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

Had an amazing experience with Denise! She made me feel comfortable at my appointment she Read More
Michelle Renteria
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Had an amazing experience with Denise! She is always cheerful and smiling. Makes the whole Read More
Samira Sanchez
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I just started my journey here with Hurley and Volk Orthodontics Hampshire. This is something Read More
Stephanie Hancock
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I love coming to pick up my retainers from H&V! Shoutout to Jess for making Read More
la jotis
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Every visit is a great experience!
Jen Hanson
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By far the most professional and experienced orthodontists and staff! Not to mention the punctuality Read More
Maria Alexandropoulos
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Great staff, very efficient and timely, upfront about pricing!
Shannon Wilson
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Ive been going to this location for my braces for the past 2 years, the Read More
Olivia Zacarias
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Hurley & Volk absolutely BLEW ME AWAY!!! This place REALLY thought about EVERY THING when Read More
Tara
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SERVING THE CHICAGO METROPOLITAN AREA

Visit Your Local Chicago Area Orthodontists

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Hurley and Volk Orthodontics – Algonquin

2320 Esplanade Dr, Algonquin, IL, 60102-5448
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Hurley and Volk Orthodontics – Hampshire

895 S State St, Ste 303, Hampshire, IL, 60140-9600
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Hurley and Volk Orthodontics – South Elgin

484 Briargate Dr, Unit 101, South Elgin, IL, 60177-2225
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Hurley and Volk Orthodontics – Schaumburg

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