Orthopedic treatment uses the growth of a child's jaws to correct skeletal problems before they become fixed. Examples include a face mask to bring a small upper jaw forward in an underbite, and functional appliances to encourage the lower jaw in a Class II bite. Done at the right age, it can reduce or avoid the need for jaw surgery later.
Problems we can treat early
- Underbite (Class III) with a small upper jaw
- Protruding upper teeth with a set-back lower jaw (Class II)
- Crossbites and jaw shifts
- Habits such as thumb sucking affecting jaw shape
Common orthopedic appliances
- Face mask (reverse-pull headgear)Worn mainly at home and while sleeping, often with an expander, to bring the upper jaw forward.
- Functional appliancesRemovable or fixed devices that hold the lower jaw forward during growth.
- ExpandersWiden a narrow upper jaw to correct crossbites.
- Skeletally anchored optionsMini-screws or plates can make orthopedic forces more effective in selected patients.
Why see an orthodontist by age 7?
By about 7, enough permanent teeth and jaw growth are present to spot skeletal problems. Most children need no treatment yet, but for the few who do, the timing makes a real difference to what is possible without surgery.
Who will treat you
Dr. Mukund D. Sawant, MDS (Orthodontics) from PGIMER Chandigarh with All India Rank 1 and residency at AIIMS New Delhi, plans and supervises every orthopedic growth modification case at MDS Dental Care & Orthodontics, Badlapur.