Spacing
Extra spaces between teeth may be part of normal growth, but they can also be worth evaluating.
Kids Orthodontics · Northeast Louisiana
A fun, friendly first step toward a healthy smile
At Koga Orthodontics, we make early orthodontic visits comfortable, educational, and kid-friendly — helping parents understand how their child's smile is developing.
Kid-friendly care for families across Northeast Louisiana.
Age 7+
Hi! I'm Chompers!
Early orthodontic care, explained in a kid-friendly way
A child's first orthodontic visit does not always mean braces.
In many cases, it is simply an opportunity to check how the teeth, jaws, and bite are developing — and to help parents understand whether anything should be monitored as their child grows.
At Koga Orthodontics, we want kids to feel comfortable and parents to feel informed from the very first visit.
Why age 7 matters
Around age 7, children usually have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This makes it a helpful time for an orthodontist to evaluate how the smile and bite are developing.
An early check-up can help identify potential concerns while the child is still growing. Sometimes no treatment is needed right away, but monitoring growth can help guide the right timing if orthodontic care becomes necessary in the future.
- 3 All baby teeth
- 5 Starts to mix
- 7 First check-up
- 10 Most permanent
- 12 Full smile
Early visits are not about rushing into treatment.
They are about understanding your child's smile at the right time.
Watch closely!
What should parents watch for?
Some bite and spacing changes are easier to notice as children grow. If you see any of these signs, an orthodontic visit can help clarify what is happening.
Overcrowding
Crowded teeth may make it harder for permanent teeth to come in properly.
Crossbite
A crossbite can affect how the upper and lower teeth fit together.
Overbite
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than expected.
Underbite
An underbite happens when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
Open Bite
An open bite happens when the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.
braces
smiles
friendly visit
Smile Buddy
Meet Chompers, Koga's smile buddy!
Chompers was created to help kids feel more familiar with orthodontics in a fun and positive way.
Through Chompers, children can learn about braces, smiles, and orthodontic visits in a way that feels less intimidating and more playful.
Because when kids feel comfortable, the whole experience becomes easier for the family.
Chompers' Activity Book
Chompers
Koga Kids
Chompers
gets Braces!
Koga Kids
Free Download
Download Chompers' Coloring Book
A fun activity for kids to learn about smiles, braces, and orthodontic care.
Koga Orthodontics created a special coloring book for children: "Chompers gets Braces!"
It is a fun way for kids to get familiar with braces and orthodontic visits while enjoying a simple activity at home.
Parents can download the coloring book and use it as a friendly introduction before their child's first orthodontic visit.
Download the Coloring BookWhat happens during a child's first orthodontic visit?
The first visit is simple, welcoming, and focused on understanding your child's smile.
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1
We welcome your family
Your child gets to know our team in a friendly environment.
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2
We evaluate the smile and bite
Our team checks how the teeth and jaws are developing.
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3
We answer parents' questions
You will understand what we see and whether anything needs to be monitored.
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4
We recommend the next step
Sometimes treatment is not needed right away. If care is recommended, we will explain the timing and options clearly.
Kid-friendly orthodontic care close to home
Koga Orthodontics has convenient locations to serve families across Northeast Louisiana.
Ready to schedule your child's first orthodontic visit?
Whether your child is ready for treatment or simply needs an early check-up, our team is here to make the experience clear, comfortable, and family-friendly.