Many jaw problems don’t begin in adulthood—they begin while children are still growing. When identified early, jaw discrepancies can often be corrected naturally using growth‑guiding orthodontic treatment, avoiding complex procedures later in life.
At Aligning Dentistry, we specialize in early jaw development and palatal expansion—a structured approach that not all dental clinics in Chennai offer as a dedicated service.
A jaw discrepancy occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not grow in proper harmony.
Some children may have:
These issues often become more noticeable as the child grows.
The good news is that during childhood, the jaw is still developing. This allows orthodontists to guide natural growth without surgery in many cases—especially when treatment is started at the right time.
Palatal expansion is a specialized orthodontic treatment that gently widens the upper jaw over time using a custom appliance.
This creates enough space for:
Because children’s bones are still growing, this treatment is highly effective during the right age window. Best results are typically seen while growth is still active (often around 6–12 years, but this varies by child). A clinical assessment helps determine the ideal timing for your child.
Consider an early jaw assessment if your child has:
Many parents believe orthodontic treatment should begin only after all permanent teeth erupt.
In reality, certain jaw problems should be treated much earlier, while growth is still active.
We evaluate your child’s jaw growth, bite, facial development, dental alignment, and breathing habits. In some cases, photographs, scans, or X‑rays may be recommended to assess growth potential.
Detailed records help determine whether growth modification can correct the problem and which type of appliance is most suitable for your child’s age and condition.
A customized appliance gently guides jaw growth while your child continues to grow naturally. The appliance is adjusted as per the orthodontist’s instructions, usually at home or during scheduled visits.
Growth and tooth eruption are monitored periodically. The appliance is adjusted or changed when required to ensure steady, controlled progress.
If braces or aligners are needed later, treatment is often shorter and simpler because the jaw has already been corrected. In some cases, early treatment may be the only orthodontic care your child needs.
Our focus goes beyond straightening teeth—we help guide healthy jaw growth and bite development from an early age.
Early, non‑surgical correction of jaw discrepancies during childhood is a specialized area that not all dental clinics in Chennai offer as a dedicated, structured program.
Every child’s jaw develops differently. Treatment is planned according to age, growth stage, and specific dental and skeletal findings—not a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
We ensure every visit is comfortable, gentle, and reassuring for both children and parents. We explain each step in simple terms and involve parents in the process.
When properly planned and monitored, palatal expansion and growth‑modification appliances are safe. Children may feel mild pressure or temporary speech changes in the first few days, which usually settle quickly.
Children who are typically between 6 and 12 years of age often benefit the most because jaw growth is still active. However, suitability depends on each child’s stage of development, not just chronological age.
Early assessment is especially important for children with:
A clinical assessment is required to confirm whether your child is a good candidate for non‑surgical jaw correction and palatal expansion.
Corrective jaw surgery cost in India varies considerably — and any estimate given without a full clinical assessment is unreliable. The investment depends on multiple clinical and logistical factors.
Single jaw surgery (upper or lower only) differs in complexity and cost from bimaxillary surgery, which repositions both jaws simultaneously.
Braces or aligners worn before surgery are part of the total treatment investment and can span 12–18 months.
As surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital, these form a significant component of the overall cost.
Final tooth alignment after healing adds to the total treatment timeline and cost.
3D imaging and digital surgical planning contribute to precision and form part of the pre-treatment investment.
Because this is a multi-stage treatment involving both surgical and orthodontic phases, a transparent, itemised cost breakdown is provided at your consultation — after your specialist has reviewed your records and confirmed your surgical plan.
Yes. If diagnosed during childhood, many jaw discrepancies can be improved using growth‑guiding orthodontic treatment before growth is complete. In selected cases, this may reduce the need or complexity of future jaw surgery, though this cannot be guaranteed for every child.
Many children benefit from an orthodontic evaluation between 6 and 9 years, although the right timing varies depending on the condition and the child’s growth pattern. Some children may need monitoring first and treatment a bit later.
Children usually experience mild pressure or tightness for a few days when the appliance is first placed or adjusted. Most adapt quickly. Over‑the‑counter pain relief may be recommended by your orthodontist if needed.
Some children will still need braces or aligners later, but early jaw correction often makes orthodontic treatment shorter, simpler, and more stable. In some cases, early treatment may be the only orthodontic care required.
Yes. Palatal expansion and growth‑modification appliances have been used safely for many years when performed by a qualified orthodontic specialist. Temporary pressure, mild discomfort, or speech changes are common in the first few days and usually settle quickly.
Treatment duration varies depending on the child’s growth, the severity of the jaw discrepancy, and the type of appliance used. Your orthodontist will provide an individualized treatment plan and estimated timeline after assessment.
In selected children, improving jaw width and bite can support better airway function. However, breathing issues should be evaluated in coordination with your paediatrician or ENT when indicated.
The best time to correct a jaw problem is while your child is still growing.
Early treatment can guide healthy jaw development, improve bite alignment, and may help avoid more complex treatment in the future.
Book a consultation at Aligning Dentistry to find out whether your child is a candidate for non‑surgical jaw correction and palatal expansion.
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Some bite problems need more than braces. Some need a specialist, a plan, and the right surgical team.
At Aligning Dentistry, Alwarpet, our MDS specialists provide corrective jaw surgery in Chennai with the full coordination of orthodontic and surgical care — from your first consultation to your final retainer. Take the first step with a proper assessment.
