At ABC Dental Chicago, we believe healthy smiles start young—and choosing the right orthodontic care early can set your child up for a lifetime of confidence and dental health. If you’ve read our posts like “Self‑Ligating Braces vs Traditional vs Aligners” or “When Should My Child See a Kids Orthodontist?”, here’s more practical advice to guide you.
1. Why the First Orthodontic Check-Up at Age 7 Is Key
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven—as enough adult teeth have come in to spot alignment or bite issues early.
Early assessment lets us monitor growth and intervene only when needed. Starting too late may require additional treatments later, while very early intervention can prevent complex issues like crossbite or crowding later on.
2. Early Treatment Can Simplify Later Needs
If early red flags are spotted—such as thumb‑sucking beyond age 4, mouth breathing, or uneven bite—we may suggest early orthodontic intervention.
Why treat early?
Certain issues are easier to correct while a child’s jaw is still growing. Palatal expanders can fix crossbite; growth modification helps with severe overbites. Fixing these early often reduces the need for braces later.
3. Real Alternatives at ABC Dental
If we determine that early care is needed, here’s what we offer:
- Clear aligners for older kids (usually 10+): discreet, removable and ideal for mild to moderate issues.
- Traditional metal or self-ligating braces—great for crowded or more complex cases.
- Board-certified orthodontist care, with Dr. Hao managing challenging bite and alignment cases.
4. Patient Stories: Comfort + Convenience
We hear from parents that our early orthodontic checks ease anxiety and simplify treatment later:
“At seven, we got an evaluation. When it was time for braces in middle school, everything went smoothly—and with fewer complications.”
— Parent from Logan Square
5. What Your Child’s First Ortho Visit Looks Like
A no-cost consultation includes:
- Smile analysis and bite evaluation
- Digital scans or X-rays when needed
- A simple action plan tailored to their development—not necessarily immediate treatment
- Facing no pressure—just honest guidance
We also provide free second opinions, so you can feel fully confident about your child’s care
6. Why Choose ABC Dental for Kids Orthodontics?
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Board certification (Dr. Hao) | Only ~25% of orthodontists earn this credential—ensuring top-tier training and experience |
| Comprehensive pediatric care in-house | We manage everything under one roof—from first dental visits to braces and follow-ups |
| Flexible scheduling | Evening and weekend appointments in Logan Square make care accessible for working parents |
7. Ready When They’re Ready
Because many kids don’t begin treatment until adolescence, we’ll monitor and revisit as needed when the timing is right. This ensures interventions are impactful, efficient, and minimally invasive.
Next Steps
- Schedule a FREE orthodontic evaluation for your child—even if their teeth look straight.
- If needed, proceed with early treatment to prevent more complex problems later.
- For adolescent treatments, choose from clear aligners, modern braces, or self-ligating options with expert supervision.
Book Today in Chicago – Logan Square & Beyond
Whether you’re in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, or beyond, we’d love to help your child build a healthy, confident smile.
Call us at 773‑481‑2200 for your free consultation today.
- Self-Ligating Braces vs Traditional Braces vs Invisible Aligners: Which One’s Right for You?
- When Should Your Child See a Kids Orthodontist?
- What To Expect at Your Initial Free Orthodontic Consultation?
- How Much Do Braces Cost in Chicago? Read This Before You Pick an Orthodontist.
- What is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
- Should My Child See a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
- Why straighten my teeth?
- The Ultimate Guide to Getting Braces in Chicago: What You Need to Know