Dentofacial Orthopedics

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from some early dentofacial orthopedics and limited treatment

Skeletal (jaw) problems, functional problems and significant dental problems are best treated at an early age (7-10 years) while growth is plentiful. At this early age, various types of dentofacial orthopedics can be used to alter or reshape the jaws and supporting bone to a more normal jaw relationship. An improved structural foundation can be established, which provides space for the larger erupting permanent teeth.

Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from some early dentofacial orthopedics and limited treatment. Early intervention makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier and less time consuming. If left untreated until older when all the permanent teeth have erupted and facial growth is complete, these same types of skeletal (jaw) and dental problems are more difficult to correct and sometimes require jaw surgery and/or the extraction of permanent teeth. Most of the young patients are very excited about orthodontic treatment and therefore the level of compliance and cooperation is even greater than with the older teenagers.