Dentofacial Orthopedics and Jaw Development
Orthodontics is about much more than straight teeth. During childhood and adolescence, the jaws and facial bones are still developing, creating an important opportunity to guide growth and address concerns before they become more complex.
At Delta Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Brent Sexton and Dr. Tiffany Louie evaluate not only the position of the teeth, but also how the jaws, bite, facial structure, and airway are developing. This specialized area of care is known as dentofacial orthopedics.
By identifying growth-related concerns early, we can often help create a healthier foundation for a balanced bite, proper jaw function, and long-term oral health.
What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding the growth and development of the jaws and facial bones. While orthodontics primarily moves teeth into alignment, dentofacial orthopedic treatment helps influence how the upper and lower jaws develop as a child grows.
This type of treatment is often recommended when a child has:
- A narrow upper jaw
- Crossbite
- Underbite
- Severe overbite
- Jaw growth discrepancies
- Crowding caused by limited jaw space
- Facial asymmetry
- Airway-related concerns
Because children are still growing, orthodontic appliances can often be used to encourage healthier jaw development and reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems.
Why Is Early Jaw Development Important?
The size and position of the jaws affect much more than the appearance of a smile. Jaw development plays an important role in:
- Bite function
- Facial balance
- Airway development
- Speech
- Chewing efficiency
- Tooth eruption patterns
- Long-term oral health
When jaw growth problems are identified early, treatment may be able to guide development before growth is complete.
Can Orthodontic Treatment Help Prevent Future Problems?
In many cases, yes. Early orthopedic treatment may help reduce the severity of certain orthodontic concerns and create space for developing permanent teeth.
Potential benefits may include:
- Reducing severe crowding
- Improving bite alignment
- Supporting healthy facial growth
- Creating room for permanent teeth
- Improving jaw relationships
- Reducing the need for tooth extractions
- Lowering the risk of more invasive treatment later
Every patient is different, but early intervention can often simplify future orthodontic treatment.
What Appliances Are Used for Jaw Growth Guidance?
Depending on the child’s needs, treatment may involve specialized appliances designed to guide growth and development.
These may include:
- Palatal expanders
- Growth-guidance appliances
- Functional appliances
- Space maintainers
- Early orthodontic appliances
These treatments are most effective while a child is still growing and developing.
When Should My Child Be Evaluated?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
An early evaluation allows us to identify:
- Jaw growth concerns
- Developing bite problems
- Airway-related issues
- Crowding and spacing concerns
- Eruption problems
Even if treatment is not needed right away, monitoring growth allows us to recommend care at the most beneficial time.
The Benefits of a Comprehensive Orthodontic Evaluation
At Delta Smiles Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive approach to treatment planning. By evaluating the teeth, jaws, facial development, and airway together, we can create personalized treatment plans that support both a healthy smile and long-term function.
Our goal is not simply to straighten teeth, but to help patients achieve healthy growth, proper jaw development, and confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jaw growth and facial development play an important role in your child’s overall oral health, bite function, and long-term smile. Below are answers to some of the most common questions parents ask about dentofacial orthopedics, growth guidance, and early orthodontic care.
How do I know if my child's jaw is developing properly?
Many jaw development concerns are difficult for parents to identify on their own. Signs such as an underbite, crossbite, facial asymmetry, mouth breathing, or difficulty chewing may indicate a growth-related issue. An orthodontic evaluation can help determine whether your child’s development is progressing as expected.
What happens if my child's jaw growth issue isn't treated?
Every case is different, but untreated jaw discrepancies may contribute to bite problems, crowding, uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, or more complex orthodontic treatment needs later. Early evaluations help determine whether treatment is recommended and when it should begin.
How much does dentofacial orthopedic treatment cost?
Treatment costs vary depending on the type of appliance used, the complexity of the case, and the overall treatment plan. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized estimate and explain all available payment options.
When should parents in Antioch schedule an orthodontic evaluation for jaw development concerns?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. If you notice bite issues, mouth breathing, crowding, or jaw imbalance, scheduling an evaluation sooner can help identify potential concerns while your child is still growing.
Do you offer financing for dentofacial orthopedic treatment?
Yes. Delta Smiles Orthodontics offers flexible financing options, including low or no down payment plans, affordable monthly payments, interest-free in-house financing, and CareCredit® financing. Our goal is to make early orthodontic treatment accessible for families.