Children’s Orthodontist in Montreal

Q: At what age should we come in?

Around age 7. That’s the benchmark highlighted by the American and Quebec associations of orthodontists. Early enough to catch a jaw developing off-track or teeth coming in crooked, while everything can still be gently guided.

Q: Is it going to hurt?

No, nothing like what children picture. In the first few days after an appliance is placed, a feeling of tension is possible; a common over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen is enough to ease it. Does your child have sensitive teeth? Let us know and we’ll adjust.

Q: Should they keep seeing their regular dentist?

Yes, more than ever. We move the teeth; their dentist keeps them healthy and cavity-free. The two kinds of care go hand in hand, toward the same goal.

Q: How long does it take?

It depends on each case, but most often expect between 12 and 36 months, with an adjustment appointment every 6 to 8 weeks. You’ll leave the first visit with a clear timeline.

Choosing a specialist to care for your child’s smile is a decision worth thinking through. At the Di Battista Kornbluth Muller clinic, our orthodontists follow the development of every young patient in Montreal and recommend treatment only when it makes a real difference, the same standard we would hold for our own children. Looking for a children’s orthodontist in Montreal? We’d be glad to welcome your family.

Why see an orthodontist as early as age 7?

A child can see an orthodontist well before all of their adult teeth have come in. Age 7 is the benchmark: it’s the recommended screening age set by the American and Quebec associations of orthodontists. By then, we can already see how the jaws are developing and the order in which the permanent teeth are arriving, which makes it possible to catch early on anything worth keeping an eye on. This first visit comes with no obligation.

What a first exam can reveal

The exam looks at two things: how the jaws are growing and how the permanent teeth are coming in. That’s what allows us to identify, very early, an imbalance such as a crossbite, an overly narrow upper jaw, a lack of room for the teeth, or the effects of thumb-sucking.

Most children don’t need immediate treatment

In reality, the majority of children need no appliance at this stage. The first visit then simply leads to monitoring growth, and we step in only when it’s truly worthwhile.

Early orthodontic treatment in two phases

When treatment is warranted, it sometimes unfolds in two stages: a first step during childhood, then a second in the teenage years if it proves necessary. The idea is to make the most of growth while it’s still active, before finalizing alignment once the permanent teeth are in place.

Phase I: guiding growth while it’s still possible

The first phase takes advantage of ongoing growth to address structural imbalances, precisely the ones that become much harder to correct once development is complete.

Phase II: finalizing alignment in the teenage years

The second phase comes later, once all the permanent teeth have come in, to fine-tune alignment. A well-managed first phase usually makes this step shorter. We go into more detail on our orthodontics for teens page.

Pourquoi consulter un orthodontiste dès l'âge de 7 ans ?

The benefits of early treatment for your child

Starting at the right time makes a real difference:

Acting during growth

While the jaws are still forming, certain imbalances are easier to correct than they would be in adulthood.

Making what follows easier

Well-prepared groundwork makes any later treatment simpler and its results longer-lasting.

Protecting long-term health

Good alignment makes brushing easier (and so lowers the risk of gum problems), improves chewing and speech, and limits premature enamel wear.

The problems we correct in children

Our orthodontists handle a range of situations in children across Montreal, including:

crossbite, at the front as well as the back (sometimes with a shift of the lower jaw);
a narrow upper jaw;
dental crowding, on both the upper and lower arches;
anterior open bite;
misaligned jaws;
habits such as thumb-sucking.

Pourquoi consulter un orthodontiste dès l'âge de 7 ans ?

The appliances used in children’s orthodontics

There’s no one-size-fits-all appliance: the choice is made case by case, during the consultation, based on your child’s situation.

Rapid palatal expansion

Often used in early treatment, it works on the width of the upper jaw by taking advantage of the child’s growth.

Targeted fixed appliances

Sometimes an appliance is placed in a localized way, on the front teeth only, for example, to correct precisely what needs addressing at this age.

Orthopedic correction

When the jaws are poorly positioned relative to one another, an orthopedic component can complement the expansion to help guide the relationship between the two arches.

Good to know: clear aligners such as Invisalign require all of the permanent teeth to have come in. They’re therefore better suited to teens and adults.

Your child’s first visit to the clinic

We’ve replaced paper files and waiting rooms with a fully digital, efficient experience. With Class B sterilization, digital X-rays, and secure virtual models, your child’s visits are safe, smooth, and on time. Because their file is protected and accessible, we work with your dentist without delay for better results. Warm, approachable, and devoted to your child’s comfort, our team takes a gentle approach every step of the way. From the very first visit, we lay out the treatment plan and give you a clear timeline.

Pourquoi consulter un orthodontiste dès l'âge de 7 ans ?

Cost, insurance, and payment options

Every family has a budget, and we take that into account. The cost of treatment depends on how complex your child’s situation is and how long it takes to correct, so it’s set precisely after the first assessment, never before. To keep care accessible, we support you in three ways:

Spreading out the cost, interest-free: treatment can be paid in monthly instalments, with no interest, spread over the course of care.
Getting the most from your insurance: many plans reimburse part of orthodontic care; we help you file and track your claims so nothing is left on the table.
Making the most of Quebec’s tax advantages: orthodontic care counts among eligible medical expenses in Quebec, and thoughtful planning can help you recover a meaningful share of the cost.

A trusted team of orthodontists in Montreal

Your child is in expert hands.

Dr. Luigi Di Battista (DDS, MSD) has over 30 years of specialized experience and is a past president of the Quebec Association of Orthodontists; he remains an active member of the Canadian and American associations of orthodontists.

Dr. Michelle Kornbluth (DMD, M.Sc., FRCD(C)) is recognized for her expertise in complex craniofacial orthodontics and serves as a staff orthodontist at Sainte-Justine Hospital.

Dr. Lara Muller (M.Sc., FRCDC) rounds out the team with an approach that pairs clinical rigour with a keen eye for aesthetics.

Pourquoi consulter un orthodontiste dès l'âge de 7 ans ?

Frequently asked questions from parents

At what age should we come in?

Around age 7. That’s the benchmark highlighted by the American and Quebec associations of orthodontists. Early enough to catch a jaw developing off-track or teeth coming in crooked, while everything can still be gently guided.

Is it going to hurt?

No, nothing like what children picture. In the first few days after an appliance is placed, a feeling of tension is possible; a common over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen is enough to ease it. Does your child have sensitive teeth? Let us know and we’ll adjust.

Should they keep seeing their regular dentist?

Yes, more than ever. We move the teeth; their dentist keeps them healthy and cavity-free. The two kinds of care go hand in hand, toward the same goal.

How long does it take?

It depends on each case, but most often expect between 12 and 36 months, with an adjustment appointment every 6 to 8 weeks. You’ll leave the first visit with a clear timeline.