We take our time
We practise Slow Dentistry. No rushing, so your child feels comfortable and you can ask every question.
Richmond, BCKids’ Airway Orthodontics
Kids don’t grow out of it. They grow into it.
Gentle, early orthodontic care that supports healthy jaw growth and easier breathing, while your child is still growing.
For children ages 6 to 10Slow Dentistry approachNo cost, no obligation
Book your child’s complimentary airway consultation
Tell us a little about your child and our team will reach out to find a time that works for your family.
For parents
5 signs your child’s airway may need a closer look
These are easy to brush off as “just a phase.” But they can be linked to how your child’s jaw is growing.
Snoring
Regular snoring, even soft snoring, isn’t something kids should just live with.
Mouth breathing
Especially while sleeping, or with lips often apart during the day.
Restless sleep or grinding
Tossing and turning, or grinding teeth at night.
Crowded teeth or a narrow smile
Overlapping teeth, even while baby teeth are still in.
Tired, cranky or unfocused
Hard mornings, daytime tiredness or trouble focusing at school.
Why early matters
Timing is everything
A child’s upper jaw is still developing. That gives us a window to gently guide its growth. Once growth is done, that window closes.
While your child is growing
Treatment is usually simpler. Small, gentle adjustments work with your child’s natural growth to help widen and shape the jaw.
For many families, starting early means simpler treatment now and less to correct later.
Once growth is complete
The jaw is set. For adults with the same narrow jaw, widening it often means surgery, a much bigger procedure with a longer recovery.
That’s why we love to see kids early, while time is still on their side.
Airway-centred care
More than straight teeth
Your child’s airway is simply the path air takes when they breathe. When the upper jaw is narrow, that path can be tighter, and some kids start breathing through their mouth instead of their nose.
Airway-centred orthodontics looks at how your child’s jaw is growing, how their bite works and how they breathe. Guiding healthy growth early can help create:
More room for adult teeth to come in
More room for the tongue to rest where it should
More space for air to flow through the nose, which can support better sleep
Expanders, explained
Meet a clear, kid-friendly way to expand
An expander gently widens the upper jaw while your child is still growing. The Invisalign® Palatal Expander System does this with a series of clear, custom-made expanders, each one slightly wider than the last.
It’s designed for growing kids, typically around ages 6 to 11, and helps create room for adult teeth, the tongue and easier breathing through the nose.
No metal or wiresRemovableCustom 3D-printed fit
Easy to keep clean
It pops out, so kids can brush and floss like usual.
Kid-friendly
Most kids learn to pop it in and out on their own.
Comfortable fit
Each expander is custom-made for your child’s mouth.
Fewer surprises
No metal or wires can mean fewer broken-appliance visits.
Not every child needs an expander, and the Invisalign Palatal Expander isn’t right for every case. We’ll recommend the best option for your child after a careful look at their growth.
How it works
Small steps, wider smiles
Instead of one fixed metal appliance, your child wears a series of clear, 3D-printed expanders. Each stage is just a little wider than the last, so the upper jaw widens gradually and gently.
1
A digital scanWe capture a 3D picture of your child’s teeth. No goopy moulds.
2
Custom expanders are madeEach stage is 3D-printed to fit your child’s mouth.
3
Step by step expansionYour child moves through the stages at home, with regular check-ins with our team.
Your complimentary consultation
What to expect at your first visit
A close look at growth
We check your child’s teeth, jaw, bite and breathing habits, and listen to what you’ve noticed at home.
Clear answers
We explain what we see in plain language, and whether treatment now, later or not at all makes sense.
A plan that grows with them
If treatment is right for your child, we map out a plan and adjust it as they grow.
Why Ironwood
A calm, caring place for kids and parents
We strive to provide progressive, compassionate and ethical dentistry in a professional, caring and gentle environment. Our family dental team in Richmond is here to make every visit feel easy.
Slow DentistryUnrushed, gentle visits
Family dentistryCare for the whole family
Modern technologyComfortable, efficient care
Local to RichmondOn Steveston Hwy
Your dental team
Meet your doctors
Dr. Sheena Sood
Lead Invisalign Provider
- Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider 2026
- UBC Faculty of Dentistry
- 15+ Years Experience
Dr. Sheena Sood is passionate about creating beautiful smiles. With over 15 years of experience and recognition as a Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider 2026, she combines artistry with advanced technology to deliver exceptional results.
Dr. Neelum Jamal
Dentist
- Doctorate of Dental Medicine, UBC
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University
- Born and raised in Steveston, Richmond
Dr. Neelum Jamal has a true passion for dentistry and enjoys the different people she meets and the challenges presented in each case. She loves helping patients feel comfortable through an experience that many find difficult.
Outside the office, she enjoys time with her kids, football, hockey and a good book.
Parent questions
Frequently asked questions
What age should my child be seen?+
Early orthodontic care usually happens between about ages 6 and 10, while the jaw is still growing. If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s worth booking a check at any age.
Is the consultation really complimentary?+
Yes. The airway consultation is complimentary, with no obligation to start treatment.
Does an expander hurt?+
Most kids feel some pressure at first and get used to it within a few days. We go at a gentle pace and walk you both through every step.
Is the Invisalign Palatal Expander right for my child?+
It’s designed for growing kids, typically around ages 6 to 11. At the consultation we’ll let you know whether it, or another type of expander, is the best fit for your child.
Can my child eat with the expander in?+
Kids can usually eat and drink with it in, then rinse after meals. Hard, sticky or very sugary foods and drinks are best avoided. We’ll go over all the do’s and don’ts with you.
Is it covered by insurance?+
Coverage depends on your plan. Our team can help check your benefits and talk you through flexible payment options.
Isn’t snoring normal for kids?+
Occasional snoring with a cold is common. Regular snoring or mouth breathing is worth mentioning to your dentist and family doctor, as it can be linked to how the jaw and airway are developing.
Will my child still need braces later?+
Some children may still need a second phase of treatment later. Starting early can often make that phase simpler. We’ll talk through what to expect for your child.
How long does treatment take?+
Every child is different. Once we’ve assessed your child’s growth, we’ll give you a clear timeline at the consultation.