Dentofacial Orthopedics Cumming
Improving More Than Just Teeth
“Dentofacial orthopedics” is a term most people haven’t heard of, but it’s a type of treatment that many patients can benefit from. While traditional orthodontics can help move the teeth to make them more functional and straight, dentofacial orthopedics can be used to adjust the bones of the face and jaw that support the teeth. This cannot only create a more symmetrical and attractive face, but it can also correct bite misalignments that can’t be handled by braces alone.
At Serenity Orthodontics, we’ve used it to help countless children and adults achieve gorgeous smiles while also avoiding invasive surgery. Could it be exactly what you or your child needs? To find out, give us a call today to schedule a FREE consultation to discuss dentofacial orthopedics in our Cumming orthodontic office.
Why Choose Serenity Orthodontics for Dentofacial Orthopedics?
- More Than a Decade of Experience Among Three Certified Orthodontists
- Available Appliances for Children and Adults
- Non-Invasive Alternative to Corrective Jaw Surgery
What Are Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics are used to correct problems and guide the development of the bony structures that support the teeth. This can include the jaw and nearby facial bones that directly influence the alignment of the bite. Typically, dentofacial orthopedics consists of a combination of braces and removable oral appliances that direct the growth of the jawbones. Usually, it’s integrated as part of a patient’s general orthodontic care, because without the underlying bones being in the right place, straightening the teeth can be extremely difficult if not impossible.
How Dentofacial Orthopedics Are Used
In most cases, dentofacial orthopedics is used to address bite alignment problems like advanced overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Often, the reason the teeth aren’t coming together as they should has nothing to do with the teeth themselves. Rather, one of the jaws may be underdeveloped compared to the other. Dentofacial orthopedics can help stimulate jawbone growth to create a functional and healthy bite. As a result, this can also give a patient a more defined jawline and fuller-looking face, making more than their smile look dramatically better.
Dentofacial Orthopedics for Adults & Children
Ideally, dentofacial orthopedics are used with children because the bones of their face and jaw aren’t fully set yet, which means they will be more responsive to treatment. However, this approach is still effective for adults, though treatment is usually a bit slower. For many adults, dentofacial orthopedics can fix problems found in their smile that weren’t addressed using braces or a clear aligner treatment. Plus, it helps many people avoid the need for corrective jaw surgery, saving them time, pain, and expense.
Dentofacial Orthopedics FAQs
What Kind of Equipment is Used in Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Your dentofacial orthopedic treatment may require one or more of the following types of equipment to achieve your desired results:
- Headgear: Headgear is one of the most common appliances utilized dentofacial orthopedics. It attaches to the patient's head and face and is used to apply pressure to their teeth and jaws to encourage them to move into the correct position.
- Expander: An expander is an appliance that is used to widen the upper palate and is often used in conjunction with headgear.
- Braces: Braces are used to straighten the teeth. There are a variety of types of braces that can be used in dentofacial orthopedic treatment, including metal, ceramic, and clear aligners.
- Retainer: Retainers are used to hold or “retain” the teeth in their new position once the dentofacial orthopedic treatment is completed.
What is the Difference Between Dentofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics?
While both dentofacial orthopedics and orthodontics both have the same goal of improving your oral health and creating a gorgeous smile, they do have some very important differences in their approach.
- Orthodontics focuses mainly on the alignment of your teeth by using appliances like braces (metal or ceramic), clear aligners, and retainers, to guide the teeth into a more desirable position. They can address problems such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, bite problems, and gaps between the teeth.
- Dentofacial orthopedics encompasses more than just the positioning of the teeth. It also affects the underlying skeletal system of your face and jaws by focusing on correcting imbalances in the growth and development of the jawbones, including issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Can Adults Benefit from Dentofacial Orthopedics?
If left untreated, jaw problems that originate in early life may not necessarily cause any discomfort in adulthood but may still cause issues like speech difficulties, uneven tooth wear, tooth damage, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Although adults may not have as many options to correct their bite as a child who is still growing, there are still some ways dentofacial orthopedics can help. These may include procedures such as orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
Is Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Painful?
Though it varies by patient, the number one factor that determines the discomfort of your treatment is the severity of your oral condition. Thankfully, most patients say that dentofacial orthopedic treatment causes only mild discomfort and can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How Much Do Dentofacial Orthopedics Cost?
The total expense associated with dentofacial orthopedics in Cumming typically depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the recommended treatment plan, and the materials required. We will strive to provide a clear breakdown of fees during your initial consultation, so you have an accurate understanding of what to expect before starting treatment.
For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options, including flexible in-house financing plans and assistance with insurance claims. We do not want you to be unduly stressed about your family’s care, so do not hesitate to express your questions and concerns about the financial aspects of treatment.
How Long Does Treatment with Dentofacial Orthopedics Take?
The timeline can vary depending on factors such as the age of the patient, the severity of the condition, and how well the facial structures respond to therapy. On average, treatment may last from several months to a few years. We can usually give a rough timeline estimate during a consultation.
You can avoid unnecessary delays in your treatment process by complying with directions from our team, attending regular appointments, and taking good care of your appliances. We know it takes patience to get through the dentofacial orthopedics process, but the end results will be well worth it. Plus, you may start to notice a positive difference in your smile well before the conclusion of your treatment.
What Are Some Indications that Dentofacial Orthopedics Is Necessary?
Recognizing the need for dentofacial orthopedics often starts with certain signs or symptoms. You or your child may need to visit us for an evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty chewing
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Frequent snoring
- Facial asymmetry
- Speech difficulties due to malformation of the oral structures
- A history of prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
Our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of your dental history, a clinical examination, and imaging as needed. From there, we can determine whether or not dentofacial orthopedics is the best course of action.
How Can Dentofacial Orthopedics Help Me Avoid Surgery?
Dentofacial orthopedics often plays a vital role in preventing the need for surgical procedures, especially when the treatment is performed during childhood or adolescence. By guiding jaw growth and correcting structural imbalances early, we can often resolve issues that might otherwise require expensive and invasive surgery.
However, keep in mind that surgery is not always avoidable. Certain severe cases might require both dentofacial orthopedics and surgical intervention. If we believe that you might need surgery, we can refer you to a local specialist, and we will work with them to help you achieve the best possible treatment outcome.
