Maxillary orthopedics is a dental specialty focused on preventing, diagnosing, and correcting issues related to the development and growth of the facial bones and jaws. Unlike orthodontics, which primarily addresses tooth alignment, maxillary orthopedics focuses on the underlying bone structures, guiding their growth properly, especially in young patients.
This treatment plays a crucial role in achieving harmonious facial development and preventing future dental and functional issues. In this article, we will explore what maxillary orthopedics is, how it works, and the benefits it offers for facial growth.
What is maxillary orthopedics?
Maxillary orthopedics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in treating growth and developmental abnormalities of the maxillary and mandibular bones. This type of treatment is particularly effective for children and adolescents since their bones are still developing, allowing them to be shaped and guided into a more appropriate position.
Maxillary orthopedics employs a variety of functional and mechanical devices to influence bone growth. These devices, known as functional orthopedic appliances, are designed to correct imbalances in the size, shape, and position of the maxillary bones.
When is maxillary orthopedics recommended?
Maxillary orthopedics is recommended in situations where there is an imbalance in facial development or functional issues related to the jaws. Common cases include:
- Crossbite: When the upper teeth do not properly align with the lower teeth, causing facial asymmetries and chewing difficulties.
- Mandibular prognathism: When the lower jaw grows excessively forward, leading to facial imbalance.
- Mandibular retrognathism: When the lower jaw is positioned behind the upper jaw, affecting bite and facial aesthetics.
- Dental crowding: When the maxillary bones are too small to accommodate all teeth, leading to crowding.
- Respiratory problems: Structural alterations affecting breathing, such as mouth breathing syndrome, can also be treated with maxillary orthopedics.
- Harmful habits: Habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can impact bone growth, and maxillary orthopedics helps correct these effects.
How does maxillary orthopedics work?
Maxillary orthopedics uses functional appliances placed in the patient’s mouth to influence the growth and development of the maxillary and mandibular bones. These appliances can be removable or fixed, depending on the patient’s specific needs.
Primary goals of maxillary orthopedic treatment:
- Correcting bone misalignments: Guiding bone growth to improve jaw positioning.
- Enhancing facial balance: Improving facial aesthetics by correcting bone development imbalances.
- Preventing future dental issues: Creating an adequate bone foundation for proper alignment of permanent teeth.
- Improving function: Facilitating better biting, chewing, and breathing.
Types of appliances used in maxillary orthopedics:
- Functional appliances: Designed to stimulate or inhibit growth in certain bone areas using the patient’s muscle forces.
- Fixed appliances: Attached to teeth and remain in the mouth for a prolonged period to guide jaw growth.
- Face masks or palatal expanders: Used to address specific issues, such as expanding the palate or advancing the upper jaw.
Benefits of maxillary orthopedics
Maxillary orthopedic treatment offers numerous functional and aesthetic benefits. Key advantages include:
1. Improved facial balance
Maxillary orthopedics not only addresses dental issues but also enhances facial harmony by guiding the growth of facial and jaw bones.
2. Prevention of future complications
Treating bone growth issues early prevents severe complications in adulthood, such as advanced malocclusions or the need for maxillofacial surgeries.
3. Improved respiratory function
In many cases, maxillary orthopedics helps correct respiratory problems associated with bone structure issues, such as mouth breathing or sleep apnea.
4. Promotion of proper bite alignment
By aligning the jaws correctly, the treatment improves bite function, facilitating better chewing and speech.
5. Increased self-esteem
A balanced face and aligned smile positively impact both health and the patient’s confidence.
What is the difference between maxillary orthopedics and orthodontics?
Although related, maxillary orthopedics and orthodontics have different objectives and methods:
- Maxillary orthopedics: Focuses on correcting jawbone growth. It is more effective in children and adolescents since their bones are still developing.
- Orthodontics: Centers on aligning teeth and correcting bite issues using braces, aligners, or other devices.
In many cases, maxillary orthopedic treatment is performed before orthodontics to create a proper bone foundation and facilitate tooth alignment.
Who can benefit from maxillary orthopedics?
Maxillary orthopedic treatment is mainly aimed at children and adolescents, as their bones are in an active growth stage, allowing effective bone shaping and guidance. However, some adults can also benefit from this treatment, though options may be more limited.
When is the right time to start?
Early evaluation is key. It is recommended that children visit an orthodontist or maxillary orthopedic specialist by the age of 6 to identify potential facial growth issues and plan timely treatment.
Maxillary orthopedics is a powerful tool for correcting facial growth problems and improving long-term oral health. By addressing jaw and mandibular abnormalities early, this treatment not only prevents future complications but also enhances the patient’s quality of life by promoting a harmonious and functional smile.
If you believe that you or your child could benefit from maxillary orthopedics, consult a specialist at Beamann dental clinic in CDMX for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment are key to achieving the best results. Your oral and facial health will thank you!