Dentofacial orthopedics is an orthodontic treatment that guides jaw development in children during critical growth years, potentially preventing complex treatments later. Our orthodontists explain how this option can provide a solid foundation for lifelong oral health.
What is the meaning of dentofacial orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics, by definition, is an area of orthodontic treatment that focuses on guiding the growth and development of facial bones, particularly in growing children. Rather than simply moving teeth into better positions, this approach addresses the underlying skeletal structure that supports those teeth. This type of treatment can be used to correct skeletal and jaw alignment issues while bones are still developing. In some cases, this may lessen the need for more complex treatments later on.
How Dentofacial Orthopedics Fits Into Orthodontics
Not every patient requires orthopedic intervention. The key is to recognize when a child's facial and jaw development could benefit from early guidance.
Orthodontists bring dual expertise to their practice, using orthopedic appliances before traditional braces or aligners when treating growing children. This typically follows a two-phase approach: the orthopedic phase establishes proper skeletal foundations, followed by the orthodontic phase to perfect tooth alignment.
Growth Guidance vs. Tooth Alignment
Understanding the difference between traditional orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is crucial for parents considering treatment options. Traditional orthodontics focuses on moving teeth within existing bone structures, while dentofacial orthopedics actually influences how jaw and facial bones develop.
Timing is everything in orthopedic treatment. This option is generally most effective during active growth stages, typically between ages six and 14, when bones are still malleable and more easily guided. The goal is to create a strong, healthy foundation that will support future tooth alignment.
Common Orthopedic Treatments & Appliances
There are several different appliances available to help guide jaw position and promote healthy facial development:
- Headgear: Helps control the growth direction of the upper jaw and can redirect excessive forward growth or encourage proper development when needed.
- Palatal expanders: Widen the upper jaw to create more space for teeth and improve the bite relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
These appliances work with the body's natural growth processes, gently guiding development rather than forcing dramatic changes.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Early orthopedic treatment offers many advantages that can last a lifetime. Most importantly, addressing skeletal issues during childhood can prevent the need for more invasive treatments later, such as jaw surgery in adulthood.
Many children also experience enhanced airway function and improved breathing patterns after orthopedic treatment. Additionally, better jaw positioning can promote proper lip posture, create more balanced facial profiles, and result in a healthier bite.
Parents should watch for signs that their child could benefit from early intervention. These include severe overbites or underbites, crossbites where teeth don't align properly, persistent mouth breathing, or noticeable asymmetrical facial growth patterns.
Long-Term Impact on Facial Structure & Oral Health
The benefits of early orthopedic care extend far beyond childhood. Proper jaw alignment promotes a more balanced facial aesthetic.
Functionally, well-aligned jaws improve chewing efficiency, speech clarity, and breathing patterns. These improvements in oral function can positively influence overall health, leading to better digestion and improved sleep quality.
When skeletal issues are addressed early, the long-lasting effects benefit both oral and systemic health throughout a person's lifetime.
Who should consider this treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic exam around age seven when permanent teeth begin to emerge and growth patterns become clear.
It's important to remember that not every child will require orthopedic treatment. However, early evaluation can identify potential issues when they're most treatable, providing parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their child's oral health future.
The Power of Proactive Orthodontic Care
Dentofacial orthopedics represents the proactive side of orthodontic care, addressing potential problems before they evolve into more complex and challenging issues to treat. By focusing on skeletal foundations first, this approach establishes the ideal environment for successful tooth alignment later. Rather than replacing traditional braces and aligners, dentofacial orthopedics complements these treatments by ensuring the underlying structures are correctly positioned to support long-term stability and function.
If you have a young child, consider scheduling an orthodontic consultation to assess their facial development and jaw growth patterns. Early diagnosis offers the best opportunity for optimal long-term outcomes in both facial development and oral health, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of confident smiles and proper function.