Kids Braces & Early Orthodontics in Arlington Heights & Deerfield, IL
At Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics, we’re committed to creating healthy, confident smiles for patients throughout Arlington Heights, Deerfield, and nearby communities. Every child has unique orthodontic needs, which is why our expert orthodontists offer personalized treatment solutions, including traditional braces, ClearCorrect clear aligners, and specialized early orthodontic care. Often, beginning orthodontic assessments early can set the stage for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
When Should My Child First Visit the Orthodontist?
Many parents wonder about the best age for a child’s initial orthodontic visit. Following the guidelines of the American Association of Orthodontists, we recommend scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early evaluations don’t always mean early treatment; rather, they help our orthodontists in Deerfield and Arlington Heights identify and monitor potential issues as your child’s mouth and jaws develop.
During your child’s first appointment, our orthodontist might determine no immediate intervention is needed. Most often, this is the case, with treatment recommended later, during adolescence. However, certain orthodontic conditions benefit greatly from early intervention. At this young age, treatments can shape jaw growth and tooth alignment more easily, using gentle devices like palatal expanders to create space and minimize future orthodontic concerns.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
While many children receive braces between the ages of 9 and 14, certain conditions benefit significantly from earlier intervention. Early orthodontic care takes advantage of your child’s natural growth, correcting issues before they become more challenging. Conditions commonly improved by early treatment include:
Severe Crossbite: Crossbite occurs when upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth, potentially causing future complications. Because children’s upper jaws are still developing, we can use a palatal expander to gently widen the jaw, creating space for teeth to align properly.
Severe Crowding: When teeth don’t have sufficient room, they may become crowded and misaligned. Early intervention, such as gentle expansion or selective tooth extraction, can effectively alleviate crowding, simplifying later orthodontic care.
Protruding Teeth: When upper front teeth protrude excessively, they’re more susceptible to injury and can affect self-confidence. Early orthodontic treatment can effectively reposition teeth, protecting them from unnecessary damage and improving aesthetics.
Addressing Harmful Oral Habits Early
In addition to traditional orthodontic conditions, our Deerfield and Arlington Heights orthodontists often address specific habits that negatively impact dental health and alignment. Three common habits effectively treated through early orthodontic intervention include:
Prolonged Thumb Sucking: Thumb sucking is normal in infancy, but prolonged habits beyond age 4 can cause dental issues, such as openbite—where upper and lower front teeth fail to overlap. Using comfortable orthodontic appliances, we can gently help children break this habit, preventing future alignment issues.
Tongue Thrusting: Tongue thrusting, or pressing the tongue against the front teeth during swallowing, can push teeth forward, leading to similar openbite issues. We offer specialized appliances that comfortably discourage this habit, promoting healthy tooth positioning.
Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing can negatively affect facial muscles and jaw growth, potentially causing significant orthodontic challenges. Our orthodontists can develop targeted treatment plans to encourage proper breathing patterns, supporting healthier oral and facial development.
Schedule an Early Orthodontic Evaluation in Arlington Heights or Deerfield Today
Early orthodontic evaluations can make a meaningful difference in your child’s long-term oral health. If you have questions about kids’ braces, early orthodontic treatments, or would like to schedule an evaluation, contact our friendly teams in Arlington Heights and Deerfield today. We look forward to helping your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!