Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentofacial Orthopedics at Ridder Orthodontics
At Ridder Orthodontics, we’re passionate about helping children, teens, and adults achieve beautiful, balanced smiles that function as great as they look. While many people are familiar with orthodontics — the art of straightening teeth — fewer have heard of dentofacial orthopedics. This specialized field focuses on guiding the growth and development of the bones and facial structure, creating harmony between the teeth, jaws, and face.
Our team proudly provides dentofacial orthopedic treatment in Keller, Northlake, and Haslet, Texas, using advanced techniques and personalized care to support optimal facial growth and a lifetime of confident smiles.
What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting the relationship between the bones of the face and jaws. While orthodontics aligns the teeth, dentofacial orthopedics aligns the skeletal foundation beneath them.
In simpler terms, orthodontics moves teeth — dentofacial orthopedics moves bone. Orthopedic treatment helps ensure that the upper and lower jaws grow in the right direction, at the right rate, and in proper proportion to each other. When the jawbones are properly aligned, the teeth can come together correctly, supporting a balanced bite, clear speech, comfortable chewing, and a pleasing facial profile.
Being skilled in both areas, our doctor is able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.
How Dentofacial Orthopedics Works
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment often begins when a child is still growing, typically between the ages of 6 and 10. During this time, the facial bones are still developing, which allows orthodontists to guide and influence jaw growth rather than waiting until after growth is complete.
Treatment may involve the use of specialized appliances that gently encourage the jaws to grow in a balanced way. These appliances can help correct bite problems, improve facial symmetry, and make future orthodontic treatment (like braces or clear aligners) more effective and efficient.
Orthopedic Appliances for Growing Patients
Common appliances used in dentofacial orthopedics include:
- Palatal Expanders: Used to widen the upper jaw when it’s too narrow, improving the fit between upper and lower teeth and making space for incoming permanent teeth.
- Herbst Appliances: Helps correct lower jaw position in growing children with overbites by encouraging forward jaw growth.
- Headgear or Face Masks: Apply gentle forces to guide jaw growth in the right direction.
- Functional Appliances: Such as twin blocks or bionators, which help coordinate the upper and lower jaws for better alignment.
These devices are custom-made for each patient and used for a specific period of time, depending on growth patterns and treatment goals.
The Benefits of Early Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment
Early intervention in jaw and facial growth can have long-lasting benefits that go beyond straight teeth. Some of the most important advantages include:
- Improved Jaw Alignment – Properly aligned jaws support a balanced bite, reduce wear on teeth, and prevent jaw joint strain.
- Enhanced Facial Aesthetics – Guiding facial growth results in better symmetry and overall facial balance.
- Shorter Orthodontic Treatment Later – Addressing skeletal issues early often simplifies future orthodontic treatment, making braces or aligners faster and easier.
- Better Breathing and Function – A properly developed jaw structure can improve airway space, speech, and oral function.
- Long-Term Stability – Correcting the foundation of the bite early helps maintain stable, healthy results into adulthood.
At Ridder Orthodontics, we recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, in accordance with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). This allows us to detect jaw growth concerns early and guide them before they become more complex.
Who Needs Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedic treatment can benefit children and teens whose jaws are developing unevenly or whose bites are misaligned due to skeletal imbalance. Common signs that your child may benefit include:
- Crossbite (upper teeth sit inside lower teeth)
- Overbite or underbite
- Narrow upper jaw or crowded teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking
- Noticeable jaw shift or facial asymmetry
Even if your child doesn’t show obvious signs, an early orthodontic evaluation is the best way to ensure their growth is on track.
Our team at Ridder Orthodontics will perform a comprehensive exam, including digital imaging and growth assessment, to determine whether dentofacial orthopedic treatment is needed and when it should begin.
While dentofacial orthopedics is most effective during growth years, adults can also benefit. For patients whose jawbones have stopped growing, similar results may be achieved through orthognathic (jaw) surgery combined with orthodontic treatment.
Adult dentofacial orthopedic care focuses on:
- Correcting skeletal discrepancies that affect bite and facial balance.
- Improving chewing efficiency and TMJ comfort.
- Enhancing facial aesthetics for a more harmonious profile.
Our orthodontists work closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to plan and coordinate treatment for adult patients, using advanced 3D imaging and digital modeling to ensure precise results.
Our Approach at Ridder Orthodontics
At Ridder Orthodontics, we combine clinical expertise with a compassionate, family-focused approach. Every patient’s treatment plan is customized based on their unique growth patterns, facial structure, and goals.
Here’s what makes our approach different:
- Comprehensive Growth Monitoring: We track your child’s facial and jaw development over time to intervene at just the right stage.
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology: Digital X-rays and 3D scans give us a detailed view of skeletal structures for accurate diagnosis.
- Customized Treatment Plans: No two smiles are the same — we design each plan to fit the patient’s needs, comfort, and growth potential.
- Comfortable, Kid-Friendly Experience: We make every visit positive, educational, and stress-free for both parents and kids.
Our mission is to create not just straighter teeth, but healthier, more balanced faces that allow every child and adult to smile with confidence.
What to Expect During Treatment
When you visit one of our offices in Keller, Northlake, or Haslet for a dentofacial orthopedic evaluation, here’s what typically happens:
- Initial Consultation: We review medical and dental history, perform a thorough exam, and take diagnostic images.
- Growth and Development Analysis: Our orthodontists evaluate jaw relationships, growth direction, and symmetry.
- Customized Treatment Plan: If orthopedic intervention is needed, we’ll explain your options, timeline, and expected outcomes.
- Appliance Placement: When appropriate, a custom-made appliance is fitted to guide jaw growth or correct imbalance.
- Regular Progress Visits: We monitor changes every few weeks and adjust as needed for optimal results.
Our goal is to ensure parents understand each phase of treatment and feel confident that their child is receiving the highest quality of care.
Why Choose Ridder Orthodontics for Dentofacial Orthopedics
Choosing the right orthodontist for your child’s growth and development is an important decision. At Ridder Orthodontics, you’ll find:
- Experienced, Board-Certified Orthodontists: Skilled in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
- Three Convenient Locations: Serving families in Keller, Northlake, and Haslet, TX.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We use the latest diagnostic tools for precision planning.
- Personalized, Family-Focused Care: Every patient receives individualized attention and compassionate support.
- Long-Term Results: We focus on creating balanced facial growth that supports lifelong oral health.
We’re proud to be a trusted orthodontic provider in our community and to help families achieve healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re curious about whether dentofacial orthopedics could benefit your child, or if you’ve been referred for an evaluation, we’d love to help. Early treatment can make a big difference in your child’s long-term health, appearance, and confidence.
Contact Ridder Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation at one of our convenient locations in Keller, Northlake, or Haslet, Texas. Our friendly team will walk you through every step, answer all your questions, and help your child achieve the best possible foundation for a beautiful smile.