Dentofacial Orthodontics in Sandgate

Dentofacial orthodontics looks beyond straightening teeth. It focuses on the way the teeth, jaws and facial structures develop, and how this may influence breathing, airway health, jaw function, facial balance and overall wellbeing.

When the jaws do not develop ideally, there may not be enough room for the teeth to sit comfortably. This can contribute to crowding, bite problems, jaw discomfort and, in some patients, concerns related to snoring or sleep-related breathing.

At Dental Seasons, our approach to dentofacial orthodontics is about more than creating a beautiful smile. We aim to support healthy jaw development, comfortable function and long-term oral health.

Dentistry That Looks Beyond Teeth

At Dental Seasons, we take a broader view of dental health.

With his training in sleep medicine and years of experience treating dental and jaw-related concerns, Dr Bachour considers how the teeth, jaws, airway and facial structures work together.

Our Sandgate clinic provides dentofacial orthodontic care for children, teenagers and adults, helping patients across Sandgate, North Brisbane and surrounding suburbs understand their options for healthier smiles and improved function.

Dentofacial Orthodontics and Health

Ideally, teeth should have enough space to come through in a healthy position. Crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth may be a sign that the jaws have not developed enough to comfortably accommodate all the teeth.

When jaw development is less than ideal, some patients may have a higher risk of concerns such as:

Crowded or crooked teeth
A narrow upper jaw
Bite problems
Jaw pain or TMJ discomfort
Mouth breathing
Snoring
Sleep-related breathing concerns
Headaches or facial muscle tension

Not every patient will experience these issues, but early assessment can help identify concerns before they become more complex.

Dentofacial Orthodontic Treatment

Treatment recommendations depend on the age of the patient, the stage of growth and the complexity of the problem.

Dentofacial orthodontic treatment may include preventive, interceptive, corrective or, in more complex cases, surgical treatment planning.

During your first visit, our dentist will assess the teeth, jaws, bite and facial development. We may also ask about symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, snoring, mouth breathing, grinding, restless sleep or difficulty concentrating.

Digital scans, X-rays and other records may be used to better understand the relationship between the teeth, jaws and airway.

Once we have a clear picture, we will explain the findings and discuss suitable treatment options. These may include early orthodontic appliances, expanders, clear aligners such as Invisalign, or other treatment approaches depending on the patient’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dentofacial orthodontics?

Dentofacial orthodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on the development, prevention and correction of irregularities involving the teeth, jaws and facial structures.

It looks at more than whether teeth are straight. It also considers how the jaws are growing, how the bite functions and whether jaw development may be affecting breathing, sleep or comfort.

Because these concerns can sometimes begin early in life, Dr Bachour believes early assessment can be helpful, particularly if there are signs of mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, feeding concerns, jaw issues or unusual dental development.

Why choose dentofacial orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic problems are often described as malocclusions, which means the teeth or jaws do not fit together ideally.

Dentofacial orthodontic treatment may help improve or manage concerns such as:

Crooked or crowded teeth
Spacing between teeth
Missing or extra teeth
Deep bites
Crossbites
Narrow arches
Jaw discomfort
TMJ pain
Snoring or sleep-related breathing concerns in some patients

The goal is to support better function, improve the appearance of the smile and help guide healthy development where possible.

At what age should these problems be corrected?

The best time to treat depends on the child and the type of problem.

In many cases, early assessment is beneficial because jaw development, breathing patterns and oral habits can influence how the teeth and face grow over time.

Treatment does not always mean braces. For younger children, treatment may involve monitoring growth, addressing habits, improving function, guiding jaw development, or using early appliances when appropriate.

If a concern is picked up early, there may be more options available to guide development before the adult teeth fully erupt.

What causes crowding or spacing of teeth?

Crowding and spacing can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, jaw size, tooth size, oral habits and early loss of baby teeth.

A child may inherit larger teeth from one parent and a smaller jaw from the other, which can create a mismatch between tooth size and jaw space.

Habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, mouth breathing or prolonged dummy use can also affect the developing teeth and jaws. Early loss of baby teeth may allow neighbouring teeth to drift, which can reduce the space available for adult teeth to come through properly.

Why is early orthodontic care important?

Early orthodontic assessment can help identify developing issues before they become more difficult to manage.

In some children, early care may help guide jaw growth, improve tooth position, support better breathing patterns and reduce the chance of needing more complex treatment later.

There are also links between jaw development, snoring and sleep-related breathing concerns. Because sleep is important for a child’s growth, learning and development, it is worth assessing any concerns early rather than waiting until all the adult teeth have erupted.

What care is recommended during orthodontic treatment?

Good oral hygiene is very important during orthodontic treatment.

We recommend brushing carefully after meals with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cleaning between the teeth daily. If you have braces or appliances, we will show you how to clean around them properly.

Regular six-monthly dental check-ups and professional cleans are also important, as they help us clean areas that can be harder to reach at home.

It is also best to limit sugary foods and drinks, avoid frequent snacking and follow any appliance care instructions provided by your dentist.

I have a space between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?

A space between the front teeth can often be improved in several ways, depending on the cause of the gap and the overall position of the teeth.

Options may include cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign.

The best option depends on your teeth, bite, gum health and smile goals. During a consultation, we can assess the space and explain which treatment options may be suitable for you.

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