Dr. George Dula offers special dentofacial orthopedics in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at Lake Country Orthodontics that focuses on improving and balancing out your face, jaw and oral structures. Our goal is to help improve your oral health with whatever means possible. Schedule a consultation with our orthodontist to discuss your child’s options by calling 580-226-2331.
Adult dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized area of orthodontics that focuses on the correction of jaw and facial structure imbalances in mature patients. While this type of treatment is often associated with children, adults can also benefit from dentofacial orthopedics, particularly when they have issues related to the alignment of their jaws or facial bones that affect their overall oral health and appearance. For adults, dentofacial orthopedic treatment typically involves a combination of orthodontics and, in some cases, surgery. Unlike children, whose bones are still growing and can be more easily guided, adults have fully developed and hardened bone structures. This makes it more challenging to correct significant discrepancies between the jaws or facial bones without surgical intervention. Jaw surgery, known as orthognathic surgery, may be necessary to reposition the jaw into a more favorable alignment, which can then be followed by orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth and ensure a proper bite.
Undergoing adult dentofacial orthopedics can lead to a variety of benefits beyond just an improved appearance. Correcting jaw misalignments can alleviate chronic pain, such as headaches or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and improve the function of your bite, making it easier to chew and speak. Additionally, addressing these issues can enhance overall oral health by reducing the risk of tooth wear, gum disease and other complications that can arise from misaligned jaws or teeth.
If you are experiencing discomfort or are unhappy with the alignment of your jaw or facial structure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced orthodontist. We will carefully assess your condition and discuss whether adult dentofacial orthopedics is the right option for you. With the right treatment plan, you can achieve a healthier, more balanced smile and improve your quality of life.
FAQ
What is adult dentofacial orthopedics, and how does it differ from regular orthodontic treatment?
Adult dentofacial orthopedics focuses on correcting jaw and facial structure imbalances in mature patients, whereas traditional orthodontics primarily addresses the alignment of teeth. While orthodontics uses braces or aligners to straighten teeth, dentofacial orthopedics often involves a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgical intervention to correct the position of the jawbones. This approach is necessary for adults because their bones have fully developed, making non-surgical correction of significant jaw discrepancies more challenging. The goal is to achieve a balanced facial structure, proper bite alignment and overall oral health improvement.
Why might an adult need dentofacial orthopedic treatment?
Adults may require dentofacial orthopedic treatment if they have jaw misalignments or facial structure issues that impact their oral health, appearance or quality of life. Conditions such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite or asymmetrical jaw can lead to problems like TMJ disorders, chronic headaches, difficulty chewing or speech impediments. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your smile, dentofacial orthopedics can address these functional issues, reducing pain and discomfort and preventing future dental complications. This comprehensive approach helps ensure long-term oral health and overall well-being.
What does the treatment process for adult dentofacial orthopedics involve?
The treatment process for adult dentofacial orthopedics typically begins with a thorough evaluation by your orthodontist, who will assess your jaw alignment, bite and facial structure. If significant jaw discrepancies are identified, orthognathic surgery may be recommended to reposition the jaw. After surgery, orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, is used to align the teeth and ensure a proper bite. The entire process can take several months to a few years, depending on the complexity of the case. Our orthodontist will provide a personalized treatment plan and timeline based on your specific needs.
Is dentofacial orthopedic treatment painful, and what is the recovery like?
Like any orthodontic or surgical procedure, dentofacial orthopedic treatment may involve some discomfort, particularly after jaw surgery. Pain and swelling are common following surgery, but these can be managed with prescribed pain medications and proper care. Recovery from surgery typically takes a few weeks, during which time you may need to follow a soft food diet and limit physical activity. The orthodontic phase of treatment may cause mild discomfort as your teeth move into alignment, similar to what is experienced with traditional braces. However, the long-term benefits of improved jaw function and a balanced facial appearance outweigh the temporary discomfort. Our orthodontist will guide you through each step of the process and provide tips for a smooth recovery.