Smile Squad
Early Orthodontic Growth Monitoring for Kids in Nashville
Legends in the Making
Every child grows differently, and the timing of orthodontic care matters. Smile Squad is Gluck Orthodontics’ growth-monitoring program for kids who may not need treatment right away but could benefit from careful observation as they grow.
By monitoring tooth development, bite alignment, and jaw growth early, our team can help your child receive the right care at the right time.
Early orthodontic monitoring for growing smiles
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, our team can begin monitoring growth and development while your child’s smile is still changing.
If orthodontic treatment is not recommended at the first visit, your child may be enrolled in Smile Squad. This allows us to continue checking their smile over time and determine the ideal moment to begin treatment if it becomes necessary.
It is an important step toward reducing the risk of orthodontic problems becoming more complex later down the road.
The goal is simple:
Help your child receive care proactively, confidently, and only when the timing is right.
- Monitor teeth, bite, and jaw development
- Track baby teeth coming out and adult teeth coming in
- Identify concerns before they become more complex
- Recommend treatment at the best time for your child
Timing Matters for a Legendary Smile
Every child grows differently, so timing matters. By monitoring growth early, Smile Squad helps our team understand how your child’s smile is developing and when orthodontic care may be most beneficial.
- Catch developing orthodontic issues sooner
- Track tooth eruption and bite development
- Guide jaw growth and development
- Treat early when it matters most
- Time treatment for the best results
- Help keep treatment simpler and shorter when possible
To a legendary smile
Smile Squad is designed to make your child’s early orthodontic journey easy, encouraging, and fun.
First Visit
We’ll take pictures, X-rays, and measurements. Dr. Jono will review them with you and decide if treatment is required. There may also be ice cream!
Join Our Smile Squad
If no treatment is recommended at the initial exam, your child will be enrolled in Smile Squad so we can continue monitoring their growth.
Right Timing
When the time is right, Dr. Jono will discuss starting orthodontic treatment and create a plan to help your child enjoy a confident smile.
What happens during observation visits?
Observation visits are efficient, easy, and fun. They usually take about 20 minutes every 6 to 12 months and help us provide a valuable experience at each visit.
We Check Growth
Our team checks baby teeth coming out, adult teeth coming in, jaw growth, and bite alignment.
We Share Updates
We may take updated photos, digital impressions, or X-rays when needed and share next steps with parents.
Confident Care for Your Child’s Smile Journey
We want your child to feel confident for life’s journey. Smile Squad allows us to care for your child proactively while ensuring treatment begins at the right time. Our goal is for orthodontic treatment to be efficient, fun, and designed to create a beautiful, confident smile.
A smart first step around age 7
Smile Squad may be a great fit if your child is around age 7, still growing, and not ready for orthodontic treatment yet.
It is especially helpful for parents who want to stay ahead of their child’s orthodontic development and understand whether braces, aligners, or early treatment may be needed in the future.
The best way to know what your child needs is to schedule an evaluation with Gluck Orthodontics.
Smile Squad helps parents:
- Understand their child’s smile development
- Avoid guessing about the right time for treatment
- Stay informed with regular observation visits
- Feel confident about the next step
Questions parents often ask
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This allows an orthodontist to monitor tooth development, bite alignment, and jaw growth while your child is still growing.
Does my child need braces at age 7?
Not necessarily. Many children do not need treatment at age 7. If your child is not ready for orthodontic treatment, Smile Squad allows our team to monitor their growth and recommend care only when the timing is right.
What is the purpose of Smile Squad?
Smile Squad is designed to monitor your child’s orthodontic development over time. It helps our team track tooth eruption, jaw growth, bite alignment, and other changes so treatment can begin at the best possible time.
How often are Smile Squad visits?
Smile Squad observation visits typically happen every 6 to 12 months, depending on your child’s needs and stage of development.
What happens during a Smile Squad visit?
During a Smile Squad visit, our team may check your child’s teeth, bite, jaw growth, and overall orthodontic development. We may also take updated photos, digital impressions, or X-rays when needed.
Is Smile Squad the same as orthodontic treatment?
No. Smile Squad is an observation and growth-monitoring program. It is for children who do not need treatment right away but should continue to be monitored as they grow.
Ready to start your child’s legendary smile journey?
Schedule your child’s first Smile Squad visit with Gluck Orthodontics today.
