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
It went from 5 stars, being bought by Kim Chen. Amazing team, a new amazing owner. I trust in everyone and with some little changes, I know they are for the best outcome. We drive over 90 min to each appt because of the care. Dr. Chen see’s each and every one of her patients at time of visit. Very clear and concise of what the game plan is.
My son is just finishing up phase 1. Started with expanders and then braces. Now we are onto retainers and the waiting game until baby teeth fall out and we see where we are. We have been super happy with KC. Most of his care was under Dr O’Grady but Dr Chen has been been amazing as well! The office has always been friendly! They have a fun reward program for the kids to encourage proper brushing, being on time and not breaking their braces off.
Very efficient and knowledgeable, also great staff in general
super accommodating with my special circumstances. felt a genuine connection with the people that worked on my teeth! everyone was so kind and i’m so grateful to be more confident in my smile! easy communication to schedule things that needed to be fixed as well :)
Wonderful staff service kind courteous professional, always greeted with a smile. Office is very clean and maintained.
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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.
