Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program


At Johnsonlink Orthodontics, we are proud to offer our Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program, a complimentary observation program designed to monitor your child’s dental growth and development. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, although some cases may benefit from an even earlier visit.

This program allows us to closely observe your child’s growth patterns and intervene at the ideal time, if necessary, with proper planning and preparation, all at no cost to you.

Summary of the Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program

  • Periodic Examinations: Your child will be seen at regular intervals to monitor growth and development.

  • Professional Guidance: Dr. Johnson or Dr. Lingenbrink will notify you in advance if treatment becomes necessary, ensuring you have ample time to plan.

  • Digital Imaging: Radiographic digital images may be taken during these visits to help us track development.

This observation program is completely complimentary throughout the monitoring period.

Benefits of the Pre-Orthodontic Guidance Program

  • Early Monitoring: Track your child’s dental development at no cost.

  • Interceptive Care: Identify and address growth or alignment issues early using limited, minimally invasive measures.

  • Reduced Treatment Needs: Minimize the need for extensive or lengthy orthodontic treatment later.

  • Optimal Results: Achieve outcomes that are difficult or impossible after jaw and facial growth is complete.

  • Team Efforts: Encourages a team approach to caring for your child’s smile.

  • Comfort & Confidence: Help your child feel at ease and prepared for future orthodontic care.

We encourage parents and guardians to attend these examinations to fully understand their child’s unique needs. Our goal is to provide the best possible care, ensuring your child grows up with a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.

Common Conditions We Monitor:

Underbite

The lower jaw extends forward, causing the lower front teeth to overlap the upper front teeth.

Overjet

The upper front teeth stick out too far, or when the lower teeth don’t extend forward enough to meet them.

Overbite

The upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth. In some cases, this overlap is so deep that the lower teeth may bite into the roof of the mouth.

Spacing

Excess space between teeth, which may be caused by missing teeth or cosmetic concerns.

Crowding

Insufficient room for teeth to erupt, causing misalignment or rotations.

Openbite

Top and bottom teeth do not come together, often due to habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.

Crossbite

Upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, which may affect single or multiple teeth.

Thumb sucking

Prolonged thumb sucking can damage teeth and jaw alignment once permanent teeth begin to erupt.

Tongue Thrusting

Misplaced pressure from the tongue can shift teeth and affect jaw growth.