Jaw growth is a slow and gradual process. In some children, the upper, lower jaw or both - may grow too much or too little. This abnormal growth can interfere with the alignment of the child’s teeth and their ability to speak and chew.
Some jaw deformities can be treated with braces or other orthodontic appliances. For more serious problems due to abnormal jaw growth, corrective surgery may be recommended to improve jaw alignment. Doctors at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health utilize a variety of surgical techniques, including traditional bone grafts and bone lengthening procedures. The goal of surgical treatment is to improve function and restore facial balance. For many patients, a combination of surgical and orthodontic treatment is utilized over time to create the best result.
Children with jaw deformities may have trouble speaking and chewing. An improper bite may also cause long-term problems with the teeth and gums. The jaw joint may be affected as well.
April 15th, 2013 | The Heads Up!!! Foundation recently donated $3,000 to the Cleft and Craniofacial Program at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. The gift will pay for the purchase of the “Craniofacial Family Notebook” which is given to parents of newborns at their first clinic visit. The notebook contains valuable educational information about… Continue Reading
February 24th, 2013 | The sweet taste of maple syrup will be flowing at the National Maple Syrup Festival on the first two weekends in March, and all the proceeds from the festival – going to The Heads Up!!! Foundation – will literally help put a sweet smile on the face of hundreds of children born with cleft palates and other facial anomalies. "Each year this… Continue Reading
January 23rd, 2013 | As any experienced parent knows, every developmental stage brings not only new skills that delight, but often difficult behaviors that challenge. The first time that most parents realize this fact is when their sweet baby becomes a “terrible” toddler. Below is a summary of some of the typical, but difficult behaviors that appear in this… Continue Reading
