Dentofacial Orthopaedics in Children, the great unknown

Dentofacial Orthopaedics is the process of correcting and guiding the growth of dental bone structures. It also involves the correction of a sucking habit or an abnormal swallowing pattern that can reshape the dental bones. This therapy often begins when the patient is around 7 years old.

Phase I (Orthopaedics) / Interphase (resting time) / Phase II (Orthodontics)

Children are the best candidates for dentofacial orthopaedic treatment. If your child begins orthodontic treatment before all adult teeth have erupted, this is called phase one treatment. During this phase (phase I), your orthodontist will use appliances to correct the alignment of your child’s jaws before beginning the second phase (phase II) of treatment, which is to straighten the teeth with conventional braces or aligners.

Orthodontics and Orthopaedics = Phase I + Phase II

Usually, orthopaedic treatment may precede conventional braces. But sometimes Orthopaedic appliances and conventional braces are used together. So, if your child has an expander and braces, he is undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics at the same time.

When should I book an orthodontic check-up for my child?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. 

Remember, there is a difference between an orthodontic check-up and starting orthodontic treatment. Only a few orthodontic problems will need to be corrected before or around the age of 7.

The time to start the treatment is determined by the child’s orthodontic problem and the child’s stage of dental development. At Forest and Ray, we will advise you on the ideal time for your child to start the treatment. If there is an orthodontic problem, but the patient is not ready to start the orthopaedic or orthodontic treatment, we will take a conservative approach and monitor your child’s growth and development. If your child is older than 7, it is not too late for a check-up. Keep in mind that many patients begin treatment between the ages of 9 and 14.

Should I wait to book an orthodontic check-up until my child has all permanent teeth?

No. Waiting until all the permanent teeth are out, or until facial growth is nearly completed, could make correcting bone problems more difficult. As the child gets older, some orthopaedic problems become worse and more difficult to treat. Some problems cannot be corrected once the face and jaws are no longer growing.

What about the costs?

At Forest & Ray, we provide you highest quality orthodontic treatments, with top quality materials at an affordable price.

When it comes to starting orthodontic treatment with us, you don’t have to worry about unexpected, hidden costs. We offer orthodontics treatment packages so the length and costs of the treatment are predictable. Please inquire about our package offers or review our price list!