Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At Honey Orthodontics in Gurnee, IL, Dr. Oana Honey uses this early visit to evaluate how a child’s teeth and jaws are developing and determine whether orthodontic treatment may be needed in the future.

Many children are also referred by their family dentist if early signs of crowding, bite problems, or jaw development concerns are noticed.

Why Early Orthodontic Evaluations Matter

Evaluating a child’s smile while they are still growing allows orthodontic concerns to be identified at the right time. Early monitoring can help guide the development of the teeth and jaws and support a healthier bite as permanent teeth begin to emerge.

Early orthodontic care may help:

• Guide erupting teeth into better positions
• Preserve space for incoming permanent teeth
• Reduce the risk of damage to protruding front teeth
• Support proper jaw growth and development

By addressing certain concerns early, orthodontic treatment later in life can often be simpler and more efficient.

Does Every Child Need Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Not every child requires treatment at a young age. In many cases, orthodontic treatment is most effective during the teenage years once all permanent teeth have erupted.

During your child’s evaluation, Dr. Honey will determine whether early treatment is recommended or if it is best to simply monitor their growth and development. Every treatment plan is personalized based on the child’s specific needs.

Monitoring Growing Smiles

For children who are not ready for treatment yet, Honey Orthodontics offers a growth monitoring program. This allows our team to track how the teeth and jaws are developing as your child grows.

During these visits, we may observe how permanent teeth are erupting and identify changes early if they occur. These periodic checkups help ensure that orthodontic treatment begins at the most appropriate time for the best results.

What Are the Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic care provides more than just cosmetic improvements. Properly aligned teeth and a balanced bite can help support long-term oral health.

Orthodontic treatment may help:

• Improve bite function and chewing efficiency
• Make teeth easier to clean and maintain
• Reduce excessive wear on tooth enamel
• Support long-term dental health and stability

A healthy smile can benefit both appearance and overall oral function.

Will Early Treatment Eliminate the Need for Braces Later?

Early orthodontic treatment can correct certain developmental issues and reduce the severity of some problems. However, because permanent teeth continue to erupt as children grow, additional treatment during the teenage years is sometimes recommended.

In many cases, early treatment is followed by a shorter phase of braces or aligners later to finalize the alignment once all permanent teeth are present.

Do Kids Still Need to Visit Their Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?

Yes. Regular dental checkups remain very important while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Braces and other appliances require extra care to keep teeth and gums clean.

We recommend that patients continue visiting their family dentist every six months for routine exams and professional cleanings throughout orthodontic treatment.

Start Your Child’s Smile Journey at Honey Orthodontics

At Honey Orthodontics in Gurnee, IL, our team is dedicated to helping children grow into healthy, confident smiles. Whether your child needs early treatment or simply monitoring as they develop, Dr. Honey will guide you through every step with personalized care and clear recommendations.

Scheduling an orthodontic evaluation is the first step toward protecting your child’s long-term dental health and building a smile they will feel proud of for years to come.