Orthodontist for Kids in Coralville, IA

Expert Orthodontic Care for Growing Smiles

At Croco Orthodontics, we believe early orthodontic care lays the foundation for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles. As a trusted orthodontist for kids in Coralville, IA, Dr. Matthew Croco and our team specialize in gentle, preventive, and proactive treatments tailored to children’s unique developmental needs.

Many parents are surprised to learn that the ideal time for a child’s first orthodontic check-up is around age 7. At this stage, your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives us an important window to monitor jaw growth, bite development, and spacing. Even if your child doesn’t need treatment right away, early evaluations allow us to catch potential issues before they become more serious or harder to treat later on.

Why Early Orthodontic Evaluation Matters

We follow guidelines from the American Association of Orthodontists, which recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age 7. While some kids will simply need observation, others may benefit from Phase One orthodontic treatment—a short, targeted approach that guides jaw development and creates room for future permanent teeth.

Early treatment can help address:

• Severe crowding or spacing issues
• Bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Thumb-sucking habits
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Speech difficulties or breathing concerns

By addressing these concerns early, we may be able to reduce the need for extractions, prevent future complications, and simplify Phase Two treatment later (such as braces or aligners).

What Is Phase One Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase One treatment—sometimes called interceptive orthodontics—is designed for younger children who show early signs of orthodontic issues. Treatment typically starts between ages 7–10 and lasts 9–12 months.

Phase One may include:

• Limited braces
• Expanders
• Space maintainers
• Habit-breaking appliances (for thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting)

After Phase One, most children enter a resting phase, where we continue to monitor their growth. Once all permanent teeth come in, we can determine if additional treatment—like braces or clear aligners—is needed.

Our Approach to Kid-Friendly Orthodontics

We know your child’s first experience with orthodontics sets the tone for the future. That’s why we’ve designed our Coralville office to be calm, kid-friendly, and welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.

Our team works closely with parents and kids to explain each step, answer questions in easy-to-understand language, and ensure your child feels safe and supported. We use modern digital tools (no goopy impressions!) and treatment methods that prioritize comfort, safety, and long-term health.

Every child is different. We take the time to get to know your family and customize care that fits your child’s needs, schedule, and personality.

When Should I Bring My Child to the Orthodontist?

Here are some signs your child might benefit from early evaluation:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Noticeable crowding or gaps
• Jaws that pop or shift
• Early loss of baby teeth (before age 5) or delayed loss (after age 7)
• Thumb or finger sucking beyond age 5
• Speech problems or frequent mouth breathing

Even if none of these apply, it’s still a good idea to schedule your child’s first visit around age 7. Early checkups give us valuable insight and give you peace of mind.

A Local Orthodontist Coralville Families Can Trust

Dr. Matthew Croco has been treating young patients in Coralville and surrounding areas since 2005. As a parent himself, he understands the importance of building trust with both kids and their families. We’ll never pressure you into treatment—and we’ll always explain your options clearly and honestly.

We serve children from Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Iowa City, and beyond. If you’re searching for a compassionate, highly experienced children’s orthodontist near you, we’re just around the corner.

What Happens at a Kid’s Orthodontic Consultation?

Your child’s first visit is free and includes:

• A gentle exam of their teeth and jaw
• Digital X-rays and photos (if needed)
• A conversation about current growth and future development
• Expert recommendations—whether treatment is needed now or later

If early treatment is beneficial, we’ll walk you through next steps, including timelines, costs, and what to expect. If no treatment is needed yet, we’ll schedule periodic check-ins as your child grows.

Schedule Your Child’s Complimentary Consultation Today

It’s never too early to prioritize your child’s smile. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly orthodontist in Coralville, Croco Orthodontics is here for you. Our team is proud to provide early orthodontic care that’s proactive, affordable, and empowering for young patients.