At McDonough Orthodontics, we are dedicated to straightening teeth and crafting beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Located in the heart of Murray, Utah, our practice provides top-notch orthodontic care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Today, we are presenting the fascinating world of dentofacial orthopedics, a specialized branch of orthodontics that goes beyond straightening teeth to address the harmony and balance of the entire face.
What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
You probably know that an orthodontist straightens teeth, and indeed: “ortho” comes from the Greek for “straight” or “correct,” and “dontic” for “teeth.” But what about dentofacial orthopedics? Dentofacial is “teeth” plus “face,” while “ortho” again means “straight,” and “pedic” means “child.” Hence, dentofacial orthopedics is a more comprehensive approach that considers the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and facial structures, especially in growing children.
Dr. David McDonough is skilled in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He can diagnose any misalignments in the teeth, jaw, and facial structure and devise a treatment plan that integrates both. Dentofacial orthopedics allows us to address dental issues and skeletal discrepancies that may affect facial aesthetics and function.
At McDonough Orthodontics, we understand that a beautiful smile is more than straight teeth; it’s about achieving facial symmetry, proper bite alignment, and a harmonious balance between the face’s features.
The Importance of Dentofacial Orthopedics and Early Intervention
One of the fundamental principles of dentofacial orthopedics is interceptive treatment, which involves addressing orthodontic issues at a young age while the jaws are still developing. By guiding the growth of the jaws during childhood and adolescence, we can correct skeletal imbalances and prevent more serious orthodontic problems from developing later on.
Early intervention with dentofacial orthopedics can help:
1. Correct bite abnormalities such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
2. Guide proper jaw growth to avoid overcrowding and tooth extraction.
3. Improve facial symmetry and balance for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
4. Enhance oral function, including chewing, speaking, and breathing.
Customized Treatment Plans
Dr. Dave creates a customized treatment plan that addresses each patient’s orthodontic concerns and goals. Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, we offer a range of orthodontic appliances and techniques to achieve optimal results, including:
- Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and create space for crowded teeth.
- Functional appliances to correct bite problems and encourage proper jaw growth.
- Orthognathic surgery for more severe skeletal discrepancies that we cannot correct with braces alone.
Transforming Smiles, Transforming Lives with Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
At McDonough Orthodontics, we understand the profound impact that a beautiful, confident smile can have on a person’s life. By incorporating dentofacial orthopedics into our comprehensive orthodontic treatment approach, we’re not just straightening teeth—we’re transforming smiles and enhancing overall facial aesthetics and function.
Our Complimentary OWLS Program for Children Ages 7-12
The Orthodontic Wellness Program, or “OWLS” program, at McDonough Orthodontics, consists of regular complimentary visits for our young patients. Our OWLS program is the beginning of a healthy, beautiful, and lifelong smile.
OWLS patients are children ages 7-12 who are transitioning from baby teeth to adult teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7. Seeing a child by age 7 gives us the best chance of catching problems early. Not to mention, this will also help prevent problems that may negatively impact a growing face and smile
Beyond Straightening: Crafting Lifelong Smiles at McDonough Orthodontics
In conclusion, at McDonough Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to crafting beautiful, healthy smiles that go beyond just straightening teeth. Through dentofacial orthopedics, we ensure harmony and balance in every smile. Early intervention, like our OWLS program for children ages 7-12, sets the stage for lifelong oral health. With customized treatment plans tailored to each patient, we are not just transforming smiles – we are transforming lives.
If you or your child are in need of orthodontic care, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team at McDonough Orthodontics.
Your Friendly Orthodontic Team