What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized area of orthodontic care focused on guiding the growth and development of the jaw and facial bones. While orthodontics moves teeth, dentofacial orthopedics works with the underlying skeletal structures — shaping how the jaw grows, how the face develops, and how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other.
Dr. Kendrick is trained in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This combined expertise allows him to evaluate and treat not just tooth position but the structural framework that supports a healthy, functional bite.
How Jaw Growth Affects Bite And Facial Development.
A child’s jaws continue to grow through childhood and the teen years. If the upper or lower jaw grows too far forward, too far back, too narrow, or out of balance, it can affect how the teeth come together, how the face develops, and how complex orthodontic treatment may become later.
Dentofacial orthopedics allows Dr. Kendrick to evaluate jaw growth early and guide development while growth can still be directed. When timing is right, this can help create a healthier foundation for the bite, facial balance, and future orthodontic treatment.
.webp)
Common Problems Related to Jaw Development
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment may be appropriate for patients with:
- Significant overbite where the upper jaw protrudes forward
- Underbite where the lower jaw extends ahead of the upper
- Crossbite affecting jaw alignment and symmetry
- Narrow upper jaw creating crowding and bite problems
- Facial asymmetry related to uneven jaw growth
- Upper and lower jaws that do not grow in proper balance
- Jaw growth problems that may require more than braces alone
Early Orthodontic Evaluation
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, Dr. Kendrick can assess not only the teeth but also the developing jaw and facial structures — identifying concerns that benefit from early guidance.
Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment. In many cases, Dr. Kendrick monitors growth over time and intervenes at the most effective stage. When early treatment is recommended, it is because the timing offers a clear advantage for the patient's long-term outcome.
How Dentofacial Orthopedics Can Help
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment works with the body's natural growth process. By applying gentle, controlled forces to the jaw during periods of active development, Dr. Kendrick can encourage the jaw to grow in a more favorable direction — improving bite relationships, facial balance, and long-term dental health.
For younger patients, this type of guided growth can simplify or reduce the scope of orthodontic treatment needed later. For some, it may reduce the likelihood of needing jaw surgery as an adult.
Airway and Jaw Development Connection
Jaw structure and airway health are closely connected. A narrow upper jaw or underdeveloped midface can restrict nasal airway space, contributing to mouth breathing and disrupted sleep — particularly in children.
When Dr. Kendrick identifies a structural concern that may be affecting both bite development and airway function, he addresses both as part of a coordinated treatment plan. This integrated approach reflects his broader philosophy: treating the patient as a whole, not just the teeth in isolation.
Dr. Kendrick's Evaluation Process
Before recommending any dentofacial orthopedic treatment, Dr. Kendrick conducts a thorough evaluation that includes:
- Clinical examination of the teeth, bite, and jaw
- Advanced 3D CBCT imaging to assess jaw structure, growth patterns, and airway
- Facial and dental photographs
- Analysis of growth stage and skeletal development
This diagnostic process gives Dr. Kendrick a complete and accurate picture of each patient's situation — allowing for treatment planning that is precise, personalized, and appropriately timed.
Conservative and Individualized Treatment
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment at Kendrick Orthodontics is always conservative and patient-specific. Dr. Kendrick does not apply a standard protocol to every case. He evaluates each patient's growth stage, skeletal pattern, and treatment goals — and recommends only what is clinically justified.
Depending on the case, treatment may include:
- Functional appliances to encourage or redirect jaw growth
- Palatal expanders to widen a narrow upper jaw
- Headgear or growth modification devices when appropriate
- Coordinated Phase One and Phase Two treatment planning
- Monitoring without active treatment when timing is not yet right
Every recommendation is explained clearly. Families always understand the reasoning, the timeline, and what to expect at each stage.
Orthodontic FAQs
Have questions about jaw growth, early orthodontic evaluation, or dentofacial orthopedic treatment? Here are a few common questions we hear from parents.
Orthodontics focuses primarily on moving teeth. Dentofacial orthopedics addresses the underlying jaw and facial bone structure. Dr. Kendrick is trained in both, which allows him to treat bite and alignment concerns at both the dental and skeletal level.
Dr. Kendrick recommends a first evaluation by age 7. This allows him to assess jaw growth patterns early and determine whether intervention is needed, and if so, when.
Most patients experience mild pressure or adjustment discomfort when appliances are first placed or activated. This typically settles within a day or two. Dr. Kendrick explains what to expect at every stage.
In most cases, yes. Dentofacial orthopedics addresses jaw and skeletal development. Braces or aligners are typically used afterward to finalize tooth alignment. Dr. Kendrick outlines the full expected treatment path from the start.
For some patients, early jaw guidance can reduce the severity of skeletal discrepancies and, in certain cases, reduce the likelihood of needing surgical correction as an adult. Dr. Kendrick does not make guarantees, but he explains honestly what early treatment may and may not accomplish for each individual case.
Coverage depends on your plan and the specific treatment recommended. Our team reviews your benefits at the consultation and walks you through all payment options, including no-interest monthly plans.
The best way to know is through an orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Kendrick. He will assess your child’s jaw growth, bite, facial development, and airway-related concerns when appropriate. If treatment is needed, he will explain why, when to start, and what to expect. If treatment is not needed, he will tell you that clearly.
%203.webp)
