HJO Kids Club

Just For Kids!

Child smiling in dental chair during orthodontic visit with friendly staff at hentscher-johnson orthodontics.

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, we believe healthy smiles should start with a positive experience. The HJO Kids Club is designed to help children feel comfortable and confident about caring for their growing smiles. Whether your child is getting ready for their first orthodontic evaluation or simply learning great smile habits early, our Kids Club gives families fun, kid-friendly resources to make each step feel easier and more fun.

Welcome To The HJO Kids Club

Growing smiles need special attention, and we love making that journey exciting! The HJO Kids Club is a place for children and parents to find helpful activities, smile tips and resources that make orthodontic care feel approachable from the very start.

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, early orthodontic evaluations are typically recommended around age 7, when children usually have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. That makes it an ideal time for Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little to monitor development and decide whether treatment is needed now or later. Our goal is to help your child feel at ease, understand what to expect and build confidence about their smile.

Hjo kids club logo with colorful lettering and a smiling cartoon monkey for hentscher-johnson orthodontics.

Why Join The Kids Club?

Our approach to early care focuses on supporting healthy smile development, creating space for permanent teeth when needed and, in some cases, reducing the length or complexity of future treatment.

We understand that visiting the orthodontist can be scary for many kids, which is why we focus on making it a fun experience! The HJO Kids Club helps children:

  • Get excited about visiting the orthodontist
  • Learn healthy smile habits in a fun way
  • Feel more comfortable with early orthodontic care
  • Understand that orthodontic visits do not have to feel scary
  • Build confidence as their smile grows
Young girl smiling with braces during orthodontic treatment at hentscher-johnson orthodontics.

FAQs

Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of our most frequently asked questions about both the HJO Kids Club and kids visiting the orthodontist. Keep reading to learn more!

The HJO Kids Club is a fun, kid-friendly way for children and parents to learn about growing smiles, early orthodontic care and what to expect at Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics. It helps your kid have fun while visiting us!

Most children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, children usually have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which makes it a good time to check how the teeth and jaws are developing.

Many children do not need treatment right away. In some cases, Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little simply monitors growth and development and recommends treatment only when the timing is right. Visit our Early Orthodontics page to learn more!

You may want to schedule an evaluation if your child has crowding, spacing, an overbite, underbite, crossbite or protruding teeth. Other signs can include thumb sucking, extended pacifier use, mouth breathing, speech concerns, snoring or airway-related issues.

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!

Teen orthodontic patient wearing braces and colorful glasses at hentscher-johnson orthodontics in columbia il
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Delivering Stunning Smiles To All Of Columbia & Waterloo, IL