Biobloc Orthotropics

At Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville, we are proud to offer our patients Biobloc Orthotropics to help guide a child’s lower jaw into proper alignment. A misaligned jaw in a child can eventually lead to issues as they age, such as an unaesthetic profile, teeth that are not straight or aesthetically pleasing, and airway issues. Airway issues can be extremely serious, as a decreased airway can lead to problems such as obstructive sleep apnea as well as cardiovascular problems. Dr. Swaintek-Lamb is an experienced practitioner of facial growth guidance and uses Biobloc Orthotropics as a way to guide a child’s jaw into the correct posture for maximum air flow and a healthy jaw joint position.

What to Know About Biobloc Orthotropics

The Biobloc is an orthodontic device that is used to create more space in the mouth. The process involves three stages:

Hang Expancer

This is the first stage of treatment, and the device used during this stage is worn for 24 hours a day for approximately four to six months. The hang expancer is used to create space in the upper jaw to allow for its forward growth.

Biobloc and Hang Retainer

The Biobloc and hang retainer is the second phase of treatment. This phase will last for approximately twelve to eighteen months and will require a visit to the office every four to six weeks to check on the progress and make adjustments to continue moving the jaw into the correct placement. During this phase, a Biobloc appliance is worn for 24 hours a day and is only removed to eat and play sports. While it is removed a hang retainer will be worn in its place.

Biobloc Retention

This is the final phase, and patients will slowly reduce the amount of time the Biobloc is worn each day. The goal is for the Biobloc to only be worn at night to keep the jaw in the correct alignment while the permanent teeth are growing into place.

If you are located in the Bernardsville, NJ area and are concerned about the placement of your child’s jaw or notice anything about their breathing habits that seems concerning, be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. Following a thorough examination, Dr. Swaintek-Lamb will offer her treatment recommendations.

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