A young boy looking at the mirror with toothy smile sitting on the chair with a dentist and an assistant at the dental office

What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?

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When you hear "orthodontics," braces or teeth straightening likely come to mind – but did you know that this dentistry field also includes dentofacial orthopedics, which concentrates on improving position and dimensions of the facial bones and jaw? An easier way to distinguish the two: orthodontics focuses on straightening your teeth, while dentofacial orthopedics focuses on the bones that house the teeth. Get the facts on what this field entails and how it is essential to dental health.

About This Specialty

Dentofacial orthopedics is one of twelve recognized dental specialties which requires advanced education, practice, and research. The dentofacial orthopedics methods are usually applied to children before orthodontic treatment or braces, as these tools can help guide jaw development during growth.

The Jawbones: Defining Your Smile

As a child grows, both the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) will grow in three dimensions. This growth determines the final positioning of the mid and lower face, as these bones connect to the sinuses, the bottom of the nose, and cheekbones. According to The Mayo Clinic, jaw growth typically stops between 14 to 16 years for women and ages 17 to 21 years for men.

Sometimes, the upper and lower jaws will grow at different rates and sizes, creating alignment issues between the upper and lower teeth. Ideally, the upper jaw should have a more forward position and be wider than the lower jaw. Underbites (where the mandible protrudes), overbites (where the maxilla protrudes), and other occlusion or bite problems may also be caused by breathing difficulties and thumb sucking.

Identifying Growth Problems

While a medical professional can identify a child’s jaw malformations as early as birth, mixed dentition (where some baby teeth are still present and adult teeth have begun to grow in) is a pivotal moment to detect a jaw growth problem. Occurring between ages seven and nine, this is a crucial time for dental professionals to determine whether intervention or close monitoring is necessary as the mouth and jaws grow. The dentist may refer your child to an orthodontist to take impressions and three-dimensional scans of their mouth to make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dentofacial Orthopedic Appliances

If a child's bite problems require intervention, an orthodontist can use various appliances to change the rate, direction, or amount of jaw growth. Some of the more common appliances that dental professionals may recommend are:

  • Palate expander: This fixed device slowly pushes the cartilage above the upper jaw apart to widen a maxilla that is too small to hold the teeth.
  • Lower jaw expander: Because the lower jaw’s bone can't be stretched, this expander gradually moves the teeth apart to make room.
  • Activators: These devices have been used since the 1930s to gradually move the upper or lower jaws forward while guiding erupting teeth.
  • Block: A fixed bite block uses the bite force to gradually and comfortably move teeth and correct malocclusion.
  • Orthodontic headgear: For bite problems that orthodontists can’t correct from inside the mouth, an appliance that straps around the face to apply forces to the jaw and head may be recommended.

Before or after an orthodontist uses one of these appliances to correct jaw position, they may also fit a patient for ordinary braces to correct tooth positioning and align how the teeth fit together.

Can Adults Benefit From Dentofacial Orthopedics?

Jaw problems that don't get corrected in childhood may not be painful for adults but often cause speech difficulties, uneven wear, damage to teeth, and TMJ problems. While an adult who wants to correct their bite will not have the same range of options as a child who is still growing, there are still solutions available for those who want to change their smile later in life. Dentofacial orthopedics for adults may involve procedures like jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery.

Dental Evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist no later than age seven – which is also an ideal age for dentofacial orthopedic work. But if you think your child might be experiencing jaw malformations or issues before earlier, reach out to your medical or dental professional for an evaluation. Even if you believe their smile is perfect the way it is, early diagnosis and treatment can have a lasting improvement on appearance and function.

Every child deserves to have a healthy smile. Sometimes, you may need to turn to early intervention to ensure that this happens. Luckily, your dental professional will be able to determine any jaw growth issues during your child’s regular dental checkups. And the sooner your child can get dentofacial orthopedic treatment, the more likely they are to have a healthy jaw—and smile—for life.

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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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