Martinez Orthodontics is proud to provide excellent orthodontic treatment to children, teens and adults living in Cincinnati, Mack, Bridgetown and the surrounding areas. We offer several efficient orthodontic treatment options from conventional braces to Invisalign. Whether you will be visiting us with your child for metal braces in Mack or will be spending time with us improving your own smile discreetly with Invisalign, you will be treated like a member of our family in a friendly and relaxing office environment!
While the focus of orthodontic treatment is to correct malocclusions or “bad bites”, dentofacial orthopedics is focused on making corrections to and normalizing the growth pattern of a patient’s bone structure. This process often involves a two-phase treatment that typically begins when the patient is around 7 or 8 years old. Dento-facial orthopedics can greatly improve the alignment of the jaw to create a balanced facial profile, without the need for removing healthy, permanent teeth.
Childhood Dentofacial Orthopedics
Children often make the best candidates for dentofacial orthopedic treatment. This is one of the main reasons why early orthodontic screenings are recommended by the American Association for Orthodontists (AAO). When your child is around seven or eight years old, our Cincinnati and Mack orthodontist is able to monitor your child’s growth and development to determine the best time for starting treatment so your child’s treatment will be the most effective. Dentofacial orthopedics in children typically involves the use of specialized appliances like headgear and palatal expanders.
Phase I orthodontic treatment (aka early treatment) is carried out on children before all the permanent teeth have come in. During this early phase of treatment, Dr. Martinez can work on correcting jaw growth to ensure the jawbone is properly aligned before starting Phase II treatment, which typically involves placing braces on the teeth.
Example of Orthopedic/Orthodontic Treatment at Age 8½ to 10 (18 Months)
Before: Looking at this patient’s bite and X-ray, you can see a very large overbite. Early treatment was initiated at age 8½ due to the severity of the overbite and teasing that was occurring at school. In addition to the social reasons, early treatment of this severe overbite decreases the chances of fracture to the upper incisors.
After: Orthopedic treatment completed at age 10 (18 months treatment). Notice the dramatic reduction in overbite accomplished by orthopedic and orthodontic methods.
Dentofacial Orthopedics For Adults
When an adult undergoes dentofacial orthopedic treatment, surgical corrections are often involved. In growing children, the bones are still developing and have not yet completely fused together. This allows orthodontists to monitor bone growth and development.
Because adults are finished growing, their jawbones have fused and hardened, which makes it more difficult to make bite adjustments and to properly align the teeth. This is why surgery is often used to make necessary adjustments to the jawbone and to establish a healthy bite before beginning treatment using braces. Dentofacial orthopedics makes it possible for adults to achieve the healthy and attractive smiles they deserve.
Example of Orthopedic/Orthodontic Treatment in Adults
Before: Notice the narrow smile and crowded
dental arch of this patient before
orthopedic/orthodontic treatment.
After: Notice the broader smile achieved
by orthopedic expansion of the
dental arches.
Contact Your Local Cincinnati Orthodontist
If you have any questions about dentofacial orthopedics or any of the treatments we provide, please don’t hesitate to contact us as we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have! You can reach our Cincinnati office at (513) 598-9800 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you soon and helping you achieve your best possible smile!