Dentofacial Orthopedics Allen
A Healthy Foundation for Your Smile
Orthodontics helps to change the positions of teeth, but it can also be used to address the underlying bone that support them. This service is called dentofacial orthopedics, and it allows Dr. Hanson to correct misaligned bites and save patients the trouble of having to undergo invasive corrective surgery. Not only can it improve oral function, but it can also help the face appear fuller and more symmetrical. Could you or your child benefit from dentofacial orthopedics in Allen? Give us a call to find out and get scheduled for a FREE in-person consultation.
Why Choose Hanson Orthodontics of Allen for Dentofacial Orthopedics?
- Experienced, Board-Certified Orthodontist
- Dentists & Team Well-Trained to Serve Young Patients
- Highly Customized Treatment Using Digital Dental Technology
What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
The name of dentofacial orthopedics can be quite a mouthful, but the concept is actually simpler than you might think. When the bones responsible for holding teeth are not in their correct positions, the teeth and bite will never be quite straight. So, dentofacial orthopedics essentially works to stimulate growth of one of the jawbones to make the bite more even. It does so through specialized appliances.
Whether you have a pronounced overbite, underbite, or other type of malocclusion, this approach can help us solve many aesthetic and functional concerns beyond the scope of traditional orthodontics. It may also save you from needing more invasive procedures, such as corrective jaw surgery, which carry long-term side effects and high costs.
Dentofacial orthopedics is most beneficial for children whose jaws are still developing, though adults may benefit from it as well.
Dentofacial Orthopedic Appliances
Just like regular orthodontics, dentofacial orthopedics relies on special oral devices to promote greater harmony of the oral structures. During your consultation, Dr. Hanson will evaluate your case and determine which appliances would be most helpful in your unique situation. She might recommend one or more of the following:
Lower Jaw Expander
A lower jaw expander exerts consistent pressure on the mandible in order to move the teeth apart. This can help with severe crowding, as well as functional and aesthetic bite issues.
Activator
An activator works with the patient’s own muscles to gradually move the jaw into a more forward position, as well as guide the eruption of teeth.
Fixed Bite Block
A fixed bite block is bonded onto the teeth and can prevent your teeth from touching one another. It can play a role in correcting malocclusion and shifting the teeth.
Benefits of Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentofacial orthopedics offers some outstanding benefits, including the following:
- Improved Facial Balance: You can achieve a more harmonious facial profile by addressing jaw and dental alignment issues, which enhances both your appearance and confidence.
- Prevention of Future Complications: By guiding jaw growth and tooth eruption, you reduce the risk of more severe bite issues or dental problems later in life.
- Non-Invasive Alternative: You may avoid invasive surgical procedures by correcting problems during growth, resulting in less discomfort and a lower financial burden.
- Enhanced Oral Function: You benefit from better chewing, speaking, and breathing by improving the coordination of your jaws and teeth.
- Long-Term Stability: Early intervention helps you maintain treatment results, reducing the likelihood of relapse and the need for additional orthodontic work.
Dentofacial Orthopedics FAQs
What Specific Kinds of Problems Can Dentofacial Orthopedics Help With?
There are a number of problems that dentofacial orthopedics in Allen can help with. Most commonly, we use it to correct malocclusions. A malocclusion is essentially a bad bite, where the upper and lower teeth cannot work harmoniously together, often due to poor jaw positioning. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites are all examples of malocclusions.
This treatment process may also be used to help correct facial asymmetry and underdeveloped jaws.
What Is the Difference Between Dentofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics?
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics are related fields, but they have different areas of focus.
- Orthodontics is mostly about shifting the teeth. It uses appliances like braces and other gear to correct crooked teeth, some cases of malocclusions, overcrowded teeth, gaps, and more.
- Dentofacial orthopedics, on the other hand, focuses more on the facial bones. By influencing the growth of the bones, it can play a big role in helping the teeth and the entire facial structure to work properly.
Is Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Painful?
Every patient’s experience is unique. Some people are more sensitive to the pressure created by oral appliances than others. For the most part, though, patients generally say that the discomfort is mild. It is usually easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medications and other simple means.
If your child experiences severe or unusual pain during their treatment, let our team know right away. We can assess the situation and determine if the treatment requires any modifications in order to be more tolerable.
How Much Does Dentofacial Orthopedics Cost?
The cost of dentofacial orthopedics depends on a few factors, such as the specific appliances used, the number of visits required, and the initial state of the patient’s bones and teeth. During your child’s consultation, we can provide some specific numbers and help you understand payment options.
Our team welcomes insurance, and we can help you figure out if your benefits apply. We can also help you arrange for financing if necessary.
Can Adults Benefit from Dentofacial Orthopedics?
The facial bones of adults have already finished developing, so the appliances used in dentofacial orthopedics cannot benefit older patients as much as younger ones. However, you may still have options even if you are physically mature.
Our team can evaluate your case and advise you on your next steps. In some cases, adults need corrective jaw surgery along with orthodontic/orthopedic care to achieve the best possible results.
At What Age Should Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Start?
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment from our Allen, TX, team usually starts when a child is 6 – 8 years old. This is around the time they may be starting to lose their baby teeth and when the growth of the facial bones is relatively easy to influence. When your child comes in for their orthodontic evaluation (which should happen by the age of 7), our team will assess both their orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic needs.
Can Dentofacial Orthopedics Improve My Child’s Speech or Breathing?
Yes, dentofacial orthopedics has the potential to significantly improve a patient’s speech and breathing.
By aligning the facial bones and helping all the oral structures work harmoniously together, treatment may make it easier for your child to clearly enunciate sounds. Plus, dentofacial orthopedic appliances may improve function of the upper airway. This may lead to less mouth breathing and better sleep quality.
Of course, if other issues are responsible for your child’s speech or breathing challenges, dentofacial orthopedics may provide little to no help. Your child might need care from other medical professionals.
How Does Dentofacial Orthopedics Work with Orthodontic Care?
Orthodontics and orthopedics naturally go hand in hand. Some patients undergo two-phase care. During the first phase, orthopedic devices are used to guide the growth of the oral structures. Later, braces or other orthodontic devices are necessary to make sure the teeth are properly aligned.
In other cases, orthopedic appliances and orthodontics work simultaneously to produce the best possible results. Our team will carefully review your child’s treatment plan with you so you know what to expect throughout their care journey.
What Can I Do to Support My Child During Their Dentofacial Orthopedic Journey?
Your loving support can do much to help your child enjoy a successful, low-stress treatment experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Provide emotional support: Be positive about their treatment without minimizing any discomfort or complains they voice. Strive to offer practical solutions along with encouraging words.
- Offer soft foods: Dentofacial orthopedic appliances can cause soreness at times. Soft, cool foods can feel soothing and will not worsen discomfort.
- Provide pain relief: Age-appropriate doses of pain medication can take the edge off those moments when the treatment is particularly challenging. This is commonly needed after adjustments or in the first few days of treatment.
- Supervise their oral hygiene: Depending on your child’s age and maturity level, you might need to put in extra effort to make sure they keep both their appliances and their mouth clean.
If you have specific questions about any aspect of your child’s care, do not hesitate to reach out to our team.