Guiding Jaw Growth - Farmington Hills
Guiding Jaw Growth
Orthodontics is about more than straightening teeth. During childhood, orthodontists have a unique opportunity to help guide the growth and development of the jaws while a child is still growing. This area of orthodontics is known as dentofacial orthopedics.
Because children’s bones are still developing, certain jaw and bite problems can often be treated more effectively at a younger age than after growth is complete. While not every child benefits from early treatment, identifying growth concerns at the right time can make treatment simpler, more predictable, and in some cases reduce the need for more extensive treatment later in life.
What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
While orthodontics focuses on moving teeth into their ideal positions, dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding the growth and development of the jaws and facial bones.
By addressing jaw growth during childhood, orthodontists can often improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws while supporting healthy facial development. Depending on a child’s needs, treatment may also create space for permanent teeth, improve the bite, and reduce the likelihood of more complex orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery in the future.
When Is Jaw Growth Guidance Recommended?
Not every child requires early orthopedic treatment, but some conditions are easier to address while a child is still growing.
Treatment may be recommended for children with:
- Crossbites or underbites
- A narrow upper jaw
- Significant crowding caused by limited space
- Jaw growth discrepancies
- Certain airway-related concerns when appropriate
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include specialized orthodontic appliances such as palatal expanders, growth-guidance appliances, braces, or a combination of treatments.
A Comprehensive Evaluation
At Aspire Orthodontics, we evaluate more than just your child’s teeth. Every comprehensive orthodontic evaluation includes an assessment of jaw development, facial growth, bite development, and airway health when appropriate.
When indicated, we collaborate with your child’s pediatrician, ENT, general dentist, and other healthcare providers to help ensure coordinated care and healthy growth and development.
Does Every Child Need Early Treatment?
No. In fact, many children benefit most from simply being monitored as they grow.
Our goal is never to recommend treatment earlier than necessary. Instead, we evaluate each child individually and recommend treatment only when it can provide a meaningful benefit. If waiting is the best option, we’ll continue monitoring your child’s growth and development until the timing is right.
Dental Orthopedic Practitioner in Farmington Hills – Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Near Me – West Bloomfield Dentofacial Orthopedics
