Craniofacial Growth Guidance. By: Dr. Nishita Ondhia

Craniofacial Growth Guidance is proactive and therapeutic approach in dentistry and orthodontics which monitors and steers the development of a child’s jaw, face and airway into proper alignment during the peak growth years.  The treatment intervenes early to address narrow palates, primary crowding, crossbites, receding jaws, breathing issues and signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing.  The goal is to set-up the foundation for a healthy airway with proper tongue function.  The gold standard is nasal breathing, proper tongue function and ideal occlusion.

The target patient pool is children between the ages of 3 and 12 who have been screened and triaged for concerns with skeletal relationships, tongue function and sleep concerns.

Different methods are used to target the nasomaxillary complex.  The most predictable and reliable is Rapid Maxillary Expansion where there is an increase in the width of the maxilla affecting dental occlusion, nose size cheek support and orbit support.  Most importantly, space is created for the tongue promoting proper tongue function and nasal breathing.

If one is only interested in alignment of teeth with orthodontists, early intervention is not needed.  However, if there are signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing along with unideal craniofacial growth, exploring craniofacial growth guidance is indicated.

By: Dr. Nishita Ondhia