Bite alignment
How the upper and lower teeth meet, and whether crowding or crossbite is starting to show as adult teeth come in.
Growth & Development
Growth & Development Evaluation - Free Orthodontic Assessment
A no-pressure consultation to see how your child's bite, jaw, and airway are developing. Most kids leave with reassurance, not a treatment plan. The few who need early intervention are caught while it is still simple.
Request a Callback
Tell us what you need and we'll call you back to book a time that works.
What We Look At
A growth evaluation is a structured look at the things that quietly shape a child's smile - long before braces would ever be on the table.
Jaw growth
Whether the upper and lower jaws are developing in proportion - and whether early guidance would make later treatment shorter or unnecessary.
Airway & breathing
Mouth breathing, snoring, and palate shape - airway issues often show up first in the jaw and bite.
Habits
Thumb sucking, pacifier use, or tongue posture that are quietly changing growth patterns.
Tooth eruption pattern
Whether baby teeth are being replaced on a healthy timeline, and whether any adult teeth are coming in the wrong place.
Family history
If a parent or sibling needed extractions, surgery, or long orthodontic treatment, we look earlier for the same patterns.
What Happens After the Evaluation
"Everything looks great"
For most kids, no action needed. We will check in again in 6 to 12 months as growth continues.
"Let's watch this"
One or two things to monitor without intervening. Quick check-ins keep things on track.
"Early intervention helps here"
If there is a clear case for phase 1 treatment, we explain exactly what, why, when, and how much - and you decide.
Growth & Development FAQs
What age should a child have their first orthodontic growth evaluation?
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7.
Is the growth and development evaluation really free?
Yes. There is no charge for the first growth and development evaluation at Rivers Edge.
Does my child have to start treatment after the evaluation?
No. The evaluation is information, not a sales appointment. Most kids walk out with reassurance.
How long does the evaluation visit take?
Usually 45 to 60 minutes - examination, photos, simple imaging if needed, and a walk-through of what we see.
How is a growth evaluation different from a regular dental checkup?
A checkup looks at teeth and gums. A growth evaluation focuses on how the jaw, bite, and airway are developing - the structural picture behind orthodontic decisions.
Why Rivers Edge
What makes Rivers Edge different
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A dual-trained specialist
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in one doctor - a rare combination in Alberta.
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Anesthesia without the wait
Laughing gas in-office; general anesthesia at a private facility - no multi-month hospital wait list.
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Calm, kid-first care
Gentle, child-paced visits with sedation options for anxious and special-needs kids.
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Two Alberta locations
Convenient care in both Fort Saskatchewan and Fort McMurray.
Meet Your Specialist
Dr. Darren Isfeld, DDS
Dual-trained specialist - pediatric dentistry & orthodontics
A rare combination in Alberta. One specialist for your child's whole growing smile - so you're not handed off between practices as they age. Certified in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Isfeld treats every child himself.
Book Your Appointment
We're Looking Forward To Seeing Your Smile
Two locations in Fort Saskatchewan and Fort McMurray. Whether it's your child's first visit or a follow-up, fill out the form and we'll call you back to book.
- No referral required. Book directly.
- Direct billing. Most insurance plans.
- CDCP accepted. Canadian Dental Care Plan.
- Flexible financing. Payment plans available.
Request a Callback
Tell us what you need and we'll call you back to book a time that works.