Craniofacial Orthodontics
Craniofacial orthodontics is a specialized branch of orthodontics focused on treating patients with birth defects, craniofacial anomalies, or jaw and facial irregularities. At SmileCrew, our orthodontists collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of oral surgeons, craniofacial plastic surgeons, and speech pathologists to plan and execute comprehensive treatment. This team-based approach ensures proper growth, alignment, and function while addressing aesthetic and health concerns.
Understanding Cleft Lip & Palate
A cleft lip or palate is a congenital condition where the upper lip or roof of the mouth doesn’t fully close during fetal development. This can result in openings in the lip, palate, or both. While the exact cause is often unknown, genetic factors and maternal environmental exposures during pregnancy may contribute.
Cleft lip and palate can affect more than appearance:
Eating Challenges:
Openings in the palate can allow food and liquids to pass into the nasal cavity. Special prosthetics can help ensure adequate nutrition before surgery.
Speech Difficulties:
Improperly formed lips and palate can affect speech clarity, sometimes producing a nasal tone. Early orthodontic and speech interventions support improved communication.
Our team ensures that both functional and aesthetic needs are addressed at every stage of care.
Why Craniofacial Orthodontics Matters
Craniofacial orthodontics improves chewing, speech, jaw function, and facial symmetry, while also preparing patients for or supporting surgical treatments. By guiding growth and coordinating care, we aim to optimize long-term outcomes and overall quality of life.
Who Can Benefit from Craniofacial Orthodontics?
Craniofacial orthodontics is ideal for patients with:
Congenital anomalies such as cleft lip/palate or craniofacial syndromes
Facial asymmetry or jaw misalignment affecting bite, chewing, or speech
Missing or extra teeth due to developmental conditions
Complicated skeletal or dental issues requiring multidisciplinary care
Early evaluation is key. For children, the best results often come from timely intervention while facial bones are still growing, though adults can also benefit from specialized craniofacial treatment.
Specialized Care for Facial & Jaw Development
Our approach combines advanced orthodontic techniques with a multidisciplinary team — including oral surgeons, craniofacial plastic surgeons, and speech therapists — to ensure optimal growth, alignment, and function while enhancing aesthetic outcomes.
Benefits of Craniofacial Orthodontics
Enhanced facial symmetry and aesthetics
Improved chewing, speech, and breathing function
Long-term stability of jaw and teeth alignment
Increased confidence and quality of life
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!”