When should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that parents schedule their child’s first orthodontic visit by age 7. It’s around this time that their little smiles have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and because their jaws are still developing, it’s important to monitor how adult teeth come in.

Without growth monitoring, crowding and other potential problems may make orthodontic treatment more challenging later in life.

What is Orthodontic Growth Monitoring?

As your little one grows, your Hurley and Volk Orthodontics doctor can help watch for orthodontic issues before they become more serious, making the work of orthodontics in their later years a lot easier. For example, we’ll monitor:

  • Potential cross-bite and open bite development
  • Obstructive breathing issues—is your child a mouth breather?
  • Position of baby and permanent teeth
  • Dental overcrowding or spacing which could hinder or affect permanent tooth development or position
  • How permanent teeth come in
  • Teeth at risk for injury or decay due to protrusion or overcrowding
  • Harmful habits that may cause orthodontic problems (thumb sucking)
  • Oral hygiene and overall dental health
  • A balanced facial appearance

Little Stars (for kids under age 7) 

To help your little one prepare for his or her first meeting with a doctor at age 7, our Little Stars program makes learning about orthodontic care easy and fun. From colorful, age-appropriate materials to special birthday treats and more, we help build a foundation of trust and comfort for kids.  

Rising Star (for kids age 7-11) 

Every 6–12 months, Rising Stars get ongoing growth and development monitoring of the primary and secondary teeth, including bite, jaw growth, and function—all designed to prepare your little one for successful orthodontic treatment when the time comes. 

All the while, we’ll continue to keep the fun, educational spirit alive through in-person interaction with our amazing team as well as informative materials designed to keep them engaged. 

We Make Orthodontics Fun for Kids

Their free membership includes all kinds of free swag, birthday surprises, extra encouragement, and prizes … like we said: FUN!

Our goal is that, whether it be their own appointments or they’re just tagging along with a sibling, kids love coming to see us while learning how important taking care of their smiles is in the process.

It’s easy (and did we mention FUN?). Schedule their first, free orthodontic consultation and get ready to blast off!

Sign up for our Rising Star program!

What Our Patients Are Saying

The staff is very professional and friendly. They are always on time.
Lesa G
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The staff is super sweet! Everyone made me feel very at ease. Kelsey was very Read More
Laurel Hartwig
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I wanted to thank the entire team at Hurley & Volk Othodontics for their hard Read More
Noe Rosas
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Very nice place! I really like how my smile turned out and so happy that Read More
Amy Jaglinski
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Wonderful practice amazing people. Nicole was very helpful and super nice.
Patricia Mika
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God Bless Miss Denise!! She is so incredibly patient and kind 🥰 My kiddo has Read More
Stephie
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Great service!!!! Very nice staff ❤️
Vidan Datiz
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The staff it’s very friendly and the doctor she’s amazing. I’m so lucky to have Read More
Tika Mema
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I just got my braces off today, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! Read More
Jazmin Frias
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SERVING THE CHICAGO METROPOLITAN AREA

Visit Your Local Chicago Area Orthodontists

Grayscale image of Orthodontic office Hurley & Volk - Algonquin, IL

Hurley and Volk Orthodontics – Algonquin

2320 Esplanade Dr, Algonquin, IL, 60102-5448
Grayscale image of Orthodontic office Hurley & Volk - Hampshire, IL

Hurley and Volk Orthodontics – Hampshire

895 S State St, Ste 303, Hampshire, IL, 60140-9600
Grayscale image of Orthodontic office Hurley & Volk - South Elgin, IL

Hurley and Volk Orthodontics – South Elgin

484 Briargate Dr, Unit 101, South Elgin, IL, 60177-2225
Grayscale image of Orthodontic office Hurley & Volk - Schaumburg, IL

Hurley and Volk Orthodontics – Schaumburg

12 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL, 60193-5542