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.