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Dentofacial Orthopedics

Guiding jaw growth and alignment for healthier facial development.

We Specialize In Dentofacial Orthopedics Orthodontics

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By supporting healthy facial growth and development during childhood, we can streamline orthodontic care later.
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We Specialize In Dentofacial Orthopedics & Orthodontics

Things To
Look Out For

Growth Timing

If your child’s jaw appears too small, too large, or is growing unevenly, early intervention can help guide it into a healthier position.

Mouth Breathing

Chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or noisy breathing may signal airway or jaw development issues that dentofacial orthopedics can help address.

Bite Problems

Noticeable overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites often point to underlying jaw imbalances—not just tooth alignment issues.

Oral Difficulty

If your child struggles to chew evenly or pronounce certain sounds, it may be due to jaw misalignment or growth problems.

When Should I Bring My Child to the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7. Early visits don’t always mean treatment—just a chance to spot growth patterns early and plan ahead if needed. It’s a simple, proactive step that supports healthy smiles down the road.

How Might We Address Dentofacial Orthopedic Concerns?

Palatal Expanders

These appliances gently widen the upper jaw, creating more space for permanent teeth and improving overall bite alignment.

Functional Appliances

Devices like twin blocks, forsus, crossbow and MARA guide jaw growth to correct the bite.

Headgear or Facemask

These removable appliances apply gentle pressure to encourage growth in the correct direction.

Habit Breaking Appliances

These devices help gently discourage habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting (tongue crib), protecting proper jaw growth and guiding healthier dental development.

Lipbumper

This appliance creates space in the lower arch by gently moving the molars back and reducing lip pressure on the front teeth, allowing for more natural alignment.