Early Orthodontics
Setting The Foundation For A Lifetime Of Confident Smiles In Waterloo & Columbia, IL
An early orthodontic evaluation is key to building a strong foundation that can make a lasting difference in your child’s health, confidence and overall well-being. By evaluating their smile around age 7, Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little can guide tooth eruption and jaw development, helping to prevent and plan for future concerns.
While it’s not necessary for all children, early orthodontics is all about creating a healthy foundation for a lasting smile transformation. When it’s needed, it helps your child grow into a beautiful and healthy smile.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Orthodontic Evaluation?
Per the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, most children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, making it the ideal time to evaluate how their smile is developing and prepare for any current or potential concerns.
The best part? At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, no referral is needed to schedule an early orthodontic evaluation. Simply give our smile team a call at (618) 400-0900 or request a complimentary consultation online to get started.
What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, early orthodontic treatment, also known as phase one treatment, focuses on guiding the eruption of adult teeth and development of your child’s jaws.
During this stage, Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little may use gentle, customized appliances to support proper growth, including:
These treatments are designed to be comfortable, effective and tailored to your child’s unique smile needs.
When Should You Bring Your Child In?
Aside from planning your child’s first early orthodontic evaluation around age 7, you may want to schedule an evaluation sooner if your child is experiencing:
These habits and symptoms can impact how your child’s smile develops over time, so it’s important to stay proactive. An early orthodontic evaluation allows Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little to monitor their growth and guide their smile in the right direction from the very beginning.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Treatment
If your child is showing signs of the following orthodontic concerns, or if you simply suspect something may be off, an early orthodontic evaluation can provide clarity and help Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little partner with you to create a personalized phase one treatment plan. Addressing these concerns early can make future treatment simpler, more efficient and more comfortable for your child as they continue their smile journey.
Orthodontic concerns may include:
Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Evaluation
An early orthodontic evaluation can have a lasting impact on your child’s smile, confidence and overall well-being. By setting the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile, your child can experience a wide range of benefits, including:
Do All Children Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Not all children need early orthodontic treatment, and that is completely normal. In fact, many don’t. In many cases, following their early orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little will simply monitor your child’s tooth and jaw development over time, recommending treatment only if and when it becomes necessary. Our goal is always to provide the right care at the right time, never more than what your child truly needs.
Schedule Your Child’s Early Orthodontic Evaluation Today
The earlier you start, the more you can do to support your child’s smile journey and long-term confidence. An early orthodontic evaluation allows Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little to guide their growth, address concerns early and set the stage for a healthy, beautiful smile.
No referral is necessary and scheduling is easy. Call our office at (618) 400-0900 or request a complimentary consultation online to schedule your child’s early orthodontic evaluation and take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile they can’t wait to show off.
Your Smile Journey Starts Here
Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics makes treatment fun, comfortable and patient-focused in both of our welcoming offices. With advanced tools like in-house 3D-printed aligners and precise CBCT scans, we deliver efficient, high-quality results. We proudly give back through school programs, community events and local sponsorships, and we make confident smiles affordable with flexible, no-interest financing. Ready to get started? Request your appointment today and experience the HJO difference!
