All the orthodontic care your child needs, right here in Central Texas
Cleft and Craniofacial diagnoses require unique dental treatment plans. Our specialty-trained craniofacial orthodontists and plastic surgeons at Dell Children's - Orthodontics Mueller provide advanced dental care for children with craniofacial conditions, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Whether you are taking your child to their first appointment or looking for an experienced second opinion, we’re here for your family. Our orthodontic team takes the time to explain your child’s condition and discuss their treatment options. Together, we create a dental and surgical care plan that is right for your child. Learn more about pediatric craniofacial care at Dell Children’s.
Craniofacial orthodontists provide dental care for children with:
- Cleft lip and cleft palate
- Jaw abnormalities
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Other craniofacial conditions
Advanced orthodontic care for children
When you choose Dell Children’s, you get a multispecialty team of craniofacial orthodontists, plastic surgeons, and many other specialists dedicated to your child’s care. By having many different specialists on our care team, we can deliver a full range of care – from braces to oral surgery. At your child’s first appointment, we provide a thorough evaluation of your child’s mouth and jaw, including advanced imaging. We can also review previous scans and medical records. Together, our care team delivers advanced, personalized care to help correct the bite, align the jaw and straighten teeth.
Orthodontists specialized in treating cleft lip and palate
Children and adults born with cleft lip and palate may need advanced orthodontic care. Treatment plans for these conditions can span over several years, and may include a series of braces and surgery. Craniofacial orthodontists and plastic surgeons at Dell Children’s have the expertise to deliver these complex treatments.
Since facial growth plays an important role in orthodontic care, your child’s first orthodontic evaluation may take place even before they have teeth. As baby teeth begin to erupt, we monitor your child’s dental and facial development. Your child’s care plan will evolve as they grow.
Craniofacial orthodontic care typically has three phases:
Newborn phase: Nasoalveolar molding
Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a non-surgical technique that molds the gums, lips and nose before surgery. The molding helps reduce the cleft in the mouth and the gap in the upper lip. Molding before surgery may also reduce the number of surgeries your child needs.
Childhood phase: Dental braces
To help correct the cleft, your child may need to have a bone graft surgery. Before surgery, your child’s orthodontist may place braces on the teeth of the upper jaw to prepare for the bone graft. A retainer is usually placed after the bone graft until full braces are applied.
Teenage phase: Dental braces
When your child approaches adolescence, dental braces are needed again to correct teeth positions and finalize their bite. Your child’s orthodontist and surgeon work together to make sure your child’s teeth align properly and their jaw is in the correct position. Together, your child’s doctors create a care plan. Your child’s care plan may include a combination of braces and surgery.