Facial Growth Modification
As part of the interceptive orthodontic process, growth modification treatment is utilized in the first phase of two-stage orthodontic treatment for children with misaligned teeth, jaw bones and bites. It is most effective during a child’s growth spurts, when bones are still in the growing process.
Growth modification appliances are used to correct the shape, position or width of the jawbone(s).
What is the Optimum Age for Growth Modification?
Although orthodontic care can straighten teeth at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin jaw growth modification. The younger your child, the more ideal the treatment outcome. Early mixed dentition, which is marked by the emergence of the secondary teeth at the ages of 6 to 7, is considered the optimum age for most types of malocclusion. When growth modification is properly utilized, a severe problem that might require corrective surgery in the future can be corrected in a non-invasive and gentle way.
Growth Modification can be used to effectively treat the following :
- Facial Asymmetry
- Teeth Crowding (without extractions)
- Cross Bites
- Open Bites
- Overbites
- Underbites
Growth Modification Appliances can be of 2 types :
- (a) Orthopaedic
- (b) Myofunctional
Orthopaedic
It is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Facemask
Headgear
Myofunctional
Myofunctional appliances harnesses the natural muscular forces and transmits it to the teeth and alveolar bone in a predetermined direction. It is mainly used for correction of skeletal discrepancy (basal bone / arch relationship) and to some extent dental anomalies.
Powerscope Advasync 2
Twinblock
Powerscope Advasync 2
It can be used to correct a malocclusion in three planes : Anterior-Posterior, Vertical and Transverse.
Appliances can be –
- (A) Removable
- (B) Fixed
Appliances can correct malocclusion in all 3 planes :
- (A) Sagittal - Class II and Class III Malocclusion
- (B) Vertical - open or deep bite
- (C) Transverse – expansion of either Maxillary or Mandibular arch
It includes – Facemask, Headgear, Twin block, Frankel, Forsus, Powerscope, Advasync 2 etc .