At Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists, we believe a healthy, confident smile begins early. Our goal is to help children grow with properly aligned teeth and jaws through Early Orthodontic Treatment in Elmhurst and Downers Grove, IL.
Led by Board-Certified Orthodontist Dr. Corina Radu, our team provides gentle, personalized care focused on prevention and long-term results. Early orthodontic care helps guide proper growth, prevent complications, and make future treatment simpler and more effective.
At What Age Should a Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, a mix of baby and permanent teeth allows our orthodontist to identify crowding, bite, or jaw growth issues early.
Many kids orthodontists agree that seeing a specialist early helps detect problems before they require more extensive correction later. If your dentist notices concerns with spacing or alignment, they may refer you for an early orthodontic screening.
Why Is Early Evaluation Important?
Early orthodontic diagnosis gives us the opportunity to:
Guide erupting teeth into a better position
Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
Improve jaw growth and facial balance
Prevent potential injury to protruding front teeth
Correct harmful oral habits like thumb sucking
When treated early, these concerns can often be managed with smaller interventions, reducing the need for more complex orthodontics later in life.
Orthodontic Supervisory Program
If your child doesn’t need immediate treatment, they can join our Orthodontic Supervisory Program, a complimentary recall system where we monitor their growth every 6–8 months.
This program helps us track tooth eruption patterns, recommend baby tooth removal when needed, and identify the perfect time to begin active treatment. We keep your family dentist informed throughout, ensuring a coordinated approach to your child’s dental health.
How Early Treatment Helps Children Thrive
Early orthodontic treatment can do more than align teeth it helps improve how a child eats, speaks, and smiles. Benefits include:
Better bite and jaw function
Easier brushing and flossing
Reduced risk of tooth wear
Correction of speech or swallowing issues
By guiding development early, your child can enjoy improved confidence and long-term oral health.
Does Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces Later?
In many cases, early intervention simplifies future orthodontic care. While some children may still need a second phase of treatment (known as Phase II braces) once all permanent teeth have come in, that phase is typically shorter and less complex.
However, for some children, early treatment may completely resolve their orthodontic issues, preventing the need for braces altogether.
Working With Your Family Dentist
Regular dental visits are still essential during orthodontic observation or treatment. We recommend continuing to see your family dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups to maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums throughout your child’s orthodontic journey.
Why Choose Premier Orthodontics
Families throughout Elmhurst and Downers Grove trust Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists for gentle, personalized care in a welcoming environment. Our practice combines advanced technology with a compassionate touch, helping children feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
As a trusted pediatric orthodontist, Dr. Corina Radu creates treatment plans that prioritize your child’s comfort, growth, and long-term success. From early prevention to braces for kids, we’re here to help every smile reach its full potential.
FAQ
What Signs Show My Child May Need Early Orthodontic Care?
Look for these common signs that your child could benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation:
Crowded or overlapping teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting food
Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Mouth breathing or speech issues
An uneven bite or jaw that shifts or clicks
If you notice any of these, it’s a good time to schedule a visit with our kids orthodontist for a professional assessment.
How Long Does Early Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment duration varies depending on your child’s needs but typically lasts between 6 and 18 months. Regular monitoring ensures steady progress and timely adjustments.
How Do Expanders Help in Early Treatment?
Palatal expanders gently widen the upper jaw to create space for permanent teeth, improve bite alignment, and support proper facial development.
How Often Do Kids Need Checkups During Early Orthodontic Care?
Most children visit every 6–8 weeks during active treatment or every few months during observation to ensure healthy growth and tooth eruption.
Will My Child Start Phase II Orthodontic Treatment Right After Phase I?
Not always. After Phase I treatment, many children enter a short resting period to allow their remaining permanent teeth to grow in naturally. During this time, our orthodontist will monitor development through regular checkups. Once all adult teeth have erupted and the timing is ideal, Phase II braces can begin to finalize alignment and bite correction.
Start Your Child’s Smile Journey Early
The best way to protect your child’s smile is to start early. Schedule a free orthodontic consultation at Premier Orthodontics & Dental Specialists in Elmhurst or Downers Grove, IL, and let our team help your child build a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.