The Best Time to Start Thinking About Straighter Teeth Is Before the Teen Years

80% of upper jaw growth happens by age 5, which means timing matters. Evaluating crowding or bite changes early allows us to support proper growth and potentially avoid more complicated, and more expensive issues later in life.

Get A Free Personalized Cost Plan

Share a few details and we’ll help you understand your options, estimated cost, and next steps, before you decide.

What Is Early Age Orthodontics

Early Age Orthodontics (also called Phase 1) focuses on guiding jaw and facial growth while your child is still developing, long before all the adult teeth come in.

Phase 2 happens later, once adult teeth have erupted, and focuses on final alignment.

Why Timing Matters

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7.

At Apollonia Dental, we believe evaluation can happen as early as one years old, because about 80% of jaw growth is complete by age 5.

That growth window is powerful.

When we evaluate early, we can:

An early check doesn’t mean early braces.
It means understanding whether your child’s growth is helping their smile, or creating bigger challenges later.

We Focus On More Than Straight Teeth

Dr. Michelle Lee has transformed over 700 smiles in 15+ years, focusing on early growth and airway-centered orthodontics.

She believes orthodontics should support healthy breathing, sleep, and jaw development, not just straighten teeth.

With advanced training in airway and pediatric sleep medicine, she evaluates children as early as age one to guide growth and help prevent future complications.

Her approach is:

At Apollonia, treatment is about building a healthy foundation that lasts.

Signs Your Child Needs Early Age Orthodontics

Catching issues early can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Orthodontic Questions

What ages do you treat?

We provide orthodontic care for all ages, from children to adults. We recommended that all children have orthodontic evaluation as early as the age of 1 to ensure that your child is on the right path. 

Do you have payment plans?

Yes, we offer flexible monthly payment plans for our treatments.

How long is orthodontic treatment?

Typically, treatments range from 18 to 24 months, depending on individual needs. We also provide faster treatment options from as little as 6 months through dual speciality care. 

Is orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?

Orthodontic treatment is often covered in part by dental insurance. Our team will help you with all of your insurance questions.

Should I wait for adult teeth before orthodontics?

No, we offer consultations as early as the age of 1 to make sure that your child is on the right track for their oral health. 

What’s included in a free consultation?

Our free consultation covers an assessment of dental alignment, a free 3D scan, discussion of treatment options, and a personalized treatment plan. We will provide a fee quote at your evaluation and explain your dental benefits if applicable. 

Braces vs. Invisalign: what’s the difference?

Clear aligners such as Invisalign use custom 3D printed aligners that gently move your teeth to the desired outcome. They may be faster and more comfortable than standard fixed braces.

See Some Of Our Transformations

Smiles Transformed
500 +
Is All Some Patients Need
6 Months
400+ Google Reviews
4.9

Orthodontic Care for All Ages

Personalized Treatments. Proven Results. Healthier Smiles at Every Stage.

Orthodontic Treatment at Apollonia Dental21

Early Age Orthodontics

We begin assessing growth as early as age 1 to support proper jaw development and healthy oral habits. By setting a strong foundation early, we help prevent bigger issues later on.

Orthodontics Apollonia Dental Clinic 4

Orthodontics For Teens

Teen orthodontic treatment that fits their lifestyle with options like Invisalign clear aligners, braces, and retainers. Helping teens stay confident while achieving a healthy, aligned smile.

Orthodontic Treatment at Apollonia Dental14

Orthodontics For Adults

It’s never too late to transform your smile. We offer discreet, effective orthodontic treatment with Invisalign to improve both your bite and your confidence—no matter your age.

Age 1 to 7+

Early Age Orthodontics

Phase 1 Orthodontics

The best time to guide jaw growth and address harmful habits is early. At Apollonia, we focus on creating space for incoming teeth and reducing the need for extractions or complex treatment later on. Our early orthodontic options include expansion appliances, Myobrace, and MyoMunchee, along with habit-correcting retainers and kid-friendly braces, designed with growing mouths in mind. 

Early Age Orthodontics

Age 12+

Full Orthodontic Treatment

Phase 2 Orthodontics

Once most adult teeth have come in, we begin Phase 2 Orthodontics—this is where full treatment with braces or Invisalign takes place. Whether your teen is best suited for clear aligners or traditional braces, we focus on confidence and comfort throughout the process. Our options are low-profile, effective, and built to fit real teen life and busy schedules.

Cost of Orthodontics

Upfront pricing and Flexible Payments Your Way For Braces and Invisalign

Full Orthodontic Treatment

$0 Down Financing With 0% Interest

Payments As Low As

$210/month

 Includes all X-Rays and Photos

 All Adjustments & Appointments

 Retainers After Treatment

No Hidden Fees

Accepting All Insurance Plans

Transparent Pricing

No Down Payment

Monthly Payments

Our Team in SE Edmonton

Dr. Michelle Lee

Doctor of Dental Surgery, DDS
University of Alberta, 2007

Book A Free 3D Mouth Scan

Dr. Michelle Lee

Dr. Michelle Lee has transformed over 700 smiles in her 15+ years of practice, with a strong focus on early age orthodontics and airway-centered treatment. She believes orthodontics should do more than straighten teeth—it should support healthy breathing, sleep, and jaw development from the earliest stages.

With advanced training from The Breathe Institute, the ASAP Pathway, and a mini-residency in Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Lee begins assessing patients as early as age 1 to guide jaw growth and help prevent long-term complications. Her approach is non-extraction, growth-focused, and tailored to each child’s unique needs.

She also applies this same airway-first philosophy to adult care, ensuring every orthodontic decision supports long-term breathing and overall wellness.

Dr. Lee collaborates closely with medical professionals to provide a comprehensive, health-focused approach to treatment.

Visit Our Edmonton Dental Clinic.

Our Clinic is located in SE Edmonton. Book Your Consultation Today!