Facial Orthopedics

Facial Orthopedics

One of the most common problems orthodontists are asked to treat is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower, or vice versa. Ordinarily when we see a patient with the upper teeth protruding, we tend to think that the upper jaw and teeth are too far forward. However, more often than not, this condition is due to a small lower jaw that is further back that it should be.

Our practice uses various orthopedic appliances to reposition the jaws in harmony with the face. In situations where the patient is beyond the age of orthopedic correction, we will work closely with your family dentist and oral surgeon to ensure the optimal treatment approach is employed for ideal facial balance. It is our philosophy to treat to the optimal dental and facial aesthetic for our patients.

Dr. Stosich and Dr. Russell Reid of University of Chicago Craniofacial

Bollard Miniplates

Bollard miniplates are a bone anchorage device that can play an important role in craniofacial orthodontic treatment. When a large amount of jaw movement is required, the Bollard plates can help to facilitate this movement in a discreet and effective way.

Dr. Michael Stosich and Dr. Russell Reid (craniofacial surgeon) are experts in this treatment modality having performed hundreds of cases in addition to lecturing on the topic. Their combined expertise has helped patients realize less jaw surgery procedures by correcting the skeletal disharmony in the early years of growth.

The Bollard miniplate consist of 3 parts – a titanium miniplate with two or three holes, a neck and a cylinder shaped fixation unit with a blocking screw. The Bollard plates also consist of a hook, to which orthopedic elastics can be affixed.

When used in the maxilla, the miniplate with three holes is used, whereas when used in the mandible, the two hole miniplate will be used. The miniplate will be fixed to the bone using miniscrews that are 2 mm in diameter and 5 mm in length.

iDentity Orthodontics