Children’s Dentistry Orthodontics in Chicago, IL

Where Little Smiles Begin with Big Care in Chicago, IL

Your child’s smile tells their story—from first giggles to confident grins on the first day of school. At Contos Smile Center, home of our top-rated dentist in Chicago, IL, children’s dentistry focuses on creating positive, calm dental visits that help kids feel safe and supported from the very beginning.

Families from nearby communities like Evanston, Oak Park, and Cicero visit our office for children’s dental care that feels welcoming and thoughtful. If you’re ready to give your child a dental home that grows with them, call (773) 973-0531 today to schedule their visit with Dr. Contos.

Children’s Dentistry Designed for Chicago Families

Living in Chicago means families juggle school schedules, traffic, weather, and packed calendars. Contos Smile Center understands the rhythm of city life and offers a modern, well-equipped facility designed for patient comfort and safety.

The practice welcomes patients from nearby communities, including Evanston, Oak Park, and Cicero, inviting parents to bring their children in for consistent, compassionate care. The team’s focus is on addressing children’s unique oral health needs, ensuring every patient receives personalized attention.

Teaching Healthy Habits That Last

Children’s dentistry isn’t just about what happens in the chair—it’s about what kids do at home. Supporting a child’s oral health requires both effective dental care in the office and positive habits at home. Dr. Contos emphasizes education that feels encouraging rather than overwhelming.

Kids learn:

How brushing helps keep their smiles bright
Why flossing matters for hard-to-reach spaces
How sugary snacks affect teeth
Why regular visits help keep smiles strong

What is Children’s Dentistry?

Children’s dentistry is a specialized area of oral healthcare focused on the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and teenagers. Children’s dentistry addresses oral health needs at every age, from infancy through adolescence, with age-specific treatments and considerations.

Unlike adult dentistry, this field prioritizes the development of the jaw and the preservation of primary teeth, which act as vital placeholders for future adult smiles. Our pediatric dental services are designed to provide specialized care for children at every stage.

When Should Children Visit the Dentist?

The general rule of thumb followed by Dr. Contos is “First Visit by First Birthday.” As soon as that first tooth breaks through the gums, it is susceptible to decay. Establishing a dental home early allows us to monitor your child’s growth and catch potential issues before they require complex treatment.

Early visits are not just about checking for cavities; they are about:

Acclimation: Helping your child get used to the sights and sounds of a dental office. Considering the child’s view is essential to creating a positive dental experience and helping children feel comfortable and confident during visits.
Education: Teaching parents the best ways to clean tiny teeth and navigate teething.
Prevention: Applying protective treatments like fluoride or sealants as the child grows.

Regular dental checkups every six months allow Dr. Contos to build a history with your child, making each subsequent visit more comfortable and predictable. If you are noticing a new tooth or if your little one has reached that one-year milestone, it is the perfect time to start their journey.

Our Pediatric Dentistry Services Near You

Children’s dentistry at Contos Smile Center covers every stage of childhood, from toddler years through adolescence. Our team is dedicated to treating children with a gentle, patient-centered approach, ensuring comfort and positive experiences at every visit.

Preventive Dental Care for Kids

Prevention forms the foundation of healthy smiles. Services include:

Routine dental exams and cleanings
Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
Dental sealants to protect molars from decay
Growth monitoring to watch tooth and jaw development

Gentle Cavity Care

If a cavity is found, treatment focuses on comfort and reassurance, and may include dental sealants for prevention. Kids are guided through each step so they know what to expect. Parents appreciate the clear communication and thoughtful pacing that help children stay calm throughout the visit.

Early Orthodontic Monitoring

As children grow, tooth alignment and bite patterns begin to take shape. Monitoring these changes allows Dr. Contos to identify potential concerns early and discuss future options with parents.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Chicago?

Every child is different, but Dr. Contos generally follows a relaxed flow to ensure your child feels safe:

The Meet and Greet: We spend time chatting with you and your child to build a rapport before any “dentist work” begins, and collaborate with other doctors and healthcare professionals as needed to support your child’s overall health.
The Gentle Exam: Dr. Contos will perform a quick, non-invasive check of the teeth, gums, and bite to ensure everything is developing correctly.
Cleaning and Fluoride: If your child is comfortable, we will gently brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush and apply a protective fluoride varnish.
Parent Consultation: We discuss nutrition, teething, and thumb-sucking habits, providing you with the tools to manage your child’s oral health at home.

Tips for Your Child’s First Trip to the Dentist

Preparation begins long before you pull into our parking lot. Fear of the unknown can be a barrier for some children, especially those visiting the dentist for the first time.To help your child feel brave and excited for their visit with Dr. Contos, consider these simple strategies:

Start the Conversation Early: Talk about the dentist as a “tooth friend” who helps keep our smiles bright. Avoid using the dentist as a threat for not brushing.
Read Books or Watch Videos: There are many wonderful children’s books about first dental visits. Seeing their favorite characters go to the dentist can make the experience feel familiar.
Schedule for Success: Choose a time when your child is usually well-rested and fed. Avoid scheduling during nap times or when they might be “cranky.”
Stay Positive: Children are highly intuitive. If you stay calm and upbeat, they will likely follow your lead.
Bring a “Co-Pilot”: If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, feel free to bring it along! We are happy to give the teddy bear a “checkup” too.

Our knowledgeable team is always ready to answer any questions parents may have about treatment options, insurance, or making your child’s visit as smooth as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child is scared of the dentist?

It is completely natural for a child to feel a bit of dental anxiety, and at Contos Smile Center, we see this as an opportunity to build a new, positive memory. Dr. Contos and our team are experts at transforming a nervous first step into a confident stride. We never rush a child; instead, we move at their pace to ensure they feel in control and safe within our Chicago, IL office.

When should my child start using toothpaste?

You should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) for children under three. For children ages three to six, use a pea-sized amount.

How can I prepare my child for their first visit?

Talk about the visit in a positive way. Read books about going to the dentist or “play dentist” at home with a stuffed animal. Avoid using words that might sound scary, and let Dr. Contos handle the explanations during the appointment.

Are baby teeth really that important?

Yes! Baby teeth serve several vital functions. They help children chew properly, speak clearly, and act as placeholders for permanent teeth. Losing a baby tooth too early to decay can cause the permanent teeth to grow in crookedly.

How often does my child need dental X-rays?

X-ray frequency depends on your child’s individual risk for tooth decay. Dr. Contos typically recommends X-rays once a year to check for cavities between teeth and to monitor the development of the permanent teeth under the surface.

A Partnership in Your Child’s Future

There is nothing quite like the sound of your child’s laughter or the glow of their confident smile. At Contos Smile Center, we are dedicated to protecting those precious moments. Don’t wait for a toothache to start your child’s journey toward great oral health.

Join our dental family today and give your little one the gift of a healthy, happy mouth. Contact our conveniently located Chicago dental office at (773) 973-0531 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Contos.