Braces for Kids: Why Early Orthodontic Care Matters for Your Child
Kids’ teeth and jaws develop fast and sometimes in ways that need a little guidance. Maybe their adult teeth are coming in crooked, or their bite doesn’t quite line up. Or maybe their pediatrician mentioned they should see an orthodontist.
Early orthodontic care can make a big difference in shaping a healthy, confident smile. And the good news? Starting early often means simpler, shorter treatment down the road.
At Valley View Dental, we offer braces for kids and orthodontic evaluations at our Romeoville, Naperville, and Montgomery, IL locations. Our approach is gentle, our team is patient, and we make sure your child feels comfortable every step of the way.
If you are searching for braces for kids in Romeoville, Naperville, or Montgomery, our team provides personalized treatment plans designed specifically for growing smiles.
Signs Your Child Might Need Treatment
Not sure if it’s time? Here are some common signs:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth – not enough room for adult teeth to come in straight
- Difficulty chewing or biting – their bite feels off
- Early or late loss of baby teeth – timing can affect how adult teeth come in
- Thumb sucking beyond age five – this can shift teeth and jaw alignment
- Noticeable overbite or underbite – their top and bottom teeth don’t meet properly
An orthodontic consultation can catch these issues early, which often makes treatment easier and more effective later on.
Why Starting Braces for Kids Early Helps
You might be wondering: why not just wait until all their adult teeth are in? Here’s why early braces for kids treatment can be a smart move:
- Guides proper jaw growth – catching issues while they’re still growing gives us more options
- Reduces future crowding – creating space now can prevent bigger problems later
- May prevent extractions – or more complicated treatments down the line
- Boosts confidence – kids feel better about themselves when they’re not self-conscious about their teeth
We’re not saying every kid needs braces right away. But an early evaluation, usually around age 7 or 8, helps us spot potential problems before they become harder to fix.
In many cases, early braces for kids can shorten total treatment time during the teen years.
We Make Braces for Kids Easy on Kids and Parents
We know dental visits can be nerve-wracking for kids. That’s why we go out of our way to make them feel at ease. Our orthodontic team is warm, encouraging, and great at explaining things in a way kids can understand.
We also keep parents in the loop every step of the way. You’ll always know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and what to expect next.
If you would like to learn more about our full orthodontic services, visit our Orthodontics page.
You can also read more about early orthodontic guidelines at aaoinfo.org
Schedule a braces for kids consultation today
Want to give your child the best start for a healthy, straight smile? Call Valley View Dental today to schedule a braces for kids consultation at our Romeoville, Naperville, or Montgomery location. We’ll answer all your questions and help you figure out the best path forward.
Early action leads to confident smiles. Let’s make it simple and stress free for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces for Kids
1. What is the best age to get braces for kids?
Most children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Braces for kids are not always started at that age, but early screening helps identify problems with jaw growth and bite alignment before they become more serious.
2. How long do braces for kids usually take?
Treatment time varies depending on the child’s needs. Some early braces for kids may last 6 to 18 months, while comprehensive treatment during the teen years may take longer.
3. Are braces for kids painful?
Braces for kids can cause mild discomfort for a few days after adjustments. However, modern orthodontic techniques make treatment much more comfortable than in the past.
4. Do all kids need early braces?
No. Not every child needs braces right away. Some children benefit from early intervention, while others can wait until more permanent teeth come in. An orthodontic evaluation helps determine the right timing.
5. How much do braces for kids cost?
The cost of braces for kids depends on the complexity of treatment and length of care. At Valley View Dental, we discuss all options clearly and offer flexible payment plans to make treatment manageable for families.
