Growth Modification

What is Growth Modification?

Orthodontists can use special appliances that help with growth modification, which is also known as interceptive treatment. These appliances align children’s teeth, jaws, and bite by modifying the alignment, position, and/or width of their jawbones. 

There are a variety of appliances available for modifying growth, including:

• Removable plate – a removable appliance that prevents future orthodontic problems by  changing the position of the teeth and/or widening the upper jaw
• Palatal expander – an appliance that corrects cross bite and narrow arches by expanding the upper jaw.
• Twin Block – a removable appliance that guides teeth and jaw growth.
• Herbst – an appliance attached to the upper and lower molars that corrects overjet caused by a small lower jaw.

How does Growth Modification treatment work?

During growth modification treatment, children wear a specially designed appliance that helps guide the jaw into the right position, making the teeth and bite to fit correctly. By using custom-made appliances, the jaws can be guided to a more favourable position by taking advantage of the body’s natural growth. Because of this, growth modification is most effective during a child’s growth spurt.

What are the benefits of Growth Modification treatment?

As the body grows, growth modification treatments intercept problems before they become more serious, and they can actually prevent the need for more invasive treatments later in life. Often, a severe problem, which would otherwise require surgical treatment, can be addressed much more gently with growth modification treatment. In this phase, appliances can also assist a child’s dental development and help regulate important functions like breathing, swallowing, chewing, and speaking.

Should my child wear a Growth Modification appliance?

Even though orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth at any age, jaw growth modification is optimal during a certain period of time. There is an ideal age for each child to use growth modification appliances, which ranges from 6 to 12 years old. Thus, we recommend seeing an orthodontist sooner rather than later so the best timing can be determined.

How much does Growth Modification treatment cost?

The cost of treatment depends on the complexity of the problem.