Growth Monitoring for Kids

What Is a Growth Monitoring?

Growth monitoring is a non-invasive evaluation of your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial development. It helps us identify potential orthodontic concerns early, often long before they become bigger issues. Even when treatment is not needed right away, or ever, consistent monitoring helps ensure your child’s smile stays on track.

Why Early Monitoring Matters

Identifying concerns such as misaligned teeth, bite issues, or jaw growth discrepancies early allows us to:

• Intervene at the right time for the best possible results
• Help prevent the need for more complex treatment later
• Support your child’s confidence with a healthy, developing smile

Many concerns are easier to address while a child’s jaw is still growing, which is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation around age 7.

What to Expect During the Growth Monitoring Phase

A Warm Welcome: Our team will greet you and your child and make sure they feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.

A Thorough Evaluation: We will examine your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw alignment, using digital x-rays and 3D intraoral scanning when needed.

A Growth Monitoring Plan: If treatment is not needed right away, we will schedule periodic check-ins to keep an eye on development, at no cost to you.

Personalized Recommendations: If we identify something that needs attention, we will walk you through the next steps and answer any questions you have.

What Families Say

With over 20 years of experience and more than 10,000 patients treated, including over 2,000 patients treated with Phase 1 or palatal expansion, Dr. MacKenzie brings specialized expertise to every child’s evaluation.

“The team took the time to explain exactly what they were watching for and never made us feel rushed into treatment.” — MacKenzie Orthodontics patient parent

“The best experience with our daughter. She didn’t need braces right away. Dr. MacKenzie saw us every year for a couple of years before recommending we start anything, and it was the right call for our family.” — MacKenzie Orthodontics patient parent

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child get an orthodontic consult?
We recommend a first evaluation around age 7, in line with Canadian Association of Orthodontists guidance. Early monitoring helps us catch potential concerns while they are easier to address.

Does a free consult mean my child will need braces or aligners?
Not necessarily. Many children are simply monitored over time with no treatment needed right away, or ever. The purpose of the growth monitoring is to identify the right time for treatment, if and when it is needed.

What is the difference between an orthodontic consult and growth monitoring?
The orthodontic consult is the very first appointment when we first meet your child. It includes photos, a 3D scan and x-rays as well as a smile simulation. If your child is not ready for treatment yet, the next visits, usually annual, are growth monitoring visits. They are shorter, and include photos, scans and x-rays whenever needed. This is a fun way to get to know our team and practice as well as to check on your child’s teeth coming in and jaws growing.

How often will my child need to be monitored?
This depends on your child’s individual development. If treatment is not needed immediately, we will recommend a monitoring schedule, usually every 12 months, but sometimes more frequently, and let you know when your child’s next check-in should be.

Schedule Your Child's Free Growth Assessment Today

Give your child the benefit of early detection and proactive care, at no cost to you. Schedule a free consult today.

MacKenzie Orthodontics offers free consults and free growth monitoring for children in Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, as well as families from Northern Maine. Schedule your child’s free assessment today.