Children’s & Adolescent Orthodontics
in Tinley Park, IL

Why Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children is Necessary

It is usually a relief for parents to learn that early orthodontics at Grant Orthodontics is not always about getting braces. The goal is to set your child up for a lifetime of optimal oral health, which is affected by the proper alignment and symmetry of their jaw, teeth, and face. Your child’s early evaluation with our pediatric orthodontist in Tinley Park, IL, is not simply for aesthetics but will also guide the growth and development of their jaw and teeth – preventing more serious problems later.

When Your Child Should See an Orthodontist

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation occur by age 7 – the time when adult teeth start erupting. At Grant Orthodontics, we can tell if your child will benefit from early treatment when we evaluate their erupting teeth to detect issues such as a possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Many potential problems may not be visibly apparent until prevention is too late. Beginning treatment at this optimal time not only ensures the best results but also means less time and expense down the road.

Not sure if your child would benefit from an orthodontic evaluation? Grant Orthodontics is happy to answer any questions you may have about the process!

What Are Signs that Your Child Needs an Assessment?

It may not be necessary to start treatment at this early stage. However, it is especially important to schedule a screening with our orthodontist if you notice any of the following conditions in your child:

• Finger or thumb sucking
• Jaws that “pop” when opening and closing the mouth
• Crowded or misplaced teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting food
• Early loss of baby teeth
• Mouth breathing
• Misaligned teeth that close improperly or without touching
• Jaws and teeth that are not in proportion to the rest of the face

Benefits of Early Treatment

While parents don’t need to rush into getting braces for their young children, some oral health issues can be avoided with early screening and treatment, including:

• Speech impediments
• Injury to protruding teeth
• Open bites – when the upper and lower teeth are unable to physically touch each other when the jaws are closed
• Crossbites – when the two rows of teeth are misaligned and don’t meet correctly. This can cause tooth decay, gum disease, stress on the jaw muscles, headaches, and more.

What Are Some Adolescent Orthodontic Options?

If you choose to forego an early evaluation for your child, we recommend bringing your child in for a consultation once all of their adult teeth have erupted, around age 12. Waiting until this time ensures that any of their issues can be addressed without having to risk the chance of retreatment at a later age.

What’s Our Process?

When your child comes in for their complimentary appointment, our team will perform a thorough evaluation of their bite and smile. This allows our experts to determine the treatment that will be best suited to their needs. We will also take the time to educate you and your child on what to expect during treatment, plus answer any questions you may have prior to beginning treatment.

Schedule a FREE Consultation with Our Orthodontists in Tinley Park, IL, Today!

To set your child up for a lifetime of optimal oral health, schedule a complimentary Grant Orthodontics Smile Assessment today by calling 708.866.0057 or by clicking here to use our convenient online form. Your child’s appointment includes an initial exam, digital x-rays, a comprehensive consultation for braces, and a copy of Dr. Grant’s book, Simply Smile, A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Orthodontist, for a non-refundable fee of $250!

Call today – we can’t wait to help your child achieve a healthy smile that can last a lifetime!

As one of the premier orthodontic practices in Homewood, IL, our doctors and team at Grant Orthodontics also provide 5-star orthodontic care to patients from Flossmoor, Tinley Park, South Holland, Lansing & Frankfort, IL, Dyer & Schererville, Indiana, and surrounding areas.