Overcoming genetic predisposition can seem like an insurmountable obstacle for parents. We want our children to have the chance at a better life than we had, including the physical limitations they inherit. The good news about facial development is that it can be corrected. Through noninvasive appliances, myofunctional exercises, and good habits, parents can promote the optimal facial development of their child.
Keys to Optimal Facial Development
The face is primarily made up of two bones, the maxilla, and the mandible. These bones are the upper and lower jaws which do a lot more than hold our teeth. The upper and lower jaws contribute to:
- Nasal cavity
- Airway space
- Cheekbones
- Teeth alignment
Importance of Early Intervention
The best thing parents can do to ensure the complete development of their children’s faces is to work together with their dentist. Early intervention is crucial because children are still growing and developing while they’re young. The more malleable and impermanent their features are, the more control a dentist will have in encouraging optimal development.
Options for Complete Facial Development
If you and your partner are concerned about the genes, your child is set to inherit, and how they can affect their facial development, you’re not alone. A balanced face can protect people against disease, ridicule, and poor self-esteem, all of which are especially important for children. Some of the best options available for childhood facial growth guidance include:
- Noninvasive appliances – Orthodontic devices such as ControlledArch can stimulate proper jaw development and maintain the balance of the patient’s jaws
- Myofunctional exercises – Tongue and oral muscle exercises can train children (and adults) proper posture and resting positions
- Teaching good habits and correcting poor habits – Correcting bad habits like thumb sucking, teeth grinding, clenching, and mouth breathing can help prevent damage to teeth and reduce the influence of other environmental factors
Health Concerns for People With Underdeveloped Jaws
Ensuring complete jaw and facial development can create a healthy, attractive face, but it can also prevent the onset of certain conditions. An underdeveloped jaw can promote conditions such as:
- [link id=’115′ text=’Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)‘ esc_html=’false’]
- [link id=’108′ text=’Sleep apnea‘ esc_html=’false’]
- Malocclusion
- Chronic migraines
- Poor posture
- Generalized anxiety disorder
Protect Your Child’s Future Face
Early medical intervention can make a world of difference in the effectiveness of treatment for children’s facial development. If you have more questions about what you should be doing to promote the optimal development of your child’s face, [link id=’50003′ text=’schedule a consultation‘ esc_html=’false’] with Dr. Marzban by calling703-323-8200.
