Gentle, Personalized Orthodontic Care for Growing Smiles
At Croco Orthodontics, we believe early orthodontic care builds more than just straighter teeth—it builds confidence that lasts a lifetime. As a trusted provider of braces for kids in Coralville, IA, we offer gentle, age-appropriate treatment designed to guide growing smiles and make orthodontic care a positive experience from the very first visit.
Led by Dr. Matthew Croco, our team works closely with parents and children to ensure that every child receives the right care at the right time. Whether your child is showing early signs of crowding, has bite issues, or you’re just being proactive about their oral health, we’re here to help them smile with confidence.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
Many parents are surprised to learn that orthodontic care can begin well before the teenage years. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which allows us to identify developing issues early—before they become more difficult to treat.
Not all kids need braces right away. In fact, many children simply need monitoring through what we call our “Growth Guidance Program.” But if early intervention is needed, we may recommend a short Phase One treatment to correct certain issues and make room for permanent teeth.
What Can Braces Help Fix in Young Children?
Braces for kids can correct or prevent a variety of developmental concerns, such as:
- Severe crowding or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between baby or permanent teeth
- Crossbites, overbites, or underbites
- Misaligned or protruding front teeth
- Jaw growth problems
- Speech difficulties or breathing concerns
- Prolonged thumb-sucking or tongue thrust habits
Early treatment can also reduce the need for tooth extractions or surgical procedures later in life.
Types of Braces and Appliances for Kids
Every child is unique, and so is their treatment plan. Depending on your child’s age, dental development, and orthodontic needs, we may recommend:
Traditional Metal Braces
These are the most common and durable option for children. Kids love customizing their braces with colorful bands, and parents love their reliability and effectiveness.
Phase One Orthodontic Appliances
If your child is in the early mixed dentition stage (baby teeth + permanent teeth), we may use tools like:
- Expanders (to widen the upper jaw)
- Partial braces (on select teeth)
- Space maintainers
- Habit appliances (for thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting)
Growth Monitoring
In many cases, no immediate treatment is needed. Instead, we’ll schedule periodic check-ups (usually every 6–12 months) to monitor your child’s dental growth and recommend treatment at the right time.
A Comfortable, Kid-Friendly Experience Every Step of the Way
We know that the idea of getting braces can feel overwhelming—for both kids and parents. That’s why we’ve created a warm, supportive environment in our Coralville office. From fun waiting room touches to gentle chairside communication, we work hard to make every child feel at ease.
We use digital scanning (no goopy impressions!), explain treatment in simple terms, and always celebrate progress along the way. Our team is not only highly trained, but also great with kids—we’re patient, positive, and focused on building trust.
How Much Do Braces for Kids Cost?
At Croco Orthodontics, we’re committed to making treatment accessible for all families. During your child’s free consultation, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of costs and discuss flexible payment options, including:
- 0% interest monthly plans
- In-house financing
- Insurance coordination
- Family discounts for siblings
We believe every child deserves a healthy, confident smile—regardless of budget.
A Local Leader in Children’s Braces in Coralville
Dr. Matthew Croco has been providing expert care to kids in Coralville and surrounding communities since 2005. Parents choose us for our advanced technology, personalized care plans, and supportive environment that makes orthodontics a positive part of their child’s life.
We proudly serve families from Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Iowa City, and beyond. If you’re looking for braces for your child, we’re just around the corner.
Schedule Your Complimentary Kids’ Braces Consultation in Coralville
The earlier we can catch and correct orthodontic issues, the easier (and more affordable) treatment tends to be. Schedule a complimentary consultation today and find out if your child is ready for braces or early intervention.