Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
A branch of Orthodontics called dentofacial orthopaedics is concerned with guiding a child's or adolescent's facial growth and development. Dentofacial orthopaedics seeks to affect the growth of the jaw bones and facial structures to produce the best possible facial harmony and function, in contrast to traditional orthodontics, which focuses largely on tooth alignment.
Dentofacial orthopaedics can treat skeletal discrepancies such as underbites, overbites, crossbites, and underdeveloped jaws by using a variety of appliances and procedures. When a patient has both primary and permanent teeth, treatment usually starts during the mixed-dentition period. In dentofacial orthopaedics, functional appliances, headgear, facemasks, and expanders are often utilised. The purpose of these gadgets is to guide growth and promote appropriate alignment by applying regulated stress to the jaws. Comprehensive Orthodontic Therapy is frequently preceded or enhanced by dentofacial orthopaedic treatment, which guarantees that the teeth are firmly positioned within a harmoniously balanced facial structure.
The speciality of dentofacial orthopaedics has the potential to lessen the need for more invasive procedures, such as Orthognathic Surgery, later in life by treating skeletal abnormalities early in development. In general, dentofacial orthopaedics is essential for supporting optimal function, harmonious facial aesthetics, and straight teeth.
The best time to start dentofacial orthopaedic treatment is usually between the ages of 7 and 10, which extends into adolescence. Because the facial bones are still growing at this point, orthodontic equipment can help direct the alignment and growth of these bones. Orthodontists can efficiently repair skeletal discrepancies during this phase of treatment with early intervention, which may prevent the need for more invasive procedures like Orthognathic Surgery later in life.
A variety of skeletal anomalies are treated by dentofacial orthopaedics, such as open bites, crossbites, Class II and Class III malocclusions, and disparities in jaw size. It can also handle dental irregularities, including impacted or supernumerary teeth, and rectify facial asymmetry. The goal of treatment is to direct the growth of facial bone for better function, occlusion, and aesthetics using orthopaedic tools and methods. For the best outcomes, each patient receives individualised care that is catered to their unique needs.
Usually starting in the mixed dentition phase, dentofacial orthopaedic treatment aims to guide facial bone growth and repair skeletal abnormalities. Specialised gadgets are used to attain the best possible facial harmony and function. On the other hand, conventional orthodontic treatment, which often begins after the majority of permanent teeth have erupted, uses braces or aligners to realign teeth within the jaws to enhance occlusion and aesthetics. For all-encompassing care catered to each patient's needs, the two treatments may be combined.
Common appliances in dentofacial orthopaedics include palatal expanders, headgear, functional appliances like Herbst or Twin Block, facemasks, and chin cups. They apply controlled forces to the jaws or facial bones, exploiting their growth potential during childhood. Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw, headgear modifies growth patterns, functional appliances reposition the lower jaw, facemasks stimulate upper jaw growth, and chin cups encourage lower jaw growth, promoting proper facial alignment and function.
It's not usually necessary to undergo Dentofacial Orthopaedic Therapy before beginning standard Orthodontic Therapy. The need for it varies according to developmental problems and individual skeletal differences. In certain situations, Orthodontic Therapy alone may be sufficient, even if it's necessary for addressing skeletal irregularities. While early intervention is frequently recommended during the mixed dentition phase, each patient's treatment plan is customised to meet their unique requirements and developmental stage.
When started in childhood or adolescence, dentofacial orthopaedics can direct the growth of the facial bone to address skeletal abnormalities, possibly minimising the need for further Orthognathic Surgery. Orthopaedic appliances work to enhance facial harmony and function by exerting regulated stresses on the jaws. Orthopaedics alone cannot rectify every situation, but early intervention can reduce severe disparities and give patients a chance to achieve ideal face balance without surgery.
Dentofacial orthopaedic treatment can be administered early in the mixed dentition phase (ages 7 to 10) to improve facial bone growth and address malocclusions and skeletal abnormalities before they deteriorate. By taking preventative measures, treatment complexity and expenses are decreased, future complications are avoided, and facial aesthetics are improved. Better orthodontic results are also fostered, airway growth is encouraged, and psychological well-being is enhanced through the improvement of self-esteem due to improved facial aesthetics. Overall, long-term good facial function and attractiveness are ensured by early intervention.
The length of Dentofacial Orthopaedic Treatment varies according to the intricacy of the case, skeletal disparities, patient age, and responsiveness to treatment. While difficult cases can take up to two or three years to resolve, mild to moderate cases can take six months to a year. Most cases last several months to a few years. By taking advantage of the normal expansion of facial bones, early intervention in childhood, particularly during the mixed dentition phase, might reduce the duration of treatment. Patients are monitored closely for progress and are sent to standard Orthodontic Treatment when necessary to provide the best possible results.
Although Dentofacial Orthopaedic Treatment has advantages, there are also drawbacks, including longer treatment periods, difficulties with appliance compliance, soft tissue irritation, changes in facial profile, the possibility of relapse, financial concerns, unanticipated complications, limited effectiveness in adults, and psychological effects. To achieve the best results, patients should carefully monitor and communicate with their orthodontist about the risks and benefits of their treatment.
Home Dhakuria Specialities Oral-maxillo-facial-surgery Facial-orthopedics