Besides offering orthodontic treatment, facial growth is also a part of dentofacial orthopedics. It resolves various issues related to jaw development, which may affect the way we bite or the appearance of our face. The posture of the upper and lower jaws should ideally be wider and forward, respectively.
If your jaws are growing unevenly, you can contact Newpark Orthodontics and speak with the professionals about receiving orthodontic treatments.
Orthodontists may need specialized equipment or procedures, as traditional braces alone may not correct these malocclusions effectively.
Orthodontics Overview
- Specialty in dentistry: The main focus of orthodontics is to put your jaws and misaligned teeth in perfect shape.
- Braces application: In order to straighten crooked and crowded teeth, Orthodontics suggests braces.
- Improved bite and smile: With proper treatment, it is possible to improve both the function and appearance of your teeth.
- Word origins: “Ortho” stands for straightening or correcting, while “dontic” is all about teeth.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Focus on bone structure: This will take care of the jaw and the development of facial bone.
- Appliances for growth direction: Various appliances are used to correct the growth of the jaw and fix overbites.
- Literal meaning: “Dento” refers to teeth, while “facial” pertains to the face.
- Optimal timing: Most effective during the growth periods in children, particularly around age seven.
- Sequential treatment: Often precedes orthodontic treatment after permanent teeth have erupted for best results.
This approach is particularly beneficial for conditions like crossbite, overbite, and underbite. By employing devices such as maxillary and mandibular expanders, Dentofacial Orthopedics creates additional space in narrow or underdeveloped jaws, promoting proper alignment and overall dental function.
For best outcomes, this specialist therapy is frequently administered before regular orthodontics, especially in developing youngsters.
Dentofacial orthopedics in children
- Ideal age: Best applied around age eight, when both primary and adult teeth are present.
- Development stage: Because children’s faces and jaws are still growing, the jawbone is more pliable and amenable to therapy.
- Early intervention: By addressing misalignments early on, more severe problems can be avoided later, which lowers the risk of requiring surgery as an adult.
- Long-term benefits: As a child grows, early therapy may result in improved alignment and function.
Dentofacial orthopedics for adults
- Applicable to adults: Dentofacial orthopedics can help adults with anomalies of the jaw, though youngsters are the best candidates.
- Challenges: Adults have more difficult treatment since their jawbones have fully developed and calcified.
- Surgical options: In cases where regular orthodontic techniques are insufficient, surgery is frequently advised to fully align the jaw and bite.
- Post-surgery treatment: Braces are usually required for patients to wear even after surgery, which can extend the duration of treatment.
- Achieving desired results: Dentofacial orthopedics can assist individuals in achieving their ideal smile, enhancing both function and appearance despite obstacles.
Conclusion
Dentofacial orthopedics is essential in treating the development of the jaw and facial bones for both children and adults. Early intervention can prevent complex issues later, while adults may require surgery for correction.
Consulting specialists at Newpark Orthodontics ensure tailored treatment, promoting optimal alignment and achieving the desired smile and function.
