Dentoalveolar compensation plays a critical role in modern orthodontics, helping correct skeletal discrepancies without requiring surgical intervention. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, with offices in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, California, Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke specialize in using dentoalveolar compensation techniques to provide effective, non-surgical solutions for children and teenagers with jaw misalignments.
Expert Orthodontic Care for Kids and Teens at Burke & Redford Orthodontists
Balancing Skeletal Discrepancies
By leveraging self-ligating braces (Damon braces, ceramic braces, and metal braces) and Invisalign for Teens, Burke & Redford Orthodontists offer customized treatment plans that guide teeth into esthetic alignment while compensating for underlying jaw discrepancies.
What is Dentoalveolar Compensation?
Dentoalveolar compensation is the natural or orthodontic adaptation of the teeth and their surrounding alveolar bone to compensate for skeletal discrepancies in the jaw. When the upper and lower jaws are mismatched in size or position, the teeth can tilt, shift, or reposition themselves to maintain bite functionality.
This process is especially beneficial for children and teenagers, as it allows orthodontists to correct bite misalignment without resorting to more aggressive options like orthognathic surgery. By properly guiding tooth movement, dentoalveolar compensation can improve both function and esthetics in growing patients.
Common Skeletal Discrepancies Where Dentoalveolar Compensation is Used:
- Class II Malocclusion (Overbite) – Upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth.
- Class III Malocclusion (Underbite) – The lower teeth and jaw extend forward beyond the upper jaw.
- Deep Bites – The upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.
- Open Bites – A vertical gap exists between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are touching.
- Facial Asymmetries – Uneven jaw growth leads to an imbalanced facial profile.
Early detection and intervention with dentoalveolar compensation techniques can prevent worsening misalignment and reduce the need for invasive treatments later.
Treatment Approaches for Dentoalveolar Compensation
At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, our expert team provides cutting-edge orthodontic solutions to manage skeletal imbalances in children and teenagers. The treatment method depends on the severity of the discrepancy and the child’s stage of growth.
- Self-Ligating Braces: Efficient and Comfortable Treatment
Self-ligating braces are a highly effective tool in dentoalveolar compensation because they provide controlled and precise tooth movement. Our practice offers the following options:
- Metal and Ceramic Damon Braces – These advanced braces allow for gentler tooth movement and faster treatment times than traditional braces.
- Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces – A more discreet option for teenagers who prefer less noticeable braces.
- Self-Ligating Metal Braces – Durable and reliable for more severe skeletal discrepancies.
These braces help balance jaw discrepancies by repositioning teeth to achieve an optimal bite without causing unnecessary strain.
- Invisalign Clear Aligners and Invisalign for Teens
For mild to moderate skeletal discrepancies, Invisalign for Teens can be used to shift teeth into alignment while compensating for jaw imbalances.
- Custom attachments help direct tooth movement for improved dentoalveolar compensation.
- Removability allows easier oral hygiene for kids and teenagers.
- Effective for open bites and mild Class II or Class III cases.
- Growth Modification Appliances for Skeletal Discrepancies
For younger children, orthodontic appliances can encourage the proper development of the jaw and bite. These appliances include:
- Palatal Expanders – Used for children with narrow upper jaws to improve bite alignment.
- Reverse-Pull Headgear (Protraction Facemasks) – Encourages forward growth of the upper jaw in Class III malocclusion cases.
- Herbst Appliance – Helps guide lower jaw growth forward in overbite cases.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands) – Used with braces and Invisalign to encourage proper bite positioning.
- Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
For more complex cases requiring greater control over tooth movement, Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) provide a stable support system for dentoalveolar compensation.
- Prevents undesired tooth movement while guiding correction.
- Improves the efficiency of bite correction for severe misalignments.
- Often used alongside self-ligating braces for optimal results.
Benefits of Properly Timed Orthodontic Intervention for Kids and Teens
Early treatment with dentoalveolar compensation can:
- Prevent worsening jaw discrepancies
- Reduce the need for surgery later in life
- Improve chewing, speech, and facial symmetry
- Shorten overall orthodontic treatment time
- Enhance self-confidence in teenagers
By guiding teeth into an ideal position early, Burke & Redford Orthodontists help ensure that children and teens experience lasting oral health benefits and esthetic improvements.
FAQs About Dentoalveolar Compensation
Q: What is the best age to begin dentoalveolar compensation treatment?
A: The AAO recommends children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. Early intervention ensures the best possible outcome.
Q: Will my child need surgery, or can braces fix the issue?
A: Many skeletal discrepancies can be treated with self-ligating braces and orthodontic appliances. Extreme cases may require surgery once growth is complete.
Q: Can Invisalign work for dentoalveolar compensation?
A: Invisalign can help with mild to moderate skeletal discrepancies, but braces are more effective for severe cases.
Q: How long does dentoalveolar compensation treatment take?
A: Treatment duration depends on the severity of the jaw misalignment, but most cases require 12 to 24 months.
Why Parents Trust Burke & Redford Orthodontists
For over 30 years, Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke have been the leading Temecula orthodontists, providing expert orthodontic care tailored to each patient’s needs. Families choose Burke & Redford Orthodontists for:
- State-of-the-art technology, including 3D imaging for precise diagnostics.
- Personalized treatment plans designed for optimal dentoalveolar compensation.
- A welcoming, family-friendly environment for kids and teenagers.
- Flexible financing and PPO insurance acceptance to make treatment affordable.
Request an Orthodontic Consultation for Your Child or Teen Today!
If your child or teenager has jaw misalignment, an overbite, underbite, or other bite concerns, contact Burke & Redford Orthodontists today!
📞 Call (951) 699-8011 or request a consultation online to start your child’s journey to a healthier, more confident smile!
Temecula & Lake Elsinore’s Most Trusted Orthodontic Specialists in the Inland Empire!