Normalizing the growth of a patient’s bone structure

Dentofacial Orthopedics: Guiding Healthy Jaw and Facial Development

While most people are familiar with orthodontics, fewer know about the specialized field of dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontists who specialize in dentofacial orthopedics have completed additional training beyond dental school, including a two to three-year residency program focused on diagnosing and treating imbalances in the facial bones and jaws.

Dentofacial orthopedics is designed to normalize the growth of a patient’s bone structure and correct imbalances in the face and jaw. This treatment is often most effective when started in childhood, but adults can also benefit, sometimes with the help of surgical procedures.

Dentofacial Orthopedics for Children

Children are often ideal candidates for dentofacial orthopedic therapy because their bones are still growing and malleable. Treatment typically involves a two-phase approach:

1. Phase-One Treatment:
   This phase begins when children are around 7 or 8 years old, before all permanent teeth have erupted. During this time, your orthodontist will carefully monitor jaw development and use specialized appliances to guide bone growth and correct jaw alignment. By addressing these issues early, we can ensure there is enough space for the permanent teeth to come in properly.
2. Phase-Two Treatment:
   Once the jawbone is properly aligned, the second phase of treatment usually involves braces to straighten the teeth. Correcting jaw imbalances early not only improves dental alignment but can also prevent more complex issues as your child grows.

Early intervention with dentofacial orthopedics gives children the best chance for a healthy, well-aligned smile and avoids the need for more extensive treatments later in life.

Dentofacial Orthopedics for Adults

Although dentofacial orthopedics is most commonly associated with children, adults can also benefit from treatment. However, because an adult’s jawbones have fully developed and hardened, achieving proper jaw and facial alignment may require surgical intervention.

Here’s how it works:

• Surgical Treatment: For adults with significant jaw imbalances, surgery may be recommended to reposition the jaw and establish proper bite alignment. This ensures a stable foundation for orthodontic treatment.
• Orthodontic Treatment: Once the jaw position is corrected through surgery, braces or clear aligners are used to straighten the teeth and finalize the smile.

While adult treatment may be more complex, dentofacial orthopedics combined with orthodontics can provide life-changing results, creating a balanced, functional bite and a confident, beautiful smile.

Why Dentofacial Orthopedics Matters

Dentofacial orthopedics isn’t just about creating a straight smile—it focuses on the overall harmony of the face and jaws. By addressing skeletal imbalances early in children or through advanced treatment in adults, we can improve:

• Facial symmetry and aesthetics
• Bite functionality
• Jaw alignment and comfort

Is Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Right for You?

Whether you’re seeking treatment for your child or exploring options for yourself, dentofacial orthopedics can play a key role in achieving a healthier, better-aligned smile. At Orthodontic Partners, our team is specially trained to identify and correct jaw and facial imbalances, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients of all ages.

Contact us today to learn more about dentofacial orthopedics and schedule your consultation. Let us help you or your child achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve!