Setting the Foundation for a Lifetime of Healthy, Confident Smiles
At DiFranco Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves a healthy, confident smile that grows with them. Our children’s orthodontics in Park Ridge, IL focuses on guiding jaw development, creating space for permanent teeth, and helping kids develop great oral habits early.
Led by Dr. Paul DiFranco, Dr. Omar Souman, and Dr. Jessica Hedger, our practice has helped thousands of local families set their children on the path to lifelong oral health. Using the latest diagnostic tools and gentle techniques, we make orthodontic care a comfortable, positive experience for every young patient.
Early orthodontic treatment—sometimes called Phase 1 Orthodontics—is about prevention, not perfection. By identifying growth or alignment issues early, we can reduce the need for complex treatment later in life.
Between the ages of 7 and 10, children’s jaws are still growing and flexible. This is when early orthodontic evaluations can detect:
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age 7. At DiFranco Orthodontics, our early evaluations help families understand how their child’s smile is developing and whether early intervention will make future treatment simpler and faster.
Every child’s smile is unique—and so is their treatment plan. We take a personalized, growth-focused approach that emphasizes comfort, education, and results.
Your child’s first visit includes digital X-rays, photos, and 3D scans (no messy impressions!). These help our doctors assess jaw development, tooth eruption, and bite alignment.
Many children don’t need immediate treatment. If early correction isn’t necessary, we’ll place your child in our growth observation program, checking progress every 6–12 months to time treatment perfectly with their development.
When early intervention is recommended, it typically lasts 12–18 months and focuses on guiding jaw growth or correcting bite problems before all permanent teeth erupt. Common appliances include:
This gentle, proactive approach often makes Phase 2 treatment (full braces) shorter and easier later in adolescence.
At DiFranco Orthodontics, we use smaller, smoother brackets and modern materials to make children’s braces more comfortable and efficient than ever before.
Our child-friendly systems include:
For older kids and teens ready for removable options, we may also recommend clear aligners like Invisalign® Teen.
Families throughout Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Edison Park, Rosemont, and Harwood Heights trust DiFranco Orthodontics because of our:
Our team builds confidence—one appointment at a time—so your child looks forward to every visit.
If your child is 7 years or older, now is the perfect time to schedule their first orthodontic evaluation. Even if no immediate treatment is needed, early assessments give us a roadmap for long-term oral health.
Schedule an appointment today at our convenient orthodontist office located at 401 W. Talcott Rd., Park Ridge, IL 60068 by calling or texting (847) 318-7711 or scheduling an appointment online.
We’ll help you understand your child’s growth patterns, identify early signs of concern, and develop a proactive plan for their best smile.
The front office staff were SO very helpful in accommodating an appointment time change and preventing a six week delay in care. They were able to take my child a little earlier due to a cancellation ... Read More
Jenny and the whole staff were very warm and friendly. This is our first time getting braces for one of our kids. Jenny made us feel at easy as I shared that my son was very nervous. I highly recommen... Read More
We have 2 kids now attending DiFranco Ortho and they always, always do a great job. Highly recommend :)
We are new patient with Dr Paul DiFranco. So far, we have a good experience with the entire staff, especially Marlen who took time to explain things to be followed after attaching the motion appliance... Read More
Took my child here for the first time and the staff was amazing. They all made my child feel super comfortable.
Fantastic orthodontists! So happy with the care and attention they give to children of all ages. My kids were comfortable and at ease at every visit and now have beautiful smiles! I highly recommend t... Read More
Thank you for the making my son’s experience such a positive one. Every interaction with your team was extremely pleasant and effortless. I would highly recommend Dr. DiFranco to anyone seeking or... Read More
My daughter had her braces put on today and was impressed by the professionalism and care that was shown. Sophia was a gem and explained everything we needed to know about her new braces. This is my s... Read More
My daughters have been going since last year August. My children love going there because of the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend anyone in need of an ortho place.
Dr. Paul DiFranco has provided excellent Orthodontics care to my two children over the last few years. My children's teeth look great and Dr. DiFranco has a good rapport with the kids.
The front office staff were SO very helpful in accommodating an appointment time change and preventing a six week delay in care. They were able to take my child a little earlier due to a cancellation and prioritized her needs so she could make it to another commitment. From the phone call to request a change to the service in person the next morning, I could not be more impressed with the front desk staff! Thank you all!!
Jenny and the whole staff were very warm and friendly. This is our first time getting braces for one of our kids. Jenny made us feel at easy as I shared that my son was very nervous. I highly recommend this office!
We have 2 kids now attending DiFranco Ortho and they always, always do a great job. Highly recommend :)
We are new patient with Dr Paul DiFranco. So far, we have a good experience with the entire staff, especially Marlen who took time to explain things to be followed after attaching the motion appliance. My child feels at ease with her care. She patiently assisted my child putting on those dental rubber bands and thoroughly went over on how to maintain good oral hygiene going forward. The facility is a huge dental practice with orthodontics and plenty of dental hygienists. Patients come and go. I can tell that they have helped thousands of patients to achieve those beautiful smile. My only hope is for them to offer more flexibility in clinic hours in the near future, particularly after school and evening hours. This would be less cumbersome for the parents to pick up kids from school for let say 10:30 AM appointment and then drop them off back to school right after visit.
Took my child here for the first time and the staff was amazing. They all made my child feel super comfortable.
Fantastic orthodontists! So happy with the care and attention they give to children of all ages. My kids were comfortable and at ease at every visit and now have beautiful smiles! I highly recommend them!
Thank you for the making my son’s experience such a positive one. Every interaction with your team was extremely pleasant and effortless. I would highly recommend Dr. DiFranco to anyone seeking orthodontic care for their child.
My daughter had her braces put on today and was impressed by the professionalism and care that was shown. Sophia was a gem and explained everything we needed to know about her new braces. This is my second child that has gotten braces at DiFranco, we love the quality of care!
My daughters have been going since last year August. My children love going there because of the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend anyone in need of an ortho place.
Dr. Paul DiFranco has provided excellent Orthodontics care to my two children over the last few years. My children's teeth look great and Dr. DiFranco has a good rapport with the kids.
