Dentofacial Orthopedics Palm Harbor
Guiding the Growth of the Smile
When you think about orthodontic care, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably braces. Indeed, braces and similar treatments, such as clear aligners, can do much to address problems with the teeth and jaws. However, some of those problems can be avoided or addressed via another type of treatment known as dentofacial orthopedics. Dr. Johnson and our Palm Harbor team are proud to offer this service. Continue reading below to learn more about how it works and how it might benefit your child. We also invite you to contact us to request a consultation for your child.
Why Choose Dr. Alex Johnson Orthodontics for Dentofacial Orthopedics?
- Holistic Orthodontic Care
- Orthodontist with 3 Decades of Experience
- Friendly, Boutique Orthodontic Office
What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Traditional orthodontics focuses on the movement of the teeth, while dentofacial orthopedics is concerned more with facial growth and development. If your child’s jaws are not properly aligned, or if there is a problem with the structure of their face, Dr. Johnson can use a series of treatments designed to correct the growth of the bone. In turn, this can address future tooth alignment problems and correct issues like overbites, underbites, and more. Early intervention can even reduce the chances that corrective jaw surgery will be needed in the future.
Dentofacial orthopedics usually begins around the ages of eight or nine, when a child still has some baby teeth but has started to grow some adult teeth as well. We may need to take impressions and scan your child’s mouth before moving forward with any sort of treatment plan.
Types of Dentofacial Orthopedic Appliances
There are a few different appliances that can be used as part of dentofacial orthopedic treatment. Some of the most common ones include:
- Palate expanders. If your child’s upper jaw is too narrow, they might need to use a palatal expander, which applies gentle pressure to the jaw in order to influence its growth. It can widen the palate and, as the bone continues to develop, the positive changes brought about by the palate expander should be permanent.
- Lower jaw expanders. As the name implies, a lower jaw expander influences growth of the lower jaw. It can be used to create a more harmonious bite and ensure that there is enough room in the lower dental arch for all the incoming adult teeth.
- Activators are small appliances that move the upper or lower jaw forward. They can also guide the eruption of incoming adult teeth.
Benefits of Dentofacial Orthopedics
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dentofacial orthopedics include:
- Proper alignment of jaws and teeth. This promotes the prevention of issues such as overbites and underbites.
- Guidance for facial growth and development. This helps establish a balanced and harmonious facial structure.
- Reduced risk of surgical intervention. Early treatment decreases the likelihood of corrective jaw surgery later in life.
- Space for incoming adult teeth. When all the teeth have adequate space, they can function properly and be at a reduced risk of breakage and decay.
- Enhanced oral functionality. A well-aligned smile promotes proper chewing, speaking, and swallowing.
- Boosted self-confidence. Properly developed teeth and jaws look good and can help your child have confidence in their appearance.
Dentofacial Orthopedics FAQs
Is Dentofacial Orthopedics Only for Children, or Can Adults Benefit as Well?
Dentofacial orthopedics is most effective during childhood. However, although early intervention is often ideal for guiding facial and jaw development, adults can also benefit significantly. Modern advances in orthodontics and orthopedics have made it possible to correct jaw discrepancies and improve facial balance at any age. Treatment may be more complex for adults, but you may still have options for enhancing both the function and appearance of your smile.
Dr. Johnson and our team work with patients of all ages and tailor our approach to meet individual needs and goals. During your consultation, we can let you know what methods we recommend for your unique case.
How Much Does Dentofacial Orthopedics Cost?
The investment in dentofacial orthopedics varies based on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the recommended treatment plan, and the duration of therapy. You might also find that costs differ depending on the types of appliances used and the need for additional services. During your initial consultation, we will provide a comprehensive assessment and discuss various treatment options, including their costs, so you can make an informed decision that fits your needs and priorities.
We believe in transparency and strive to give you a clear understanding of what to expect financially before starting treatment. Our office staff will review insurance coverage and financing options to help you manage the cost of care. Our goal is to make high-quality dentofacial orthopedic treatment accessible and manageable for you and your family.
How Can I Know if My Child Needs Dentofacial Orthopedics?
If you are concerned about your child’s jaw alignment, bite, or facial symmetry, it may be time to consider a dentofacial orthopedic evaluation. Early signs that your child could benefit include difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, protruding or recessed jaws, or noticeable facial asymmetries. By scheduling a consultation with our team, your child will undergo a thorough assessment to determine whether dentofacial orthopedics would be beneficial for them.
Since early intervention tends to yield the best results, you should try to bring your child to us for a full orthodontic/dentofacial orthopedic evaluation by around age 7.
How Long Does Dentofacial Orthopedics Take?
The duration of dentofacial orthopedic treatment depends on several variables, such as the age of the patient, the complexity of the case, and the specific goals we are trying to achieve. For many children, the process may be timed to coincide with periods of active growth, which can enhance effectiveness. Adults may require longer treatment times due to fully developed bone structures, but personalized strategies are available to address unique needs.
We will discuss a projected timeline with you during your initial visit after a comprehensive evaluation. Overall, the process might take anywhere from six months to several years. Longer treatment times are common when two-phase care is necessary.
Can Any Orthodontist Provide Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Not every orthodontist provides dentofacial orthopedics, since this area requires additional training and experience beyond standard orthodontic care. Dr. Johnson has decades of experience in his field, and he has completed multiple continuing education courses that equip him to provide high-quality dentofacial orthopedic care. To learn more about his qualifications for this aspect of dentistry, contact our office. We will be happy to answer your questions.