You may have noticed that at Nellie Gail Orthodontics, Dr. James & Dr. Stephanie specialize in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized field within orthodontics that focuses on guiding the development of your child’s facial structure. This approach works to harmonize the facial bones and soft tissues to achieve both optimal aesthetics and function, improving the overall facial appearance and jaw alignment.

Traditional orthodontics primarily focus on aligning the teeth, and this treatment can be applied to patients of all ages. While traditional braces are highly effective for straightening teeth, dentofacial orthopedics goes beyond simply adjusting teeth alignment. Dentofacial orthopedics is particularly effective when applied during the growth phase of a child’s development. For children and teenagers, this approach can guide facial bone growth and soft tissue development, helping to correct any imbalances in the jaw and facial structure before they become more difficult to treat. By focusing on the development of both the bones and soft tissues of the face, dentofacial orthopedics provides a more comprehensive approach to orthodontic care.

Our orthodontists, Dr. James and Dr. Stephanie, are uniquely qualified in both traditional orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This dual specialization is the result of extensive, additional training beyond standard orthodontic education. In fact, becoming an expert in dentofacial orthopedics typically requires an extra 2-3 years of education and clinical practice. This advanced training allows our orthodontists to address facial irregularities, jaw imbalances, and bone structure issues that can affect both the aesthetics and the function of the jaw and teeth. By understanding how the face and jawbones develop, we are able to plan treatments that address both immediate concerns and long-term development.

During your child’s orthodontic consultation, Dr. James and Dr. Stephanie will assess their specific needs and growth patterns. They will monitor their facial development and evaluate when to begin treatment to ensure the most effective results. For children who have not yet developed all their adult teeth, treatment may begin with Phase-One treatment. Phase-One treatment focuses on guiding the jaw’s growth to establish proper alignment, especially for issues related to bite problems, jaw development, or uneven growth patterns. By addressing these concerns early, Phase-One treatment can prevent more severe issues from developing in the future, potentially shortening the duration and complexity of future treatments.

In dentofacial orthopedics, various specialized appliances are used, depending on the needs of the patient. While braces are commonly used to align the teeth, other appliances like expanders, functional appliances, and retainers are often used to correct jaw imbalances, expand the palate, or guide growth. These appliances help reshape the jaw and facial bones to ensure that the teeth and jaw are properly aligned. In some cases, orthodontic treatment using braces or clear aligners may be combined with dentofacial orthopedic treatment to address both the alignment of the teeth and the development of the jaw and facial structure.

For younger patients, the bones are still developing, making it easier to modify their growth and achieve better results. However, for adults, the jaw and facial bones have already stopped growing, which means that treatment may require more invasive measures. In some adult cases, dentofacial orthopedics may involve surgical procedures to modify the jawbone and establish the proper bite alignment. While this may sound intimidating, the expertise of our board-certified orthodontists in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics ensures that every patient receives the right treatment plan tailored to their individual needs. We use the latest technology and techniques to minimize discomfort and ensure the best possible results, whether the treatment is orthodontic, dentofacial orthopedic, or a combination of both.

At Nellie Gail Orthodontics, we are committed to providing a holistic approach to orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic care. Our goal is to guide the growth and development of children, teenagers, and even adults, ensuring that their facial structure, jaw, and teeth are in harmony. With a combination of experience, knowledge, and advanced training, Dr. James and Dr. Stephanie are able to address the unique needs of each patient, creating personalized treatment plans that deliver both functional and aesthetic improvements.

Nellie Gail Orthodontics proudly serves Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, Irvine, and all of Orange County, providing high-quality dentofacial orthopedic treatment. Whether your child is in need of early intervention or you’re seeking treatment options for yourself, we are here to help guide you through the process. If you have specific concerns or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to ensure your orthodontic journey is as smooth and effective as possible, helping you or your child achieve not only a beautiful smile but also improved facial aesthetics and functionality for years to come.