- Consult
- Records
- Bond
- Adjust
- Debond
- Retain
Every age group starts at the same node: a free assessment and an honest answer.
Healthy teeth move at seven, seventeen and seventy. What changes is the goal: in children we are often guiding growth; in teens we are finishing a bite while growth still helps; in adults we are correcting drift, preparing for restorative work, or simply doing what someone has wanted for years.
The pattern we see at our Coquitlam practice
Children come at seven for a look — and most leave with a recall date, not a treatment plan. Teens come at twelve or thirteen for the main event. Adults come for one of three reasons: their own teenage retainer stopped years ago; their dentist needs space or alignment for an implant or crown; or they've decided it's finally their turn. Each has its own page below, written in the terms that age group actually asks about.
A closer look at each age
Children (5–11). A free look around seven; monitoring for most; a first-phase appliance for the minority with a skeletal pattern — an expander, a twin block, partial braces or Invisalign First. Colours matter. Parents are the compliance officers. Teens (12–18). The main event: adult teeth in, growth still helping, a choice between braces and Invisalign Teen decided by the teenager's honest answer to the twenty-two-hour question, and a timeline planned around exams and grad. Adults. A quarter of our patients: relapse fixes in six to twelve months, aligners or ceramic braces for discretion, plans built around crowns and implants, and a gum check before anything moves. Seniors. Healthy teeth move at seventy; gums first, dental work planned around, the same free consultation.
How we treat a family, not just a patient
Many Tri-Cities households have two or three children moving through orthodontic age in sequence. We'll sketch the whole family's likely timeline at the first visit, schedule siblings back to back, map insurance across children and phases, and structure payment plans so the household's monthly total stays manageable. Ask for it; it's a ten-minute conversation that saves years of scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
What age should a child first see an orthodontist?
Around seven. Most need nothing yet and get a free recall date. Why seven.
What's the best age for braces?
Eleven to fourteen for comprehensive treatment; seven to ten for guiding jaw growth when it's indicated.
Do you treat the whole family?
Yes, and we plan for households — siblings back to back, insurance mapped once.
Misconceptions we correct most often
“Every child needs braces eventually.”
Many don't. The assessment at seven sorts children into 'monitor' and 'treat', and most are the former.
“Teenagers can't be trusted with Invisalign.”
Some can and do beautifully. We ask them directly and believe the answer.
“Adult orthodontics is cosmetic.”
Cleanability, function and a bite that doesn't wear are health reasons. Wanting it is reason enough anyway.
What Coquitlam families search for, answered
“Braces for 7 year old”
Almost never full braces — a first-phase appliance if indicated, or a free recall date. What kids actually get.
“Braces for adults over 50”
Yes, regularly — aligners or ceramic braces after a gum check. Adult braces.
“Orthodontist for teenager near me”
After-school and Saturday slots at Coquitlam Centre, and SkyTrain access for independent teens. Near you.
A closer look: the same problem at three ages
A narrow upper jaw at eight: an expander for six to nine months while the growth seam is open, and the crowding it was causing largely resolves as the adult teeth find room. The same narrow jaw at fourteen: the seam is closing; we widen what we can dentally and may need extractions to make room. The same narrow jaw at thirty-five: dental expansion for mild narrowness, or a surgically assisted procedure for real width. One anatomy, three very different treatments, decided by nothing but age. It's the clearest argument we know for the free look at seven — and the reason "who it's for" is really a question about "when."
What doesn't change with age
The free consultation. Records before recommendations. Every viable option priced side by side. Retainers in the fee. Coordination with your dentist. And the honest answer — including "not yet" for a child, "braces would be faster" for a teen who wanted aligners, and "this is mild enough to leave" for an adult who'd rather not treat.
Before you go
Pick your age group above and read its page. Then cost, then how to reach us, then book.