Craniofacial

Patients and families with craniofacial needs, including cleft lip and/or palate, require several years of treatment to align jaws, shape jaw segments and align teeth. Numerous specialists are commonly involved in their care and have a passion for improving the lives of these children/patients. In order to help families better understand treatment stages and associated fees, below is an overview of the possible treatment stages depending on the patients age, dental development, and skeletal development.

Arch Development/Alignment – Maxilla (4-7 years)

During this stage of treatment, the maxillary arch is widened. This is typically done with some type of expansion device and may or may not include braces. The goal is to shape the maxillary arch and widen the maxillary segment in preparation for a bone graft to fill the hole.

Growth Modification and Alignment of Initially Erupted Teeth (8-11 years)

During this stage of treatment, if a discrepancy exists between the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (low jaw), whether Class II or Class III, a growth modification appliance may be utilized. Examples of such appliances are: Reverse Pull Facemask, Forsus, Herbst, and Headgear. Additionally, braces may be placed to align the erupting teeth and another expander may be required as the patient is growing.

Comprehensive Orthodontics and Final Alignment of Teeth and Jaws (12-18 years)

During this stage of treatment, comprehensive orthodontics will occur. The patient will have braces placed on all permanent teeth to align teeth and jaws. If a jaw discrepancy still exists, either further growth modification may be indicated or in severe cases orthognathic surgery may be required to achieve a functioning occlusion (bite) while balancing the esthetics.

Each stage of treatment has corresponding fees which are dependent on length, type and difficulty.

Although treatment phases vary from 6 months to 3 years, Drs. Meredith Quimby and Kelly Collins will likely see your child from ages 3-18 (or longer). As a result, we want you to feel you are a part of the Quimby and Collins family as we get to know you and your family.

Quimby and Collins Orthodontics hopes that this treatment overview has given you and your family more insight into the staging and comprehensiveness of the care provided to you or your child.