A smile depends on more than the position of the teeth. The upper and lower jaws, and the facial bones that support them, set the stage for how the teeth fit and how the face looks in profile. Dentofacial orthopedics is the part of orthodontic care that guides that bony foundation while a child is still growing. At Premiere Orthodontics in Winter Springs, Dr. Jason Battle uses growth guidance and orthodontic appliances to help young patients develop balanced jaws before small issues become larger ones.
Where “Dento” Meets “Facial”
Orthodontics focuses mainly on moving teeth and aligning the jaws. Dentofacial orthopedics looks at how the face is developing in relation to those teeth and jaws. Its purpose is to guide the bones that support the teeth, and that shape facial appearance, toward harmonious, proportional development.
When the two disciplines are combined in a single custom plan, Dr. Battle can address appearance and function together. Instead of only lining up teeth on a jaw that is too narrow or set too far back, treatment works on the foundation first.
Why Timing Matters So Much
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment works best while the jaw and facial bones are still developing. Treatment that begins during growth works with the body’s natural development rather than against it. Once the bones have matured and stabilized, the same correction may require more involved methods, and in significant skeletal cases that can mean jaw surgery.
This is the reason the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic screening by age 7, or sooner if a parent notices a concern. For families with children at Lawton Elementary, Rainbow Elementary or Indian Trails Elementary, that often lines up with the early grade school years, when many permanent teeth are still on their way in.
What Dr. Battle Looks For in a Growing Child
At your child’s first orthodontic visit, Dr. Battle evaluates jaw growth, facial development and bite alignment. He is looking for patterns that are easier to guide now than to correct later, such as:
- An upper jaw that is too narrow for the permanent teeth
- Crowding, overlapping or teeth at risk of becoming impacted
- Too much space in the jaw, leading to gapped teeth
- Crossbites, underbites or overbites that stem from how the jaws are growing
Many of these trace back to space in the width of the jaws. You can read about other common orthodontic issues and how they present. Not every child needs treatment right away. When monitoring is the better choice, your child can join our Kids Club observation visits so we can watch growth and start care at the ideal moment.
Appliances That Guide Growth
Dentofacial orthopedics relies on orthodontic appliances that influence how the jaws develop or hold space for incoming teeth. Dr. Battle chooses them based on what the exam shows, and they may be used alongside braces or clear aligners.
Palatal expander
The rapid palatal expander is bonded to the upper molars on both sides, with a small screw in the center. Turning the screw with a special key widens the palate gradually, creating room for teeth to erupt in healthy alignment and helping prevent crowding and impaction. We walk parents through how to activate, clean and care for it.
Reverse-pull headgear
Also called an orthodontic facemask, reverse-pull headgear pulls the upper jaw forward to improve how the jaws line up. It treats underbite conditions that might otherwise call for jaw surgery and can be especially helpful for young children.
Space maintainers and molar appliances
A lower lingual arch holds space for premolars to come in and helps shape the lower arch. A Nance appliance keeps the upper molars from rotating or drifting forward. The Pendulum appliance and Distal Jet sit in the roof of the mouth and shift molars back to create room for other teeth.
From Growth Guidance to Finished Smile
Dentofacial orthopedics is often the first phase of care. After the jaws have been guided into better proportion, a second phase with braces or clear aligners aligns the permanent teeth. Because the foundation is already in place, that later phase has a better starting point. Many families move into braces for kids once enough permanent teeth have arrived.
Dr. Battle has over 20 years of experience in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, and he holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies with High Honors in the Specialty of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.
Visiting Our Winter Springs Office
Our office location is at 5733 Canton Cv, off SR 417 and close to the Tuskawilla Rd and Red Bug Lake Rd intersection. Families from Glen Eagle, Barrington Estates and Stable Gable, along with nearby Oviedo, can reach us easily for appliance checks. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and DentalMonitoring virtual check-ins can cut down on trips during active treatment.
We accept most insurance, including PPO, HMO and DeltaCare, offer a Medicaid discount, and provide zero-interest in-house financing with low or no down payment. When your child completes full treatment with us, results are backed by our Lifetime Orthodontic Guarantee, and lifetime professional teeth whitening is included after treatment.
Dentofacial Orthopedics FAQ
Is dentofacial orthopedics only for children?
It is most effective while bones are still growing, which is why it is usually started in childhood.
Does every child with crowding need an appliance?
No. Dr. Battle recommends an appliance only when the exam shows it will help. Some children simply need monitoring until the right time to begin.
Will my child still need braces later?
Often, yes. Growth guidance prepares the jaws, and braces or aligners usually follow to align the permanent teeth.
To find out how your child’s jaws are developing, call (407) 699-1200 or schedule a New Patient Exam. The consultation is complimentary.