When it comes to orthodontic treatment, most people immediately think of a teenager wearing metal braces. While treatment with braces and clear aligners is a very large part of what we do here at Orthodontics of South Miami, that’s only the beginning! Dr. Greg Ross and Dr. Len Rothenberg are experts in craniofacial orthodontics and are committed to using that knowledge to better serve their patients and their community.
As a parent, you want nothing but happiness and success for your child. However, when your child is diagnosed with a genetic condition or other ailments that can cause a variety of issues with their physical, social, and emotional development, you can end up feeling slightly overwhelmed. Our team is dedicated to helping every patient unlock their full potential to lead happy and healthy lives! To learn more about how our team uses craniofacial orthodontics to serve the community and how they can use it to help you, keep reading
What is craniofacial orthodontics?
Craniofacial orthodontics is a sub-specialty in the field of orthodontics. This area focuses on the treatment of birth defects caused by genetic conditions, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. An orthodontist will work with a team that consists of speech pathologists, oral surgeons, and craniofacial surgeons to correct these and other oral health issues.
As craniofacial orthodontists, Dr. Rothenberg and Dr. Ross deal with the non-surgical treatment of the jaw positioning as well as the pre- and post-operative treatment of surgery. During this time, they’ll monitor the growth and development of the jaw by means of x-rays and models. Treatment typically starts anywhere from three to six months of age and will continue into adolescence or adulthood and usually consists of two to three stages.
What are cleft lip and cleft palate?
Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common birth defects in the United States. These are facial malformations in which the parts of the face that form the upper lip and mouth stay split instead of sealing together before birth. This happens when there isn’t enough tissue in the mouth or lip area and the available tissue doesn’t fuse together properly.
There are certainly aesthetic concerns with cleft lip or palate, but these conditions can also have some serious side effects, including:
- Difficulty eating
- Difficulty speaking
- Ear infections
- Dental problems
Correcting these issues early on is essential for a healthy smile. When your child is suffering from the side effects from cleft lip or palate, knowing that there is a solution is encouraging to say the least!
Craniofacial orthodontics in the community
Dr. Rothenberg has been a volunteer member of the Nicklaus Miami Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Center for over 20 years and when Dr. Ross joined the Orthodontics of South Miami family, he was excited to volunteer as well. As a part of this team, our doctors are able to consult with up to 100 patients at the hospital, providing an initial diagnosis and a recommendation for the best course of treatment.
As a result of these brief consultations, our practice is able to provide full orthodontic treatment for 10 to 20 patients a year on a completely pro-bono basis. This means that families who are dealing with complex medical issues won’t have the added stress of bills from their orthodontic treatment.
How can we help your child?
Each patient we see here at Orthodontics of South Miami is treated as a member of our family. Our goal is to provide high-quality treatment in a warm, welcoming environment. This is why we offer FREE consultations for every patient. Your consultation will include a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and facial soft tissue. Once we examine your child’s mouth, we’ll create a completely customized treatment plan to meet their unique needs.
Creating a plan that gives your child the opportunity for a lifetime of healthy smiles is our top priority. That’s why we’ll always consider your family’s needs, lifestyle, and budget into account when it comes to your child’s care. Correcting issues such as cleft palate or cleft lip can be life-changing. Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg have the expertise and experience necessary to give your child the best in treatment and techniques.
Get the care you deserve with the Orthodontics of South Miami
When your child is dealing with an oral health issue, you want to choose someone you can trust for their treatment and care. Dr. Rothenberg, Dr. Ross, and the rest of our team cherish the opportunity to come alongside your family to create a lifetime of smiles. Whether we’re at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital or in our South Miami office, you can feel confident that your child’s smile is in great hands! Craniofacial orthodontics and our skilled team can give your child a healthy, beautiful smile that will light up a room.
If your child is dealing with cleft lip or cleft palate, we would love to meet you and discuss your treatment options! Contact our office today to schedule your FREE initial consultation with Dr. Rothenberg, Dr. Ross, and our expert team. We look forward to meeting you!