JAW GROWTH GUIDANCE
Guiding healthy jaw development during
your child’s most important growing years
During childhood, we start to get a picture of how jaws are developing and teeth are fitting together. Parents may notice that their child’s teeth do not fit together properly, the jaws seem unbalanced, or the chin appears too far forward, backward, or to one side. At Godley Family Orthodontics in Zionsville, our Board-Certified Orthodontists evaluate how your child’s teeth, jaws, bite, and facial structures are developing together.
This area of orthodontics, called dentofacial orthopedics or jaw growth guidance, can help address imbalances such as a narrow upper jaw, crossbite, underbite, overjet, or facial asymmetry. When appropriate, a palatal expander, bite corrector, or other orthodontic appliance may be used to improve jaw relationships, create room for developing teeth, and support a healthier, more functional bite. Because every child grows differently, we carefully determine whether treatment is needed and the best time to begin.
What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized area of orthodontics that focuses on jaw growth and how the upper jaw, lower jaw, teeth, bite, and facial structures develop together. While traditional orthodontic treatment primarily moves and aligns the teeth, dentofacial orthopedics considers the growth and relationship of the jaws.
Because much of facial and jaw development occurs during childhood and adolescence, certain bite and jaw concerns may be addressed differently while a child is still growing. When appropriate, a growth-guidance appliance, bite corrector, or palatal expander may be used before or alongside braces or clear aligners.
Not every child needs early treatment. Our orthodontists carefully evaluate your child’s growth pattern, bite, and individual needs to determine whether treatment may be helpful and the most appropriate time to begin.
SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BENEFIT FROM AN EVALUATION
Parents often notice the effects of a developing jaw or bite imbalance before they know the clinical name for it. An orthodontic growth evaluation may be helpful when a child has:
- Upper teeth that fit inside the lower teeth when biting
- A lower jaw or chin that appears ahead of or behind the upper jaw
- A very narrow upper arch or high, narrow palate
- Severely protruding upper front teeth
- A chin or lower jaw that shifts to one side when closing
- Facial or bite asymmetry
- Difficulty biting or chewing comfortably
- Prolonged thumb or finger habits
- Permanent teeth that do not appear to have enough room to erupt
- Mouth breathing, snoring, or other breathing concerns that may warrant screening and referral
An examination helps determine whether observation, early treatment, referral, or later reevaluation is most appropriate.
Orthodontics primarily focuses on moving teeth and improving how they fit together. Dentofacial orthopedics evaluates the development and relationship of the jaws and facial structures, particularly while a child is growing. Many children receive both types of care as part of one coordinated treatment plan.
Because our orthodontists are skilled in all areas of orthodontic treatment, they are specialists at diagnosing misalignments in the teeth, jaws, and facial structure. Dr. Godley and Dr. Bradley will develop a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.
Common Appliances Used to Guide Growth
The appliance recommended for a child depends on the diagnosis, age, growth pattern, bite, and treatment goals. Appliances may be fixed or removable and are often combined with braces or clear aligners when tooth movement is also needed.
Palatal Expander: Widens a narrow upper jaw. Expansion may be recommended to correct certain crossbites, improve the width relationship between the upper and lower jaws, or create additional room for developing permanent teeth.
Herbst or MARA: May be recommended for selected growing patients when the lower teeth and jaw sit significantly behind the upper teeth and jaw. These fixed bite correctors are commonly used to improve a bite relationship while growth remains.
Twin Block or Bionator: Removable functional appliances that may be used for selected growing patients. They position the lower jaw forward while worn and may help improve a bite relationship between the upper and lower dental arches as treatment progresses.
Reverse-Pull Facemask: May be used in patients with an underbite related to insufficient forward development of the upper jaw. Treatment is often most effective when appropriately timed during the earlier stages of growth.
Results with a jaw growth-guidance appliance depend on the diagnosis, remaining growth, genetics, cooperation, and individual response to treatment.
When is the best time to evaluate jaw growth?
It is recommended that children receive an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7, and earlier if there are airway concerns. By age 7, an orthodontist can evaluate developing permanent teeth as well as the relationship between the growing upper and lower jaws.
An early evaluation does not mean treatment must begin at that age. Many children benefit from simple observation while their jaws and teeth continue to develop. Others may have an underbite, crossbite, severe jaw discrepancy, or a significant eruption problem that is best addressed early while they are growing. The best timing is based on your child’s individual development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an orthodontist change my child’s jaw growth?
Explain that an orthodontist may be able to guide or influence aspects of jaw development while meaningful growth remains, but outcomes depend on the diagnosis, timing, genetics and individual response.
What is the difference between a bite corrector and braces?
Explain that bite correctors address the relationship between the jaws or dental arches, while braces primarily move and align individual teeth. Some patients need both.
Does every child with an overbite need a jaw growth appliance?
No. The appropriate treatment depends on whether the problem is primarily related to tooth position, jaw relationships or both.
What age is best for a jaw growth appliance?
There is no single best age. Timing depends on the condition being treated and the child’s growth stage. The initial orthodontic evaluation is recommended by age 7, but treatment may begin earlier or later depending on the diagnosis and bite correcting appliance needed.
Can a bite corrector prevent jaw surgery?
In selected growing patients, early treatment may reduce the severity of a developing jaw discrepancy. It should not be described as guaranteeing that surgery will be avoided.
Will my child need braces after a Herbst, MARA or Twin Block?
Many children still need braces or clear aligners to align the individual teeth and refine the bite after growth-guidance treatment.
How do I know whether my child needs a palate expander or bite corrector?
Explain that expanders and bite correctors address different problems, and a clinical examination and diagnostic records are needed to determine the appropriate treatment.
Jaw Growth Evaluation from Board Certified Orthodontists
At Godley Family Orthodontics, Dr. Godley and Dr. Bradley are Board Certified Orthodontists experienced in evaluating developing jaws, complex bite relationships and facial growth. Every recommendation is based on a evaluation of your child’s teeth, bite, jaw relationships, growth pattern and individual needs. We will explain whether treatment is necessary, why a particular bite corrector or jaw growth appliance is being considered and what results can reasonably be expected. Families from Zionsville, Carmel, Whitestown, Westfield, Lebanon and surrounding Indianapolis communities can schedule a free orthodontic consultation with our orthodontists.