Orthodontic treatment primarily focuses on the position of the teeth and jaw bones, whereas dentofacial orthopedics focuses on the development of the face as it relates to the teeth and jaws.
The purpose of dentofacial orthopedics is to guide the bones that support the teeth and contribute to the appearance of the face to support harmonious, proportional development. By combining orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics into a custom treatment plan, Dr. Senties can optimize the patient’s esthetics and functionality with greater comfort and efficiency.
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment is most efficient when the jaw bones and facial bones are still developing. Treatment that begins while the bones are still growing works alongside the patient’s natural development process.
Because children’s bones are still developing, early treatment with dentofacial orthopedics is much more effective and can enable a quicker treatment process than dentofacial orthopedics for adults.
The first step is scheduling a complimentary (free) consultation for you, your child, or both! At your first visit, Dr. Senties will examine your smile, taking diagnostic x-rays and photos to gain full perspective of your current condition.
If Dr. Senties finds that you have teeth or jawbone misalignments impacting your facial appearance, depending on your age and your specific condition, he may suggest a comprehensive treatment of dentofacial orthopedics fused with orthodontics.
Orthodontic appliances are often used with a full treatment of braces or Invisalign® to treat the jaws, teeth and facial features with the most efficiency.
For example, a narrow palate (upper jaw bone) is sometimes the cause of facial irregularities and misalignments, so a palatal expander is a common appliance used to widen the palate to accommodate all teeth, while creating a harmonious facial structure.
Dr. Senties creates treatment plans that are 100% personalized to each patient. There is no general, one-size-fits-all approach at Senties Family Orthodontics. The best plan of action for you or your child will depend on a number of factors.
Once Dr. Senties completes your exam, he’ll discuss his findings with you to help you make an informed decision for you or your child’s smile!
Some signs that your child may benefit from dentofacial orthopedic treatment include a noticeable overbite or underbite, a narrow upper jaw, crossbite, significant crowding, or facial asymmetry. However, these concerns don’t automatically mean treatment is necessary. I’ll evaluate your child’s teeth, bite, jaw development, and facial structure to determine whether guiding growth could improve their long-term oral health and facial development.
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment can be used for patients of different ages, but it is generally most effective while the jaw and facial bones are still developing. In a growing child, I can work with that natural development to guide the jaws and create a healthier foundation for the permanent teeth. For adults, treatment options can be more limited because the facial bones have finished developing, so I’ll evaluate each patient individually to determine the most appropriate approach.
Some orthodontic concerns are easier to address while a child is still growing. When I identify a jaw or facial development issue early, I may be able to guide growth and improve the relationship between the jaws before the bones become fully developed. Early treatment isn’t necessary for every child, though. I only recommend it when I believe addressing the issue during growth can provide a meaningful benefit.
In some cases, early dentofacial orthopedic treatment may reduce the severity of a jaw discrepancy and potentially reduce the need for more invasive treatment later. However, I never want to promise that early treatment will eliminate the need for surgery because every patient develops differently. My goal is to identify concerns early and use your child’s natural growth when possible to achieve the healthiest and most stable result.
Not necessarily, but dentofacial orthopedic treatment is often combined with orthodontics. An appliance may first be used to guide jaw development or create the space needed for the permanent teeth, followed by braces or clear aligners to align the teeth. I’ll determine the sequence and combination of treatments based on your child’s specific needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Yes. Straight-looking teeth don’t always mean the jaws and bite are developing properly. My evaluation looks beyond the appearance of the individual teeth to assess how the upper and lower jaws relate to one another and how the facial structures are developing. If I find a concern, I’ll explain what I see and whether monitoring or treatment would be beneficial. If everything is developing normally, I’ll let you know that as well.
We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
Dr. Senties and our experienced team are here to help guide you throughout your treatment process, from your first visit to your last visit.
Ready to begin your smile transformation process? Let’s get started with your complimentary exam at our convenient San Antonio location!
