Dentofacial Orthopedics at Cloverdale Orthodontics

At Cloverdale Orthodontics, we don’t just straighten teeth—we also focus on how the face and jaws develop over time. Through dentofacial orthopedics, we can help guide the growth of facial bones in younger patients or correct skeletal imbalances in teens and adults. This specialized area of orthodontics focuses on jaw development, facial harmony, and long-term function.

What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?

Dentofacial orthopedics is a branch of orthodontics that addresses the growth and positioning of the facial bones, especially the upper and lower jaws. It often involves the use of specialized appliances to guide development and correct skeletal discrepancies that braces alone can’t fix.

Unlike traditional orthodontics, which mainly focuses on teeth alignment, dentofacial orthopedics looks at the bigger picture: how the teeth, jaws, and face work together. It’s particularly valuable during childhood and early adolescence when the bones are still growing and easier to shape.

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Who Benefits from This Treatment?

Dentofacial orthopedics is most effective when started at an early age—often around 7 to 10 years old—when the jawbones are still developing. Children who show signs of underbites, overbites, narrow palates, or jaw asymmetry are excellent candidates for this type of treatment. That said, adults can also benefit from orthopedic correction, especially when preparing for more advanced orthodontic work or jaw surgery. Whether you're a child, teen, or adult, our team can assess your facial growth and recommend the right approach for your needs.

Common Appliances Used

Depending on your treatment plan, we may use expanders, headgear, or functional appliances designed to reshape the jaw and create space for teeth to come in properly. These tools apply gentle pressure to the jawbones to stimulate proper growth and prevent misalignment.

While some of these appliances may be worn full-time, others are removable or used only at night. We’ll guide you or your child through every step, ensuring comfort and clarity about how each device works and what to expect.

Smiling Family Spending Time Together
Everoyone think we siblings, but we date. Positive best friends with fair hair and braces, hugging

Benefits Beyond a Straight Smile

The benefits of dentofacial orthopedics go beyond aesthetics. By encouraging proper jaw growth early on, we can help prevent future crowding, breathing problems, and bite issues—making any later orthodontic treatment faster and more effective.

Additionally, improving jaw structure can lead to better oral function, facial symmetry, and even posture and speech. These subtle but powerful changes contribute to overall confidence and long-term oral health.

At Cloverdale Orthodontics, every treatment plan begins with a comprehensive consultation, including 3D imaging and facial assessments. We’ll evaluate how the jaws are growing, how the teeth are erupting, and whether dentofacial orthopedic treatment could help.

If early intervention is needed, we’ll guide you through a phased treatment plan that aligns with your child’s natural growth. Our goal is to make the process smooth, understandable, and effective—building a strong, balanced foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Every smile is one of a kind. Whether you need minor adjustments or more advanced care, Cloverdale Orthodontics creates personalized treatment plans designed just for you.

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