You would like a straight smile for your child, but there may be an issue you haven’t considered. The shape of their jaw and face may change how their teeth erupt.

There is a way to address this concern. It’s called dentofacial orthopedics, and it’s one of the many services we offer at Orthodontic Alliances.

This kind of treatment can actually begin before someone gets braces. It’s something we do quite often for our younger patients. While the mouth is still growing, it’s possible to guide how it develops, which can make orthodontic care much easier when they are older.

We encourage parents to visit any of our Indiana orthodontic offices around your child’s 7th birthday. This is a great time to examine their teeth and mouth to determine if early intervention could make a difference.

Call 219-809-6584 (Michigan City) 219-841-7795 (Portage) 219-440-6512 (St. John)  to schedule an appointment.

Nip Problems in the Bud

If you notice a problem in any area of life, the best solution is to take care of it early.

Dentofacial orthopedics — sometimes call interceptive orthodontics — is our way of tackling potential alignment problems head-on.

In orthodontic care, we encourage parents to bring their children in for an exam around 7 years old. Why? Because by that age, we often can identify potential problems down the road.

Many steps can be taken to address alignment issues while your child still has most of his or her primary teeth. By stepping in now, you could:

  • Improve facial appearance
  • Prevent the need for surgery later
  • Create room for permanent teeth to erupt correctly

The Shape of Things

Crowded teeth are often the direct result of the shape of someone’s face or jaw. When this happens, permanent teeth may not be able to emerge correctly.

In some cases, those teeth can become impacted, meaning the only partially erupt or remain completely below the gumline. Either way, this can lead to a higher risk of oral health issues as someone gets older.

With the help of dentofacial orthopedic treatments, we can help guide the development of your son or daughter’s mouth as they grow. This can create more room for their permanent teeth to erupt.

In most cases, this will make any orthodontic treatment easier and more effective. In some instances, it may mean the difference between needing braces when they are older or not.

Treating Adults

Dentofacial orthopedic care is particularly effective for children. This is because their bones are still growing, which allows us to take steps to encourage that growth in healthier ways. This can reduce or eliminate abnormalities that can affect the shape of their smiles later in life.

At the same time, it is possible to use these treatments with adult patients as well. Just keep in mind that adult bones are already formed and hardened. As a result, these treatments are often used in combination with surgical care for adult patients.

The important thing to know is that we can help you create the smile of your dreams at any age. We will work with you to find the right solution for your situation.

Get Ready for Great Smiles

Many people can benefit from dentofacial orthopedics, which is why an early orthodontic exam can make a big difference in someone’s smile. This can affect their oral health for life.

If you want to learn how this treatment could help you or your child, please schedule an exam at the nearest Orthodontic Alliances location soon. Call 219-809-6584 (Michigan City) 219-841-7795 (Portage) 219-440-6512 (St. John) or contact us online to request an appointment.