Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment

If your child needs dentofacial orthopedic treatment, you may be feeling worried or concerned about what dentofacial orthopedic treatment entails. We know that as a parent, you have plenty to think about, so in the meantime, here is some information to ease your mind about dentofacial orthopedic treatment.

Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized form of dental care for children and adolescents. The purpose of dentofacial orthopedics is to help guide the growth and development of the face. As you may know, orthopedics is a term that is commonly used to refer to a doctor who specializes in bone health. If you have ever broken a bone, you likely met with an orthopedist. Let’s break down the term “dentofacial orthopedics” so it is clearer. The term “dentofacial” refers specifically to matters of the teeth and the face. The word “orthopedics” has to do with bone health. Therefore, a professional who practices dentofacial orthopedics provides specialized services in matters of the growth and development of the bones in the face as they relate to dental issues.

Why Does Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Happen Primarily in Young People?

Dentofacial orthopedics is a common form of treatment for both young people and adults. However, dentofacial orthopedic treatment is usually more tolerable for younger patients. In children and adolescents, the purpose of dentofacial orthopedics is to help guide the growth of the bones. This is easier in children and adolescents because their bones have not yet finished growing.

Adult patients also benefit from dentofacial orthopedic treatment. However, it is important to note that the bones in the face of an adult have finished growing. Therefore, adults undergoing dentofacial orthopedics will often require surgery during their treatment. This is because it is much more difficult to adjust the bite and move the teeth to the right places in adults.

Download Our Free Orthodontic Care Guide

What Are The Phases of Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment?

Dentofacial orthopedic treatment occurs in phases with children and adolescents. However, before any work is done, your child will first be examined by a dental professional. This professional will assess your child’s bite and teeth to determine if your child will benefit from dentofacial orthopedics.

Dentofacial orthopedics usually occurs in two phases. The first phase happens if your child has not lost all of their baby teeth. Phase I typically begins when a child is 7-8 years old. Treatment for Phase I focuses on guiding the proper growth of the bones in either jaw. Doing so helps shorten the length of treatment during phase II.

Phase II treatment in dentofacial orthopedics involves the traditional use of braces. Braces are used to align and straighten the teeth. There is a large variety of braces that patients may choose from during this phase of treatment.

Common Conditions Treated with Dentofacial Orthopedics

Dentofacial orthopedics is used as a corrective method for misaligned bites. The scientific term for it is “malocclusion”. Simply put, it means that the bite of the patient is misaligned in some form. The degree of this misalignment ranges from minor to severe.

Patients with an overbite – a malocclusion – stand to benefit greatly from dentofacial orthopedics. An overbite is when the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. An overbite often tends to result in the overcrowding of teeth. Dentofacial orthopedic appliances are used to correct overbites. Treatment generally lasts between 6-12 months, provided it commences while the patient is between 8-10 years of age. Overbites usually do not cause much of a problem. However, there are some cases where the overbite is more severe. The most common accompanying issue with a severe overbite is a speech impediment. Unfortunately, children often become victims of bullying and teasing at school because of severe malocclusions.

Another malocclusion is an underbite. This occurs when the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw. Left untreated, it can develop into TMJ disorders. The misalignment causes increased friction. Therefore, your child’s tooth enamel wears down faster. As with overbites, treatment lasts between 6-12 months provided the patient is 8-10 years old.

A crossbite occurs when one jaw is narrower than the other. A crossbite can be either unilateral or bilateral. Furthermore, depending on which jaw is the narrower, your child could have an anterior or a posterior crossbite. Left untreated, a crossbite can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Moreover, because a crossbite creates an uneven bite, your child’s face could develop asymmetrically. Despite the serious consequences associated with untreated crossbites, the matter can interestingly take as little as 30 days to treat.

Is Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Painful?

Ultimately, the severity of the oral condition is what determines the extent of pain and discomfort a patient might expect. However, most patients report that the discomfort is mild. Often, an over-the counter anti-inflammatory medication tends to suffice. Other patients report feeling more pressure in certain parts of their jaw or mouth while they are wearing the prescribed facial appliances. Conversely, certain other dentofacial orthopedic treatments are virtually painless.

If your child needs dentofacial orthopedic treatment, please call our dedicated Buffalo orthodontists today for a free screening. We have 5 convenient locations throughout Western New York and would love to help put a smile on your child’s face.