Early Orthodontic Treatment: A Smart Start for Your Child’s Smile
At Bubon Orthodontics, we care about your child’s smile just as much as you do! Our friendly team is dedicated to giving your little one the best start on their orthodontic journey. By beginning treatment early, our pediatric orthodontists can spot any potential issues before they form and design a personalized plan that’s comfortable, convenient, and budget-friendly. Let’s work together to help your child achieve their best smile!
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment sets the stage for a healthy smile. During your free consultation, we take orthodontic records and X-rays to identify issues like underbites, overbites, crossbites, crowded or spaced teeth, and extra or missing teeth. Our pediatric orthodontists use these records to create a customized treatment plan tailored specifically for your child’s smile, addressing concerns with custom appliances or partial braces.
Be Seen by Age 7!
One of the most common questions parents have about their little one’s smile is “when should my child see an orthodontist?” The answer is age 7!
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and our experienced orthodontists, the best time to schedule your child’s first orthodontic visit is around age 7, when their permanent teeth start coming in. Since your child’s smile is still growing at this age, treatment tends to be easier and more effective!
Personalized Treatment Plans for Every Smile
At Bubon Orthodontics, we know every smile is unique! That’s why we provide free consultations to evaluate your child’s needs and create a personalized treatment plan. We only recommend appliances and braces for kids when they’re truly needed and at the right stage of development. If your child isn’t ready yet, we’ll keep an eye on their progress with regular check-ups, ensuring we start their journey to a beautiful smile when the time is right.
If you’re asking yourself, “Does my child need braces?”, it’s probably time for a visit!
What Is The Difference Between Phase I and Phase II?
Depending on the complexity of your child’s treatment, they may need time for their smile to fully develop after completing the initial stage, otherwise known as Phase I, before moving on to the final stage, Phase II. Let’s explore the differences between Phase I and Phase II and why some patients benefit from both.
Phase I
Purpose: Identify underlying issues, create space for permanent teeth, improve jaw growth
Treatment: Custom orthodontic appliances or partial braces
Timeline: Occurs between ages 7-10, typically taking 9-12 months
Phase II
Purpose: Correct misaligned teeth, spacing, crowding, and bite issues
Treatment: Upper and/or lower braces
Timeline: Occurs between ages 11-13, typically taking 12-24 months
Achieving a straight smile doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all timeline. We keep a close eye on your child’s progress throughout treatment and in between phases to ensure we’re on track with their treatment goals.
Why Parents Choose Bubon Orthodontic
Flexible monthly payments
Over 30 years experience
Friendly environment and team
3 Convenient Chicago locations
Certified Orthodontist
Collaborative Care: Dentists vs Orthodontists for Early Treatment
If you’ve ever wondered what’s the difference between dentists and orthodontists, or if your child can go to a dentist for braces, you’re not alone! Dentists are essential for keeping your child’s smile healthy and are a great resource for when it’s time to visit an orthodontist. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional years of education after dental school and have specialized training in straightening smiles, allowing them to skillfully perform orthodontic screenings and treatment. We work together to ensure your child has a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime!
Early Orthodontic Treatment FAQs
What is the best age to get braces?
Age 7 is the best time for your child’s first orthodontic visit. With an early orthodontic screening, our doctors can detect underlying concerns before they fully develop, making orthodontic treatment easier and more effective!
If your child’s smile still needs time to grow before beginning treatment, we’ll keep an eye on their progress with regular check-ups to ensure we start their journey to a beautiful smile at the perfect time.
Will my child need braces?
If your child has bite alignment issues, overly crowded or spaced teeth, or harmful oral habits like prolonged thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, they may benefit from kids braces treatment.
Every smile is one-of-a-kind, which is why we offer free consultations to evaluate your child’s smile and conduct orthodontic records and X-rays before creating a personalized treatment plan for your child’s best smile!
How much do kids braces cost?
The cost of kids braces varies depending on their unique needs. At Bubon Orthodontics, kids braces cost up to 30% less than average! Schedule a free consultation to receive a customized treatment plan and pricing. With our fully customizable, interest-free payment plans, your child’s best smile can fit any budget! Learn more about the cost of braces.
Does insurance cover early orthodontic treatment?
Yes! At Bubon Orthodontics, we accept most insurance plans and offer complimentary benefit verification when you schedule your free consultation. Learn more about orthodontic insurance.
Kids Orthodontist in Chicago
Choosing Bubon Orthodontics as your Chicago orthodontist means providing your child with high-quality care in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Parents appreciate our personalized approach and exceptional customer service, and kids enjoy getting involved in our interactive process, where they can personalize their braces and appliances with their favorite colors!
Book a free consultation at our Lakeview, Millennium Park, or Niles locations—we look forward to welcoming you and your little one to our practice soon!