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As a parent, you love to see your kids smile! At Hibberd Orthodontics, we know how important it is to take care of your favorite smiles. That is why we recommend bringing your child to see us sooner rather than later.

So when is the best time to schedule an orthodontic appointment for your child? The Canadian Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child sees an orthodontic specialist at age 7. At that age your child’s jaw is developed enough and they have enough permanent teeth for a trained orthodontist to spot potential issues with your child’s teeth, mouth and jaw. Growth monitoring can help identify orthodontic issues and correct them with Phase I treatment before they turn into larger, more complicated issues. While the majority of patients do not begin orthodontics at the age of 7, it is an important time to have a clinical assessment and ensure that there are no issues and growth patterns that are concerning. If your child is not ready for treatment, we will continue to monitor their growth and see them again in 6 months to 1 year to check on the growth and development of their teeth, jaw, and mouth. There is no cost associated with having our doctors monitor your child for the period of time before they are ready to start treatment. The goal is to ensure if treatment is needed, that it begins when it would be the most beneficial to do so.

What is Phase 1 treatment?

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, also called early interceptive orthodontics, is a problem-focused treatment plan, aiming to mitigate and correct future orthodontic problems such as jaw discrepancies, asymmetric growth patterns, and extreme crowding to name just a few. When you bring your child into Hibberd Orthodontics, Dr. Christine Hibberd and/or Dr. Graeme Hibberd can assess your child’s needs during the first consultation. Concerns such as crowding, large spacing, problematic facial growth, and habits, such as thumb-sucking, cheek- biting, or tongue-thrusting are also taken into consideration. At this assessment, our doctors will develop your child’s individualized treatment plan and determine if phase 1 treatment is right for Them.

What appliances are used in Phase 1 treatment?

During phase 1 treatment, a variety of appliances may be recommended by our doctors. Some are well-known, such as, expanders, and retainers. Other appliances that could possibly be used during phase 1 treatment include space maintainers, habit correcting appliances, and functional appliances such as twin blocks or mandibular advancers. No matter what treatment plan is developed for your child, you can rest assured knowing that our doctors are well- educated and trained to take excellent care of your child’s smile. Our patients also get excited about expressing themselves and being creative by picking out their colour and design for their first customized appliance.

What are the benefits of Phase 1 treatment?

We talk a lot about early intervention in orthodontics because there are many benefits to undergoing orthodontic treatment as a child. Early treatment can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and simplify future treatment, but oftentimes, additional treatment is still necessary. Why do it early? Because we can utilize growth to correct certain issues (such as crowding, large overbites and underbites). By guiding the growth of the jaws and helping to create space we are much more likely to avoid extractions and surgery in some cases. Without growth, options for correcting many orthodontic issues are more limited and in some cases can not be corrected as conservatively as those cases that were identified early and utilized growth in their orthodontic care.

Want to learn more about your treatment options?

Perfecting your smile is a very individual process, let the professionals at Hibberd Orthodontics help you find the best fit for your child. Click below to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Graeme Hibberd and Dr. Christine Hibberd.

At Hibberd Orthodontics, we specialize in discrete and convenient treatment options for adults. Many people don’t realize, but orthodontic treatment is incredibly common amongst adults—in fact about 1 in 3 of our patients are over the age of 18. 

The first thing evaluated in our complimentary consultation is how your bite is functioning. Our primary concern is to create a bite with the most ideal form and function for your health. The beautiful aesthetic result is the added bonus of a healthy smile!

Below we will briefly outline some key reasons that you may not realize about why it is worthwhile to correct your bite:

• Cavities and gum disease - Teeth that are not aligned tend to create extra pockets where food, plaque and bacteria can gather and cause oral health issues. This can lead to cavities forming, and gum disease. This can be a frustrating cycle (especially for those that are very diligent with their oral hygiene, but still have oral health issues due to their tooth misalignment.)

• Recession - Sometimes recession can be caused by the position of your teeth and can be improved with orthodontics.

• Extreme wear patterns - A poor bite, with excessive force (grinding, clenching or brushing) will wear down the enamel off the crowns of your teeth and over stress them. This can make them sore, loose or even cause teeth to crack.

• Headaches - in some cases chronic headaches or pain in areas like your jaw and neck may be improved by correcting your bite.

• TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder)  - An abnormal bite can put you at a high risk of developing TMD. This can cause a number of issues including pain and difficulty chewing. Although orthodontics does not fix all TMJ issues, in some individuals it can be helpful. 

If you want to improve your smile, and feel your best (both functionally, aesthetically and for your overall health), you don’t have to put your life on hold to see great results.

Here is a rundown of our top picks for orthodontic treatment options for adults:

Invisalign: 

Invisalign is nearly invisible and is a top choice amongst adult patients. The aligners are removable and are a very discreet option for treatment. Benefits of removable aligners are that you remove them to eat and you can eat what you please. Brushing and flossing are also an easy task with aligners.

Clear Braces: 

Clear braces are a great option for patients who are considering traditional braces but want to opt for something less noticeable than metal brackets. Clear braces utilize tooth colored brackets and clear materials that blend in with your smile. They offer the same benefits of traditional braces and are a popular option for adults.

Want to learn more about your treatment options?

Perfecting your smile is a very individual process, let the professionals at Hibberd Orthodontics help you find the best fit for you. Click below to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hibberd:

At Hibberd Orthodontics we are a family run practice with a long history of passionately providing outstanding care to our patients (three generations of experience!) Did you know that  Dr. Christine Hibberd is the third generation of orthodontic specialists in her family? She works with her father, Dr. Graeme Hibberd who has been serving the orthodontic needs of the GTA since 1984. Her grandfather and grandmother (Dr. Graeme Hibberd’s parents!) were also dental and orthodontic specialists. 

We truly are “a family run practice,” and it is something we pride ourselves on. Another member of the Hibberd family, Shannon, also works at Hibberd Orthodontics, and shares the same vision as her dad (Dr. Graeme Hibberd) and sister (Dr. Christine Hibberd).   We are always striving to continuously improve, and to build confidence in our team and patients. We have a constant focus on ensuring that everyone feels their experience as a part of the Hibberd Orthodontics family - including all our staff, and our patients is positive and rewarding (in both treatment outcomes and at every single appointment along the way). At every appointment, every patient is always seen and assessed by the orthodontist. 

We love what we do! We are so honoured that after being in the field for so long, we get to treat generations of families. Many who for example who had their orthodontic treatment done by Dr. Graeme Hibberd as a child, and we now are treating their children. 

The doors of Hibberd Orthodontics in Oakville opened for our patients in 2017, the hometown to both doctors. It is the only Hibberd Orthodontics location and we are so thrilled to be in Oakville! 

So just who is it that Hibberd Orthodontics treats? We believe that everyone deserves to smile confidently and that means we treat patients of every age!

• Early Orthodontics: Did you know that the Canadian and American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist at age 7? At Hibberd Orthodontics we agree because assessing early means that we may identify irregular growth patterns and if needed can help guide maturing jaws towards alignment. Dr. Christine Hibberd and Dr. Graeme Hibberd are passionate about early treatment because early treatment for some patients is critical to get the best result possible, with the most conservative treatment plan.

• Teens: At Hibberd Orthodontics we know that a straight smile can do wonders for your teen’s confidence. We offer traditional braces as well as Invisalign Clear Aligners because we know that every teen is different and every case requires a unique treatment plan. If you have questions about treatment options, we’re happy to answer! 

• Adults: You may be surprised to learn that adults are our fastest growing population of patients. Not only do some patients love the convenience of being treated at the same place as their children, they know that we are going to help them achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. We’re pleased to offer flexible financing so that everyone has the opportunity to get the smile they have always wanted. 

Hibberd Orthodontics has earned a reputation for consistently achieving high-quality orthodontic treatments. What Dr. Christine Hibberd and Dr. Graeme Hibberd would recommend for their own family members and children is truly at the heart of every treatment decision for every patient.

If you're looking for an orthodontic practice with years of know-how, that specializes in treating patients of all ages, and provides a kind and welcoming experience…look no further. Join the Hibberd Orthodontics Family today! We can’t wait to meet you!

Click below to schedule a complimentary consultation with us at Hibberd Orthodontics. We can’t wait to meet you and your family.

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY AT (905) 844-3456!

Many parents associate braces and orthodontics with their teen years but you may be surprised to learn that the best time for your little one to have their first orthodontic visit is around their 7th birthday. At the age of 7 your child will be missing baby teeth, have some adult teeth just coming in and may wonder to yourself, how could it be time to see an orthodontist? The Canadian and American Association of Orthodontics recommends children be seen by an orthodontist at age seven and at Hibberd Orthodontics, we absolutely agree.

Why by age seven?

 By age 7, your child’s mouth has matured enough for a trained orthodontic eye to spot current and future issues. There is not a “right” chronological age for starting orthodontic treatment. While most children will not be ready at the age of 7 to start orthodontic treatment, there are some that would greatly benefit from early treatment at this age or soon after.  Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, could make correction of some orthodontic problems more difficult. Most importantly, some things cannot be accomplished once the face and jaws are no longer growing. Early treatment can then make corrections that will help guide your child’s jaw and teeth as they are growing into a healthier place.

 What are the benefits of early treatment?

 Dr. Christine Hibberd and Dr. Graeme Hibberd are passionate about early treatment because early treatment for some patients is critical to get the best result possible, with the most conservative treatment plan. We like to say that “growth is an orthodontists best friend”, and by taking advantage of the growth that is occurring in the jaw we can:

• Guide teeth into desired positions early
• Guide jaw growth
• Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth
• Correct the results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking
• Have a better chance of avoiding extractions

At Hibberd Orthodontics, early orthodontics is a two phase solution.

• Phase 1 is focused on making space for all the permanent teeth and to manipulate growth to make the jaws match harmoniously and function more ideally.
• Phase 2 is focused on straightening all the adult teeth, and ensuring the bite properly fits together and is stable.

 Is it more expensive to start treatment earlier?

 No! Patients are often surprised to learn that starting early and splitting your treatment into phase I and phase 2 does not result in a more expensive treatment cost for the patient. 

 If you recommend early orthodontics for my child, does that mean they won’t need braces as a teen?

 Not necessarily, every case is individual. Early treatment (phase 1) can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and guides jaw growth. Phase 2 focuses on lining up all the teeth, and finishing with a healthy, stable and functional “bite” (which is both tooth alignment and jaw position). The beautiful smile, and the perfect positioning of your teeth and jaw that this enables is the amazing bonus!

 If I bring my child to you at age 7 are you definitely going to recommend early orthodontics?

 Nope! Every child is different and we customize every treatment plan to the individual. Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all permanent teeth have come in. Dr. Christine and Dr. Graeme Hibberd develop a customized treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs.

 In order to create a custom treatment plan for your child, we need to see you! Click below to schedule a complimentary consultation with us. We can’t wait to meet you and your child!

Where you receive your care is important:

 Hibberd Orthodontics is a family run orthodontic practice serving the GTA community since 1984 and is located in Oakville. Dr. Graeme Hibberd and his daughter Dr. Christine Hibberd, along with their experienced team, utilize state-of-the-art treatments and technologies to provide the most effective, safe, and comfortable experience for their patients. They believe in providing individualized attention to help each of their patients achieve their dream smile.

Dr. Graeme Hibberd received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Toronto. He worked as a general practitioner in dentistry before enrolling in the University of Toronto specialty program in orthodontics, receiving his Dip. Ortho.

 Dr. Hibberd keeps up to date on the latest advances in his field through memberships to many professional associations as well as the Toronto Orthodontic Study Club and the University of Toronto Alumni Study Club.

 Dr. Christine Hibberd attended dental school at the University of British Columbia, where she received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD), becoming the third generation of dentists in her family. After graduation, she completed a residency certificate training program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario (through the University of Toronto). She then completed her specialty training at the University of Toronto, obtaining her Master of Science in Orthodontics. Dr. Christine is a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and is also a member of the Royal College of Dentists of Ontario in good standing, registered as both specialist and dentist.

Dr. Christine Hibberd and Dr. Graeme Hibberd are actively involved in a number of professional associations including:

• Ontario Association of Orthodontists
• Canadian Association of Orthodontists
• American Association of Orthodontists
• Ontario Dental Association
• Canadian Dental Association 
• Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada
• Canadian Dental Protective Services
• Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario