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

My experience at this location was incredibly easy and great, everyone is very welcoming at Read More
Paulina Valencia
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Drs. Hurley and Volk are the best! They have a wonderful staff, a very efficient Read More
Molly Nepil
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We had a great experience at the orthodontist. They were very helpful and informative with Read More
Kelsey Scholle
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Today was GREAT!! I (DJ) got my braces & expander off…& NO more head-gear! YEAH.. Read More
Debra Wingren
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We had a wonderful experience today from start to finish! We highly recommend this orthodontic Read More
Nicole Kresal
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Great experience Jamie was very friendly and helpful with my Invisalign today.
Nichol Boskelly
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They are great.
Paul wavechaser
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I love Hurley and Volk orthodontics! They are very helpful with getting in unexpected appointments Read More
Johnny Mills
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So nice and friendly!! Very clean and organized!
Deanna Addyman
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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