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Dento-facial Orthopaedics
Dento-facial Orthopaedics: What is It and How Does It Work?
Dento-facial orthopaedics is the part of orthodontics that guides the growth and development of the jaws and face, rather than only moving the teeth. In a growing child, the jaws are still developing, and this is a window when their growth can be influenced. Treatment at the right time can help the upper and lower jaws develop in better proportion and create room for the teeth and the tongue.
Guiding facial development
Because it works with growth, dento-facial orthopaedics is used mostly in children and younger teenagers. Depending on the case, it may involve:
Widening a narrow upper jaw (maxillary expansion) to correct crossbites and create width
Encouraging a lower jaw that sits too far back to develop more favourably
Creating space so adult teeth have room to come through
Improving how the bite fits as the jaws develop
Guiding development early can reduce the severity of a problem later, and in some cases can reduce the need for more involved treatment or for extractions.
The width and position of the jaws also affect the space available for the tongue and the upper airway. In suitable cases, guiding jaw development can support better airway room during growth. Where breathing during sleep is a concern, we assess this alongside our airway and sleep pathway.
When it is used
Dento-facial orthopaedics is planned from a specialist assessment, ideally while a child is still growing. An early assessment does not always mean early treatment. Often the right course is to monitor growth and begin at the best moment. Guiding growth and facial development is an area of particular interest for Dr Chris Donaldson, Consultant Orthodontist and Clinical Director. This work sits closely with our kids and interceptive orthodontics and, where relevant, our airway and sleep assessment.
