When we think of orthodontic care, the first thing that often comes to mind is braces or clear aligners. While these are essential tools for straightening teeth, orthodontics goes beyond just creating a straight smile. Dr. Morgan Zwickel, a board-certified orthodontist specializing in Dentofacial Orthopedics, leads the award-winning team at Sandy Smiles Orthodontics in DeFuniak Springs, FL and Fort Walton Beach, FL. With her expertise, she helps patients achieve not just straighter teeth but also balanced jaw and facial structures.

Dentofacial orthopedics is a highly specialized branch of orthodontics focused on diagnosing and treating imbalances in jaw growth and facial alignment. This guide explores its role in improving jaw alignment, how it works, and why it’s important for both children and adults. By addressing these issues early or in combination with orthodontic appliances, patients can achieve a harmonious and functional facial structure under the care of specialists like Dr. Zwickel.

Dentofacial Orthopedics: More Than Just Teeth

Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized field that focuses on correcting and guiding the growth of the jaw and facial bones to achieve proper alignment and function. This approach is particularly effective during childhood and adolescence as the jawbones are still actively developing and can be gently guided into optimal positions. While adult jaw growth has ceased, dentofacial orthopedics remains a valuable option. Advanced treatment modalities, including surgery and orthodontic appliances, can effectively address jaw and facial structural issues in adults. The primary goal of dentofacial orthopedics extends beyond aesthetics. It aims to correct skeletal irregularities that can impact crucial functions such as chewing, breathing, and speech, ultimately improving overall oral health and well-being.

Phases of Dentofacial Orthopedic Care

Phase 1: Early Intervention for Growing Patients

Children and adolescents are ideal candidates for dentofacial orthopedics because their bones are still developing. Using specific orthodontic appliances, such as expanders, headgear, or functional appliances, orthodontists guide the growth of the jaw and ensure the upper and lower jaws align properly.

Early intervention not only corrects skeletal discrepancies but also reduces the severity of future orthodontic issues. This is why it is recommended that children see an orthodontist for an evaluation by age 7.

Phase 2: Corrective Treatments for Adults

Dentofacial orthopedics typically involves a combination of orthodontic care and surgical procedures in adults. Since the growth of the jaw is complete, surgical options may be required to reposition the jawbones. Following surgery, braces or aligners are often used to align the teeth and refine the bite.

The Importance of Dentofacial Orthopedics

Dentofacial orthopedics goes beyond simply straightening teeth; it addresses the underlying skeletal framework of the face and jaws. This specialized field plays a crucial role in achieving optimal oral health, function, and aesthetics. Here's why:

• Prevention of Serious Complications: Early intervention can prevent minor misalignments from escalating into severe issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. These conditions can not only affect the appearance of the smile but also impact chewing, speech, and even breathing.

• Enhanced Facial Harmony and Aesthetics: By correcting jaw discrepancies and guiding facial growth, dentofacial orthopedics contributes to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial profile. This can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence.

• Improved Functionality: Proper jaw alignment is essential for optimal oral function. It ensures efficient chewing, clear speech, and comfortable swallowing.

• Tooth Wear and Tear: Misaligned jaws can lead to uneven bite forces, causing excessive wear and tear on teeth.

• Gum Disease: Improper bite alignment can make it difficult to clean teeth effectively, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Misaligned jaws can put undue stress on the TMJ, leading to pain, discomfort, and limited jaw movement.

• Improved Overall Quality of Life: By addressing these issues, dentofacial orthopedics can significantly improve an individual's overall quality of life, enhancing their confidence, comfort, and well-being.

In essence, dentofacial orthopedics is an investment in long-term oral health and overall well-being. Addressing underlying skeletal issues, helps individuals achieve a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile while minimizing the risk of future dental problems.

Common Orthodontic Appliances in Dentofacial Orthopedics

Orthodontists use several specialized appliances to correct jaw and facial structure issues:

• Palatal Expanders: These are used to widen the upper jaw, often to address crossbites or overcrowding.

• Headgear: Helps in guiding the growth of the upper or lower jaw.

• Chin Cups: Designed to control excessive growth of the lower jaw.

• Functional Appliances: Devices such as twin blocks or Herbst appliances help align the upper and lower jaws for a balanced bite.

• Braces or Aligners: These are used in conjunction with orthopedic appliances to straighten teeth and finalize the bite alignment.

Dentofacial Orthopedics vs. Orthodontics

Dentofacial orthopedics and orthodontics aim to improve oral health and create beautiful smiles, they differ significantly in their approach:

Orthodontics: This branch of dentistry primarily focuses on the alignment of teeth. Orthodontists utilize various appliances, such as braces (metal or ceramic), clear aligners, and retainers, to move teeth into their desired positions. They address issues like crooked teeth, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth.

Dentofacial Orthopedics: This specialized field goes beyond just teeth and addresses the underlying skeletal framework of the face and jaws. Dentofacial orthopedists focus on correcting imbalances in the growth and development of the jawbones. This may involve addressing issues like:

• Underbites: Where the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw.

• Overbites: Where the upper teeth significantly overlap the lower teeth.

• Crossbites: Where the upper and lower teeth do not properly align.

Key Differences:

• Focus: Orthodontics primarily focuses on teeth, while dentofacial orthopedics focuses on the jawbone and facial structure.

• Treatment Methods: Orthodontics primarily uses braces and aligners, while dentofacial orthopedics may involve appliances like expanders and headgear, as well as surgical procedures in some cases.

• Treatment Goals: While both aim for a beautiful smile, dentofacial orthopedics emphasizes proper jaw function and facial balance, in addition to aesthetics.

The Synergy of Both:

In many cases, a collaborative approach is necessary. Dentofacial orthopedics may address the underlying skeletal issues, while orthodontics focuses on refining the alignment of the teeth. This combined approach ensures the most comprehensive and effective treatment outcomes, resulting in both functional and aesthetic improvements.

In essence: Orthodontics focuses on the "teeth," while dentofacial orthopedics focuses on the "bones." By working together, these two specialties can achieve optimal results for patients of all ages.

When to Consider Dentofacial Orthopedics

For Children:

It is recommended that children see an orthodontist by the age of 7 for an evaluation. At this age, Dr. Morgan Zwickel can assess the development of the jaw and teeth and detect any potential issues that may require early intervention. Early orthodontic treatment can prevent the need for more invasive procedures later in life.

For Adults:

Adults experiencing jaw pain, difficulty chewing, sleep apnea, or an unbalanced facial appearance may also benefit from dentofacial orthopedics. A treatment plan may include a combination of orthodontic appliances and jaw surgery to correct structural problems.

Why Choose Sandy Smiles Orthodontics

At Sandy Smiles Orthodontics, we are committed to providing high-quality orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic care for patients of all ages. Our services include:

• Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment: Early treatment to guide jaw growth and correct skeletal discrepancies.

• Braces and Invisalign: Braces and Invisalign are effective solutions for teeth alignment in both children and adults.

• Adult Orthodontics and Jaw Correction: Comprehensive treatments, including surgical options, to address jaw alignment and improve facial structure.

• Emergency Orthodontic Care: True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but if one happens to you, we’ll be right here to take care of you. Immediate assistance for issues such as broken appliances or discomfort.

We pride ourselves on providing personalized care to ensure every patient achieves the smile and jaw alignment they deserve.

Your Journey to a Confident Smile Begins Now

Dentofacial orthopedics is a vital part of orthodontic care that addresses jaw alignment and facial structure concerns. Early intervention can guide jaw development in children, while adults can benefit from corrective treatments to improve both function and aesthetics. Whether you’re a parent looking to address your child’s orthodontic needs or an adult seeking to correct long-standing jaw issues, consulting an experienced orthodontist is the first step.

At Sandy Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Morgan Zwickel and her team are dedicated to providing advanced orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic care tailored to your unique needs. Take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile by scheduling a consultation today. Contact Sandy Smiles Orthodontics to learn more and schedule your appointment.

FAQs about Dentofacial Orthopedics

What is the difference between dentofacial orthopedics and orthodontics?

Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on correcting jaw and facial bone irregularities, while orthodontics deals primarily with straightening teeth.

At what age should my child start dentofacial orthopedic treatment?

Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early evaluation can help detect and address jaw or facial alignment issues early.

Can adults benefit from dentofacial orthopedics?

Yes, adults can benefit from dentofacial orthopedics, often with a combination of orthodontic appliances and surgical procedures to correct jaw alignment issues.

How long does dentofacial orthopedic treatment take?

The length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case and the patient’s age. Treatment can range from several months to a few years.

Are dentofacial orthopedic appliances painful?

Some appliances may cause mild discomfort initially, but this typically subsides as the patient adjusts. Your orthodontist will provide guidance on managing any discomfort.

For expert care and personalized treatment plans, visit Sandy Smiles Orthodontics and schedule a consultation today!