Every kid deserves a head start on a healthy, happy smile. And at KC Orthodontics, we’re here to help make that happen! Our specialized Growth Guidance program is designed for kids ages 5–10 in Grand Rapids, Plainwell, and the greater Kalamazoo area. And it’s a fun, free way to make sure your child’s smile is growing exactly as it should.
Why Should Kids See an Orthodontist by Age 7?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests a first visit by age 7, because that’s when most kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth. At this age, their jaws are still growing, making it the perfect time for a specialist to spot any potential issues early. Checking in now can actually make treatment more efficient when they’re older and give you peace of mind when it comes to your child’s dental health.
What Is Orthodontic Growth Monitoring?
Think of us as your child’s "smile scouts"! As your little one grows, our team uses advanced technology, including the iTero™ scanner, to watch how their adult teeth are moving in. During your free checkups, we look for:
- Room to grow: We check for crowding or big gaps that might affect adult teeth.
- Bite alignment: We make sure the top and bottom teeth are meeting up correctly.
- Healthy habits: We offer gentle guidance for things like thumb-sucking.
- Airway health: We check if your child is breathing through their mouth, which can affect their jaw shape.
- Straight adult teeth: We monitor the path adult teeth are taking as they surface.
We Make Orthodontic Visits Fun for Kids
We want our office to be your child's favorite stop of the day, not something they dread. Whether they’re here for their own checkup or just tagging along with a sibling, our Growth Guidance program members get the VIP treatment.
- Free swag and prizes: Kids get fun rewards just for being a member.
- Birthday surprises: We love celebrating our members, especially on their special day.
- Extra encouragement: We help kids feel confident about taking care of their teeth.
KC Orthodontics Reviews
Started going here when it was O’Grady. My permanent retainer came loose after 10 years or so and so I setup an appointment. They fixed it and also did some free xrays and got me a quote for more orthodontic work.A couple months went by and my retainer came loose again. I came back and a very skilled hygienist named Laurie put it back on for me and honored the money I paid for the initial visit.Overall a great experience. It hasn’t lost its customer service and value since changing from O’Grady, which is saying A LOT. I will be returning here for work in the future, and likely bringing my kids here.
My kids Jacob and Cameron has Royal treatment from Dr. O’Grady and his staff. Their smiles turned out beautifully. Thanks to all!!!!
Everyone is friendly and smile when they greet you. They make kids/patients feel important and go out of their way to ensure that it is a positive experience. Highly reccomend Dr. Chen and her team.
Everyone there is always so kind, and Dr. Chen is so up beat
Great staff!!! Super helpful my treatment has been great so far- no complaints.
397
Total Reviews
5
Star Average Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Growth Guidance program really free?
Yes! We believe in giving back to our community. By providing proactive expertise, we’re able to help local kids grow up with amazing smiles. Our growth monitoring appointments and membership in the program are 100% free.
Will my child need braces or Invisalign® clear aligners right away?
Most of the time, the answer is no! These visits are all about "watching and waiting." But we’ll never leave you in the dark. If we do see something that needs precision care, like braces or Invisalign® treatment, we’ll create a customized plan and talk you through every step.
Where can I sign up for the Growth Guidance program?
You can join at our Plainwell or Grand Rapids locations! We are conveniently located near many local schools, making it easy to pop in before or after class.
