hygiene & Health
Properly aligned teeth eliminate "food traps," making brushing and flossing significantly more effective. This is your child's best defense against future gum disease and cavities.
Chewing & Digestion
When teeth mesh together correctly, they break down food efficiently. This improves digestion and prevents the uneven wear patterns that lead to chipped teeth.
Jaw Comfort
A misaligned bite forces the jaw muscles to work overtime, leading to stiffness and headaches. Braces guide the jaw into a relaxed, neutral position to eliminate this strain.
Structural Protection
We prevent long-term issues like bone erosion and "collapsed" bites. By supporting the tooth structure now, we avoid severe dental emergencies later in life.
How Kid's Braces Work
Kids braces can be part of a proactive approach to your child’s orthodontic treatment, not only helping to treat current health issues but also preventing future problems with the teeth, mouth and jaw.
Our orthodontists in Calgary typically recommend braces for children whose teeth are crowded or crooked or require realignment. Patients may also have crossbite, overbite or underbite. A bracket will be attached to each tooth, then connected to a wire that spans a row of teeth.
If needed, large elastic bands are attached to brackets and stretched between the upper and lower teeth. This system will gradually shift your child’s teeth into their prescribed positions, typically over a period of about 2 years. Your child will see their orthodontist for wire adjustments periodically – usually every 6 to 8 weeks.
Faq
Parents Ask Us.
Choosing braces for a young child is a different decision than choosing them for a teenager. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often from parents of our 7-to-10-year-old patients.
Not at all. In fact, that is the point! This is called Phase 1 Treatment. We often place braces on the front 4 permanent teeth and the back molars to “make room” for the incoming adult teeth. Treating them now can prevent impacted teeth and reduce the need for complex orthodontic work (or extractions) later.
Likely, yes—but it will be much easier. Phase 1 is about structure (jaw width and spacing). Phase 2 (teen years) is about detailing (perfect alignment). Because we did the hard work early, the teen phase is typically shorter, simpler, and less invasive.
Modern technology has come a long way. We use heat-activated wires that apply gentle, constant pressure rather than strong “tightening” forces. Your child may feel sore for a day or two after an adjustment (ice cream helps!), but they generally adapt very quickly.
Absolutely. Whether it is hockey, soccer, or gymnastics, braces won’t slow them down. We strongly recommend a specialized orthodontic mouthguard to protect their lips and cheeks, which we can provide or recommend for you.
Let's see if they are ready.
Book an assessment to see if braces are the right tool for your child’s growth.