What is Dentofacial Orthodontics?

Dentofacial Orthopedics is not just about straightening teeth—it’s about achieving a harmonious balance between your teeth, jaws, and facial structure. At Midland Orthodontics, we understand that your smile is unique, and we aim to enhance every aspect to create a smile that truly reflects your individuality.

Benefits of Dentofacial Orthopedics:

• Improved Facial Aesthetics and Harmony – By aligning your teeth, correcting bite issues, and achieving facial symmetry, we enhance your facial aesthetics, giving you a smile that’s perfectly in tune with your appearance.

• Enhanced Oral Function and Bite Alignment – Dentofacial orthopedics optimizes your bite alignment, improving oral function and allowing you to chew, speak, and bite easily.

• Correction of Jaw Irregularities and Asymmetry – Our experts analyze your facial structure, correct jaw discrepancies, and ensure a balanced, symmetrical appearance.
• Addressing Breathing and Sleep Apnea Issues – Optimizing your jaw position and the airway can help alleviate these issues, giving you a better night’s sleep and improved overall well-being.
• Boosting Self-Confidence and Psychological Well-being – Dentofacial orthopedics empowers you to embrace your true self, exuding confidence in every situation.

Treatment Options at Midland Orthodontics

Braces:

• Traditional metal braces – Consist of metal brackets and wires that work together to shift teeth into their desired positions gradually.
• Ceramic braces – Made from tooth-colored materials, they blend in with your natural teeth for a less noticeable appearance.
• Lingual braces – For those seeking the utmost aesthetic discretion, they are placed on the back surfaces of your teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.

Clear aligners:

• Invisalign –  Clear, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. Invisalign aligners are comfortable, virtually invisible, and allow for easy oral hygiene and dietary flexibility.

• Orthognathic surgery – In cases where significant jaw irregularities or skeletal discrepancies exist, surgical orthodontics may be recommended. This surgical procedure repositions the jawbones to improve function, balance facial features, and enhance overall aesthetics.

• Functional appliances – Used to correct bite discrepancies and guide the growth and development of the jaws. They are typically removable and work by applying gentle pressure to promote proper alignment and balance.
• Adjunctive treatments –
• Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs): These small, temporary screws or mini-implants provide additional support during orthodontic treatment, allowing for precise control of tooth movement.
• Orthodontic Implants: Implants may be used in certain cases to anchor orthodontic appliances, providing stability and improving treatment outcomes.

The Process of Dentofacial Orthopedics

We’re here to guide you through the entire process, ensuring that you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Initial consultation and evaluation and comprehensive treatment planning

During your initial consultation, our expert orthodontic team will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and facial structure. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and desired outcomes for your smile transformation. Based on this evaluation, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will outline the recommended treatment options, estimated duration, and associated costs.

Preparing the teeth and jaws for treatment (if required)

In some cases, it may be necessary to prepare your teeth and jaws before beginning orthodontic treatment. This may involve tooth extractions or other orthodontic appliances to create sufficient space for proper alignment.

Placement of braces or aligners

Once your teeth and jaws are ready, it’s time to place braces or aligners. If you opt for traditional braces, our skilled orthodontists carefully bond brackets to your teeth and thread archwires through them. For clear aligners, we will provide you with a series of customized, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions.

Monitoring progress through regular check-ups

Throughout your treatment journey, we will schedule regular dental appointments to monitor your progress. During these visits, we will make any necessary adjustments to your braces or provide you with the next set of aligners, ensuring that your treatment stays on track.

Completion of active treatment and transition to the retention phase

Once your teeth have reached their desired positions, we will complete the active phase of your orthodontic treatment. At this point, we will remove your braces or conclude your aligner treatment. However, orthodontic treatment doesn’t end here! We will then transition you into the retention phase, providing you with retainers to maintain your beautifully aligned teeth. Retainers play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term stability of your smile.

Post-treatment follow-up and maintenance

After your active treatment is complete, we’ll schedule regular dental appointments to monitor the stability of your smile and address any concerns that may arise. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices and follow the instructions provided by our team to ensure the longevity and beauty of your newly transformed smile.

Dentofacial Orthopedics in Poway, CA 

At Midland Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing you with exceptional care throughout the entire dentofacial orthopedic process. Dr. Yoo and our experienced team will be by your side, offering support, guidance, and personalized attention to ensure a successful and rewarding orthodontic journey. If you think dentofacial orthopedics could be right for you or want to learn more about the process, contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward achieving your dream smile!