ProviderWhat Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics is a branch of orthodontics that focuses on guiding the growth and development of the jaws and facial structure in children and young patients, helping create proper balance and alignment as their smiles develop.
By combining tooth alignment with facial balance, this specialty promotes healthy, functional, and confident smiles.
These specialized methods are often used for children before orthodontic treatment with braces begins. Because a child’s jaw is still growing, gentle guidance during this stage can help encourage proper development and create a healthier foundation for the teeth.
With early intervention, treatment plans can correct developing issues and reduce the complexity of future orthodontic care. This often leads to shorter treatment times, simpler solutions, and long-lasting results.
Treatment Process Meet Our Dentofacial Orthopedic Specialist
Flexible Payment Plans & Financing Options
At Wentz Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to a healthy smile. We offer flexible payment plans and convenient financing with CareCredit. Now that's worth smiling about!
How Treatment Works
Dentofacial orthopedic care often uses appliances, such as expanders or headgear, to gently guide jaw growth and correct imbalances in facial structure.
Sometimes this treatment takes place before braces, and sometimes it happens at the same time. By addressing skeletal development early, orthodontic treatment can often be simpler and more effective later.
Why It Matters
Through this combined focus on tooth alignment and jaw growth, your specialist can establish a solid foundation for long-term oral health. This approach helps improve function, balance the facial profile, and reduce the need for more complex treatment in the future.
Benefits of Treatment
Some of the most common benefits of dentofacial orthopedics are correcting bite issues, improving facial symmetry and enhancing overall facial aesthetics. Here are some age-specific benefits of this treatment option:
For Children: Provides younger patients with a greater chance of effectively addressing oral health issues without the potential need for more complex oral surgery procedures now or in the future.
For Adults: While this treatment is most effective in developing smiles, adults can also benefit from this procedure. Dentofacial orthopedics can address a range of dental issues in adults, including underbites, overbites, crooked teeth, and uneven smiles. By targeting these specific concerns, it aims to improve dental alignment and overall facial aesthetics.