What is facial orthopedics and what is its relationship with orthodontics?

Facial or maxillofacial orthopedics is a branch of orthodontics, and is the term used to correct growth problems in the jaws. It consists of using various devices in patients who are still developing in order to modify abnormal growth of the bones of the mouth. Orthopedics allows to avoid future long and complicated orthodontic treatments, as well as severe growth deficiencies in the jaws that would involve, if present in adult patients, surgery on the bones of the face.

There are a large number of orthopedic devices to correct the growth of the jaws, ranging from those that are placed extraorally (extraoral braces), to fixed or removable palates that are activated in order to achieve correction of the jaws.

Which specialist is appropriate to treat an orthopedic problem?

Facial orthopedics is a branch of orthodontics. Therefore, the most appropriate person to treat a problem with jaw growth is an orthodontist.

There are some refresher courses in orthopedics for pediatric dentists that serve to identify and treat some growth problems. However, orthodontists are the only ones who have studied this subspecialty in depth during their two or three years of training.

Is it possible to perform maxillary orthopedic treatment on an adult?

Definitely not, this is because it is only possible to modify the growth of the jaws in patients who are growing, so thinking about using an orthopedic device in an adult is biologically impossible.

How much can we modify the growth of the jaws with orthopedic treatment?

The magnitude usually ranges from 1 to 4 mm, however this modification will be directly proportional to the patient’s remaining growth, cooperation in using the device and the type of orthopedic therapy selected by the specialist.

Who should treat a jaw growth problem? An orthodontist or a pediatric dentist with knowledge in maxillofacial orthopedics?

Maxillofacial orthopedics, as we have already described, is an important part of the curriculum studied within a serious orthodontic program. Therefore, the ideal specialist to treat a growth problem in the jaws is the orthodontist. This is because a pediatric dentist does not have sufficient knowledge of maxillofacial orthopedics since most of it is obtained through diplomas or courses.