In some cases, braces can influence jaw growth, particularly when treatment begins at a young age.
Orthodontic treatment can indeed affect jaw growth, especially when initiated during childhood or adolescence when the jaw is still developing. While braces alone may not stop jaw growth entirely, certain orthodontic appliances used in conjunction with braces can guide and modify its direction.
How Braces and Appliances Influence Jaw Growth
Orthodontists utilize various appliances to influence jaw growth:
- Headgear: This appliance applies external force to guide jaw growth, often used to correct overbites.
- Functional Appliances: These appliances encourage the jaw to grow in a specific direction, addressing issues like underdeveloped jaws. Jaw Growth Modification – in some cases, especially when orthodontic treatment is initiated at a young age, braces can influence jaw growth. Orthodontists may use appliances such as headgear or functional appliances to guide the growth of the jaw in a desired direction. (Jaw Growth Modification – 15-Jan-2024)
Considerations
- Age: The younger the patient, the more potential there is to influence jaw growth.
- Type of Appliance: The specific appliance used will determine the type and extent of influence on jaw growth.
- Orthodontist's Expertise: Proper diagnosis and treatment planning are crucial to effectively guide jaw growth.
