Franklin Doctors

Is Surgery the Only Solution to Fix Mandible?

My daughter just turned 16 this month and she already had braces in the lower teeth, but we have noticed that her lower teeth are pointing outwards and she has a very noticeable overbite. Orhtodontist recommends breaking jaw/surgery to move the whole bone forward and then braces to correct tilting of teeth. Is this the only solution?

I approach bite problems with the "functional jaw Orthopedic" technique.  The best time to influence the dental arches is early in developement as one's face and jaw are still growing.  This gives us time to expand the upper arch (maxilla) and to upright teeth and advance the mandible (lower jaw).  By using expansion appliances, either upper or lower, we can influence facial profile, TMJ position, tooth position, and tongue position which all influence speech, health and self- esteem.  70% of the children I see in my practice have under-developed arches.  This means the arch form is too narrow and the lower jaw is too far posteriorly positioned.( too far back) This is called early interceptive orthodontics and is MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE, stable and painless than surgery. Look for a DDS, pediatric dentist or orthodontist that is trained in functional appliances. You and your kids will be glad you did !!!

Thomas Lokensgard, DDS, NMD

Franklin Cosmetic Dentist