Dentofacial Orthopedics in Cincinnati: What Parents (and Adults) Actually Need to Know

Quick Answer: Dentofacial orthopedics is the specialty of guiding jaw and facial bone growth — not just straightening teeth. It’s most effective in children ages 7–12, but adults benefit too. At Haverkos Family Orthodontics in Bridgetown and Harrison, Dr. Stephen Haverkos completed his residency specifically in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Virginia Commonwealth University, making him uniquely qualified to treat the whole picture — teeth, jaws, and facial structure — for Cincinnati’s West Side families.

First Things First: It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds

Let’s be honest — “dentofacial orthopedics” sounds like something that belongs in a medical textbook, not a conversation between parents at a Green Township soccer game or in the pickup line at Delhi Elementary. But if your child’s dentist has mentioned phrases like “jaw growth issue,” “Phase 1 treatment,” or “palate expander,” you’re already in dentofacial orthopedics territory. You just didn’t know it had a name.

Here’s the simple version: orthodontics moves teeth. Dentofacial orthopedics guides the growth of the bones that hold those teeth — the jaw and facial structure. Think of it like this: orthodontics rearranges the furniture, while dentofacial orthopedics makes sure the house itself is built right.

And no, it doesn’t automatically mean surgery. For most kids, it means using specific appliances during growth spurts to gently guide jaw development in the right direction — which can actually prevent the need for surgery down the road.

Why Does Dentofacial Orthopedics Matter for Your Child?

When your child’s upper and lower jaws don’t grow at the same rate or in the same direction, it creates problems that braces alone can’t fix. You can straighten every single tooth perfectly, but if the jaw itself is too narrow, too far forward, or too far back, the bite still won’t work right.

That’s where dentofacial orthopedics comes in. By working with your child’s natural growth, an orthodontist trained in this specialty can:

  • Widen a narrow upper jaw so permanent teeth have room to come in straight
  • Guide a lower jaw that’s growing too slowly (or too quickly) into better alignment
  • Correct crossbites, underbites, and significant overbites at their source
  • Reduce the chances of needing tooth extractions or jaw surgery later
  • Improve breathing, chewing, and speech during critical developmental years

The key word in all of this is growth. Because your child’s bones are still developing, there’s a window where an orthodontist can influence how those bones grow. Once that window closes — typically by the mid-teen years — the options become more limited and more complex.

This is exactly why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Not because every 7-year-old needs treatment, but because catching jaw growth issues early gives you the most options and the best outcomes.

Signs Your Child Might Need Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment

Most parents don’t realize their child has a jaw growth issue until a dentist or orthodontist points it out. But there are some things you might notice at home that warrant a closer look:

Bite and alignment clues: Your child’s lower jaw seems too far back (or too far forward), their upper and lower teeth don’t line up when they close their mouth, they have a noticeable crossbite where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, or their front teeth stick out significantly.

Functional signs: Difficulty chewing certain foods, mouth breathing (especially during sleep), speech issues with certain sounds, jaw clicking or popping, or teeth grinding at night.

Facial symmetry concerns: One side of the jaw looks different from the other, the chin appears recessed, or the overall facial profile doesn’t seem balanced.

A couple questions we hear from parents all the time:

“My child breathes through their mouth constantly — could that be a jaw issue?” It can be. A narrow upper jaw can limit airway space, which sometimes contributes to chronic mouth breathing. It’s not always the cause, but it’s worth evaluating.

“Is teeth grinding related to jaw alignment?” Often, yes. Nighttime grinding (bruxism) frequently ties back to a bite that doesn’t fit together properly. Addressing the underlying jaw alignment can reduce or eliminate grinding in many cases.

If any of this sounds familiar, it doesn’t mean something is seriously wrong — but it does mean an evaluation is a smart idea. And if you’ve already been told your child needs treatment but aren’t sure the recommendation feels right, we offer free second opinion consultations with zero pressure. At your first visit to our Bridgetown or Harrison office, Dr. Haverkos uses digital X-rays and advanced imaging to get a complete picture of how your child’s jaw is growing, and whether any guidance is needed now or if we should just monitor things for a while.

What Does Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment Actually Look Like?

This is usually where parents breathe a sigh of relief. When you hear “facial bone treatment,” your mind might go to something dramatic. The reality is much more straightforward.

For kids in Cincinnati, dentofacial orthopedic treatment typically involves removable or fixed appliances worn for a period of months — not years. The specific appliance depends entirely on what’s going on with your child’s jaw growth.

Common Appliances Used in Dentofacial Orthopedics

Palatal expanders are probably the most common. These are used when the upper jaw is too narrow, which is a surprisingly frequent issue. The expander gently widens the upper jaw over several weeks, creating space for permanent teeth and correcting crossbites. Parents are usually amazed at how well kids adapt to these — it’s way less dramatic than it sounds.

Functional appliances (like Herbst appliances or twin blocks) help guide the lower jaw forward when it’s underdeveloped. These take advantage of growth spurts to encourage the jaw to grow in the right direction.

Headgear gets a bad reputation from movies and TV shows, but modern headgear is much less cumbersome than what you might picture. It’s typically worn at night and helps control the growth direction of the upper jaw.

Facemasks (reverse-pull headgear) are used when the upper jaw isn’t growing forward enough, which contributes to underbites. Again, usually worn at home and during sleep.

Every treatment plan at Haverkos Family Orthodontics is completely customized. Dr. Haverkos doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach — he’ll take the time to explain exactly what your child needs, why, and what to expect along the way.

Phase 1 and Phase 2: What’s the Deal with Two Phases?

If you’ve been Googling, you’ve probably come across “Phase 1” and “Phase 2” treatment. Here’s what that actually means — and why it’s not the double-billing scheme it might sound like.

Phase 1 (Early Treatment) happens while your child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth, usually between ages 7 and 10. This is the dentofacial orthopedics phase, where we focus on jaw growth and bone development. The goal isn’t to perfectly straighten every tooth — it’s to make sure the foundation is right so that when all the permanent teeth come in, everything has room to settle into a healthy position.

Phase 1 typically lasts 6 to 18 months, depending on what we’re correcting.

Phase 2 (Comprehensive Treatment) comes later, usually in the early teen years when most or all permanent teeth have come in. This is the traditional orthodontic phase — braces or clear aligners to fine-tune tooth alignment and finish creating that great smile.

Here’s the thing parents appreciate about our practice: Phase 1 treatment often makes Phase 2 shorter, simpler, and less expensive. When the jaw foundation is already in good shape, there’s less heavy lifting needed to straighten the teeth. Some patients who go through Phase 1 need very minimal Phase 2 treatment — and a few don’t need it at all.

We’re always transparent about the full picture during your consultation. You’ll know upfront whether we’re recommending one phase or two, what each phase involves, and what the total investment looks like.

“Did We Wait Too Long?” — Dentofacial Orthopedics for Adults in Cincinnati

This is one of the most common questions we hear from adults who come into our Bridgetown or Harrison office, and the answer is more encouraging than you might expect.

Is the ideal window for dentofacial orthopedics during childhood, when the jaw bones are still actively growing? Yes. Does that mean adults are completely out of options? Not at all.

For adults in Cincinnati dealing with jaw misalignment, bite issues, TMJ pain, or facial asymmetry, dentofacial orthopedic principles still apply — the approach just looks a little different. Adult treatment may involve:

  • Orthodontic appliances combined with specialized techniques to address jaw positioning
  • Clear aligners or braces paired with elastics for bite correction
  • In more severe cases, coordination with an oral surgeon for orthognathic (jaw) surgery — learn more about how we handle advanced orthodontic treatment in Cincinnati
  • Functional appliances designed for adult anatomy

The important thing is getting an accurate diagnosis from someone who actually specializes in this area. Dr. Haverkos’ advanced training in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics means he can evaluate whether your concern is a tooth problem, a jaw problem, or a combination of both — and recommend the right approach instead of just slapping braces on and hoping for the best.

Many of our adult patients across Cincinnati’s West Side — from Delhi to Colerain to Harrison — are pleasantly surprised to learn that their chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or bite issues can actually be addressed with treatment they wish they’d known about years ago.

Common questions from adults:

“Can I fix jaw alignment issues without surgery?” In many cases, yes. Depending on the severity, a combination of orthodontic appliances, clear aligners, and bite correction techniques can significantly improve jaw alignment in adults without surgical intervention. Dr. Haverkos will be upfront about whether your specific case can be treated conservatively or whether a surgical component would give you a meaningfully better result.

“I’ve had TMJ pain for years — could this be a bite issue?” It absolutely could. Jaw misalignment is one of the most common contributing factors to TMJ discomfort, and many adults have been managing the symptoms without ever addressing the cause. An evaluation can tell you whether bite correction might help.

Why Training in Dentofacial Orthopedics Matters When Choosing an Orthodontist

Here’s something a lot of Cincinnati families don’t realize: not every orthodontist has the same level of training in dentofacial orthopedics.

The full specialty is actually called “Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics” — that’s the official name recognized by the American Dental Association. Every orthodontist studies it during residency, but the depth of training varies significantly from program to program.

Dr. Stephen Haverkos completed his residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he gained hands-on experience treating complex craniofacial cases at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s Craniofacial Center. 

He’s board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics — a distinction that fewer than a third of practicing orthodontists hold — and he even designed an orthodontic bracket for his master’s thesis to improve treatment efficiency.

That level of specialized training means when your child’s dentist says “I think they need to see an orthodontist about their jaw,” you’re not just getting someone who can put brackets on teeth. You’re getting a specialist who understands how the entire facial structure develops and can create a treatment plan that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Combined with our advanced technology — including iTero digital scanning, digital X-rays, and in-house 3D printing — we can diagnose and treat dentofacial orthopedic cases with precision that wasn’t possible even a decade ago.

Dentofacial Orthopedics FAQ: What Cincinnati Parents Ask

What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentofacial orthopedics specialist?

They’re actually the same person. The official specialty is “Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics,” so any board-certified orthodontist is trained in both. The difference is how extensively they’ve trained in the dentofacial orthopedics side and how much experience they have treating jaw growth issues specifically.

What age should my child see a dentofacial orthopedics specialist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends age 7 for a first evaluation — but that doesn’t mean every 7-year-old needs immediate treatment. In fact, most don’t. 

But an early evaluation lets us identify issues that are time-sensitive — like a narrow palate or a developing underbite — and plan accordingly. For many Cincinnati families, the evaluation at age 7 simply gives us a baseline so we can monitor growth and start treatment at exactly the right time.

Is headgear still used in orthodontics today?

Maybe, but probably not. Headgear is much less commonly used today than it was 20 years ago. Modern orthodontics has developed alternative appliances that achieve similar results with less visibility. If headgear is recommended, it’s typically worn only at night. Dr. Haverkos will always discuss all available options with you before starting any treatment.

How much does dentofacial orthopedic treatment cost?

Cost varies depending on the complexity of your child’s case and the type of appliance needed. At Haverkos Family Orthodontics, we believe in complete cost transparency — you’ll know exactly what treatment will cost before anything starts. We offer flexible in-house financing, work with most insurance plans (even when we’re not in-network, benefits are often the same), and accept third-party financing through CareCredit.

We also structure our Phase 1/Phase 2 pricing so families aren’t paying full price twice. If your child completes Phase 1 with us and later needs Phase 2, we factor that in.

Is dentofacial orthopedic treatment painful?

Most kids experience mild pressure or discomfort for a few days after an appliance is placed or adjusted — similar to what you’d feel with braces. Over-the-counter pain relief handles it easily, and most patients adapt quickly. Our team at both the Bridgetown and Harrison offices is known for making every visit as comfortable as possible, which is a big reason Cincinnati families keep coming back with siblings.

Does dentofacial orthopedics help with breathing and airway issues?

Jaw development plays a role in airway space, and a narrow or underdeveloped jaw can contribute to mouth breathing. While dentofacial orthopedics isn’t a treatment for sleep disorders specifically, correcting jaw alignment can improve the airway and reduce some breathing-related concerns. 

If this is something you’re noticing with your child, it’s absolutely worth discussing during a consultation.

Have more general questions about orthodontic treatment? Check out our frequently asked questions page for quick answers.

What Nearly 1,000 Five-Star Reviews Say About Our Approach

We don’t just claim to be good at what we do — our Cincinnati families back it up. Haverkos Family Orthodontics has earned over 1,000 five-star Google reviews and has been voted Best Orthodontist in Cincinnati.

Parents regularly mention our team’s patience, how comfortable their kids feel in the office, and how clearly we explain treatment plans. 

When it comes to something like dentofacial orthopedics — where the terminology alone can feel overwhelming — that clear, no-pressure communication makes all the difference.

“Dr. Haverkos and his team have been wonderful! My daughter has oral sensory challenges and Lisa has been so kind, patient, and reassuring during her appointments. The staff is very warm and inviting and I fully trust that Dr. H has my daughter’s best interest in his care.” — Amber W.

“My son had trouble with multiple other dentists, once he came here everything changed! The staff is so great and had the patience to work with him.” — Brandon M.

That’s the kind of experience that matters when your child needs jaw growth treatment and you’re understandably nervous about the process. We’ve built confident smiles for students from Oak Hills, Elder, Seton, Harrison High, Taylor, and Western Hills — and their younger siblings aren’t far behind.

Two Convenient West Side Locations

Whether you’re in Bridgetown, Harrison, Delhi, Green Township, Colerain, or anywhere on Cincinnati’s West Side, we’ve made it easy to get expert dentofacial orthopedic care close to home. Our Bridgetown office is right off Bridgetown Road, and our Harrison location on Dry Fork Road is just a short drive for families coming from Whitewater Township, Cleves, and the western edge of the West Side.

Phone: 513-481-8000

Bridgetown Office

5754 Bridgetown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45248

Hours:
Monday: 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday (school year): 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Tuesday (summer): 8:00am – 2:00pm
Wednesday – Thursday: 7:30am – 4:30pm
Friday: 10:00am – 2:00pm Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Our flexible scheduling — including early morning appointments and extended Tuesday hours during the school year — means less time away from school and work for busy Cincinnati families.

Harrison Office

9717 Dry Fork Rd, Harrison, OH 45030

Thursday: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Our Harrison office serves families in Harrison, Whitewater Township, and the surrounding areas. 

Your Child’s Jaw Is Still Growing. Let’s Make Sure It’s Growing Right.

If your child’s dentist mentioned a jaw issue, if you’ve noticed signs of a developing bite problem, or if you just want the peace of mind of knowing everything is on track — an evaluation with Dr. Haverkos is the best next step.

At Haverkos Family Orthodontics, we’ll give you a clear, honest assessment of whether dentofacial orthopedic treatment is needed, what it would involve, and what it would cost. No pressure, no surprises. Just expert guidance from a board-certified orthodontist who specializes in exactly this kind of care.

And if everything looks great and no treatment is needed? We’ll tell you that too. We’d rather see you early and say “let’s just keep an eye on it” than miss the window when we could have made the biggest difference.

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