orthodontics

Growing Healthy Smiles from the Start

At Vancouver Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are passionate about helping children grow up with healthy, confident smiles. Our experienced orthodontic team is committed to guiding children and their families through every stage of treatment with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.

We believe that early evaluation, patient education, and customized treatment planning are the keys to creating healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.

Because every smile is unique, every treatment plan is tailored to your child's individual needs. We offer affordable orthodontic solutions designed to fit your family's budget—without ever compromising the quality of care.

Our goal is simple: to provide exceptional orthodontic treatment, flexible financial options, and outstanding results so every child has access to the confident, healthy smile they deserve.  

When Should My Child Have Their First Orthodontic Visit?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By this age, most children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth, allowing the orthodontist to identify developing concerns with jaw growth, bite alignment, and tooth eruption. An early evaluation allows us to monitor your child's development and determine the ideal timing for treatment—even if treatment isn't needed right away. 
Many parents are surprised to learn that an early orthodontic evaluation does not necessarily mean their child will need braces right away. In many cases, the visit simply allows us to monitor growth and determine if early treatment could prevent more significant problems later.

Understanding Phase I and Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment

Not every child who visits the orthodontist is ready for braces. Depending on your child's growth and development, treatment may occur in one or two phases. Phase I (Early Interceptive Treatment) Phase I treatment is performed while a child is still growing and typically has a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goal is to address developing orthodontic concerns early to help prevent damage to the permanent teeth and reduce complexities in the comprehensive phase (Phase II) of orthodontic treatment. Phase I treatment may be recommended to:

Correct crossbites or significant bite problems
Create space for developing permanent teeth
Guide proper jaw growth
Reduce the risk of damage to permanent teeth
Improve oral function
Help avoid more complex orthodontic treatment later

Not every child needs Phase I treatment. For many children, the best recommendation is simply to monitor growth until the permanent teeth have erupted.

Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment (Phase II)

Comprehensive treatment typically begins after most or all permanent teeth have erupted. This phase focuses on aligning the teeth, correcting the bite, and creating a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile using braces or Invisalign® clear aligners. Whether or not a child has completed Phase I treatment, comprehensive treatment provides the detailed tooth alignment needed to achieve the best long-term result.

It All Starts with a Complimentary New Patient Consultation

Your child's first orthodontic visit is designed to be comfortable, informative, and stress-free. 
During the consultation, our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Melvin Pederson, will carefully evaluate your child's teeth, bite, and jaw development. Diagnostic photographs and digital X-rays may be recommended to better understand how the permanent teeth are developing. 
Following the examination, we'll discuss:

Whether any orthodontic concerns are present
Whether treatment is recommended now or should be monitored
The ideal time to begin treatment
Available treatment options
Financial and payment options

Our goal is to answer your questions and provide the information you need to make confident decisions about your child's orthodontic care.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

Every child's smile develops differently. While many patients are treated with braces or clear aligners, some children benefit from orthodontic appliances that guide jaw growth, create space for permanent teeth, or improve bite alignment during key stages of development.

Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)

A Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is used to gently widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow. Expansion can:

Create space for crowded teeth
Correct certain crossbites
Improve bite alignment
Promote healthy jaw development

Because the upper jaw is still growing during childhood, expansion is often most effective when performed early.

Orthodontic Headgear

Although used less frequently today than in previous decades, orthodontic headgear remains an
effective treatment option for certain orthodontic conditions. 
Headgear is designed to help guide jaw growth and tooth movement while a child is growing.
It is typically worn at home and while sleeping, using gentle, controlled forces to improve jaw
relationships and bite alignment.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners provide a comfortable, removable, and nearly invisible alternative to braces for many children, teens, and adults. They offer an excellent option for patients seeking a more discreet orthodontic treatment.

Traditional Braces with DIBS® Digital Technology

Traditional braces remain one of the most reliable and effective ways to correct a wide range of orthodontic concerns. At Vancouver Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we enhance traditional braces with DIBS® Digital Indirect Bonding technology. 
Using advanced 3D digital planning, each bracket is precisely positioned before your appointment. A custom transfer tray allows all brackets to be bonded accurately and efficiently in a single step. This technology offers several advantages, including:

More precise bracket placement
Shorter bonding appointments
Improved treatment efficiency
Greater consistency and predictability

The result is the same trusted traditional braces, delivered with advanced digital precision to help optimize your child's orthodontic treatment.

Schedule Your Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation

Every great smile begins with the right plan. 
Whether your child is ready for treatment or simply needs an orthodontic evaluation, our team is here to provide expert guidance in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. We'll take the time to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about your child's orthodontic care.
We look forward to helping your child achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Appliances

Does every child need an expander or headgear?

No. Most children do not require these appliances. They are only recommended when an orthodontic evaluation shows specific growth or bite concerns that would benefit from early intervention.

Will these appliances replace braces?

Usually not. These appliances often address jaw growth and bite relationships first. Braces or Invisalign treatment may still be needed later to align the teeth and refine the final smile.

Are these appliances uncomfortable?

Most children experience a short adjustment period as they become accustomed to a new appliance. Mild pressure is normal and usually subsides within a few days. Our team provides detailed instructions and support to help make the transition as comfortable as possible.