Dentofacial Orthopedics
At SmileCrew Orthodontics, our expertise isn’t limited to moving teeth — we also specialize in dentofacial orthopedics, a field that focuses on guiding the growth and development of the jaws and facial bones. This approach helps ensure proper jaw alignment, facial harmony, and optimal bite function, especially while your child’s facial structure is still growing.
What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized area of care that focuses on:
Guiding jaw growth so the upper and lower jaws develop in harmony
Improving facial symmetry and function
Reducing future bite problems before they become more complex
Integrating with orthodontic braces when needed
Orthodontics deals with straightening teeth; dentofacial orthopedics goes further by correcting skeletal imbalances and supporting more efficient jaw development.
Why Early Treatment Matters
The greatest advantage of dentofacial orthopedics is that it can be most effective when facial bones are still growing — typically in childhood and early adolescence. At this stage, bone growth can be influenced more easily with specialized appliances, which helps:
Prevent severe bite problems later
Reduce the need for more invasive treatments
Support better chewing, speaking, and breathing
Enhance facial balance and aesthetic proportions
By starting treatment early, we can often make necessary corrections before issues become complicated — improving long‑term oral health and smile stability.
Common Appliances Used for Dentofacial Orthopedics
To guide proper jaw and facial development, we may use one or more of the following:
Palatal Expanders: Widen the upper jaw to improve space and dental alignment
Headgear or Face Masks: Guide jaw growth and correct bite discrepancies
Functional Appliances: Help position the jaws for better harmony
Other Specialized Devices: Customized to each child’s unique needs
These tools work gently over time to help the bones and muscles grow in the right direction — often reducing the need for complicated treatment later.
How It Works at SmileCrew
Your child’s dentofacial orthopedic journey begins with a thorough evaluation of jaw growth, facial symmetry, and bite alignment. From there, we develop a customized plan that may include orthopedic appliances and, if needed, traditional orthodontic braces.
Throughout treatment, we monitor progress closely and adjust appliances as your child grows — making sure every step supports their development and smile goals.
Benefits of Dentofacial Orthopedic Care
Dentofacial orthopedics can improve more than just aesthetics — it supports long‑term oral health and everyday function
Better Bite Alignment & Function
Balanced Facial Proportions
Reduced Risk of Severe Malocclusion
Improved Chewing, Speech & Breathing
Enhanced Confidence & Smile Harmony
What Our Patients Say
5.0 out of 5
“I appreciated the payment plan choices and the friendly staff who walked me through each cost detail. My smile looks fantastic, and I felt confident every step of the way.”
“The team explained the costs clearly and helped us find options that fit our finances. We loved how smooth the process was from start to finish!”
“The Clear Aligners treatment at SmileCrew was comfortable, convenient, and the results are amazing. They worked with my budget and offered flexible payment plans that made everything easy.”
“My son had crowded teeth and was worried about braces. SmileCrew guided us through every step, and now his smile is beautifully aligned. Couldn’t be happier!”
“From evaluation to treatment, SmileCrew made everything easy to understand. My crossbite was corrected and my teeth feel more comfortable than ever!
“I was nervous about early intervention, but SmileCrew made it stress-free. The appliances were easy for her to manage, and the results speak for themselves. Highly recommend for any parent considering early orthodontic care.”
Choosing surgical orthodontics was a big decision, but SmileCrew made it an easy one. The results are amazing — my jaw feels aligned, my bite functions better than ever, and I don’t hide my smile anymore. I’m so grateful for the attentive care and encouragement I received!
“I never thought I’d find an orthodontic team that cared so much about how I felt throughout treatment. The surgical orthodontics process was explained clearly, I always felt supported, and the results speak for themselves. I can eat comfortably, my bite feels perfect, and I finally love my smile.
“My daughter had traditional braces with SmileCrew and the results are amazing! Dr. Despot was so patient with her and made every visit comfortable.”
“Dr. Despot and the team are amazing! They explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process.”
“SmileCrew made my orthodontic journey so smooth! The team is incredibly professional and caring. I’m thrilled with my new smile!”