Jaw growth issues can affect more than just the appearance of a smile. When the upper and lower jaws do not develop in harmony, it can lead to problems with chewing, speech, facial balance, and long-term oral health. Many parents and adults wonder whether orthodontic treatment, especially traditional braces, can help address these concerns.
At Dream Orthodontics, patients exploring metal braces in Surrey often ask if braces can influence jaw growth or correct bite-related skeletal issues. This article explains how metal braces work, their orthopedic role, and what they can (and cannot) do when jaw development is involved.
Understanding Jaw Growth Issues
Jaw growth issues occur when the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) develop at different rates or positions. These issues commonly present as:
- Overbite (upper jaw positioned forward)
- Underbite (lower jaw positioned forward)
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Facial asymmetry
Jaw discrepancies may become noticeable during childhood or adolescence, when growth is most active. Early evaluation plays an important role in identifying whether orthodontic or orthopedic guidance may be helpful.
What Role Do Metal Braces Play?
Metal braces are primarily designed to move teeth into better alignment. However, when used at the right time, often in combination with other orthodontic or orthopedic appliances, they can support improved jaw relationships.
Metal braces alone do not change jaw bones directly, but they can:
- Align teeth to reduce bite strain
- Help coordinate the upper and lower dental arches
- Support functional bite correction
- Work alongside growth-modifying appliances
Because of their strength and precision, metal braces remain a reliable option when treating complex bite issues.
Orthopedic vs. Orthodontic Treatment: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the distinction is important.
Orthodontic Treatment
Focuses on tooth alignment and bite correction by moving teeth within the jawbone.
Orthopedic Treatment
Aims to guide jaw growth during active developmental years, usually using specialized appliances.
In growing patients, orthodontists may combine metal braces with orthopedic tools (such as expanders or functional appliances) to influence jaw development indirectly, especially when treatment begins at the right age.
Can Metal Braces Help with Jaw Growth in Children and Teens?
In children and adolescents, jawbones are still developing. This makes early intervention more impactful.
Metal braces may help by:
- Correcting bite relationships early
- Supporting balanced muscle function
- Preventing worsening jaw discrepancies
- Working in coordination with growth-modifying appliances
When started at the appropriate growth phase, orthodontic treatment can reduce the severity of future jaw issues and, in some cases, lessen the need for more invasive procedures later.
An experienced orthodontist in Surrey will evaluate growth patterns carefully before recommending timing and treatment type.
What About Adults with Jaw Growth Issues?
In adults, jaw growth has already been completed. While metal braces in Surrey are still very effective for correcting tooth alignment and bite function, they cannot change jawbone position on their own.
However, braces may still provide significant benefits by:
- Improving bite balance
- Reducing uneven tooth wear
- Enhancing jaw function
- Supporting better oral comfort
In certain adult cases with significant skeletal discrepancies, orthodontic treatment may be coordinated with other dental or medical care, depending on individual needs.
Why Metal Braces Are Often Chosen for Complex Cases
Metal braces remain widely used for cases involving bite and jaw concerns because they offer:
- Precise control over tooth movement
- Consistent force throughout treatment
- Ability to manage complex bite corrections
- Compatibility with additional orthodontic appliances
Their durability and versatility make them a practical choice for patients with more involved alignment needs.
Timing Matters with Jaw-Related Concerns
One of the most important factors in addressing jaw growth issues is timing.
Early orthodontic evaluations, often recommended around age seven, help determine:
- Whether jaw growth is balanced
- If early intervention may be beneficial
- Whether monitoring is sufficient for now
Not every child requires early treatment, but early assessment allows families to plan proactively rather than react later.
Recognizing Signs That May Warrant an Evaluation
Consider booking an orthodontic assessment if you notice:
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Teeth that don’t fit together properly
- Facial imbalance
- Crossbite or underbite
Early consultation provides clarity on whether orthodontic or orthopedic guidance is appropriate.
Orthodontic Emergencies and Jaw Alignment
Occasionally, jaw-related discomfort or appliance issues can arise unexpectedly. If you experience sudden pain, swelling, or a broken orthodontic wire or bracket affecting your bite, it’s important to contact your orthodontic office promptly for orthodontic emergency care and guidance.
A Local Perspective: Metal Braces in Surrey
Families seeking orthodontics in Surrey value personalized treatment approaches that consider both tooth alignment and jaw health. At Dream Orthodontics, orthodontic care focuses on balanced development, functional bites, and long-term oral stability, not just straight teeth.
Local access to experienced orthodontic care allows patients to receive timely evaluations and appropriately phased treatment as growth progresses.
What Metal Braces Can and Can’t Do
Metal braces can:
- Correct bite alignment
- Improve tooth positioning
- Support functional jaw relationships
- Work with orthopedic appliances during growth
Metal braces cannot:
- Change completed jawbone growth in adults
- Replace early evaluation and timing
- Guarantee specific facial changes
Understanding realistic outcomes helps patients make informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
Metal braces play an important role in managing bite and jaw-related concerns, particularly when treatment is timed appropriately and guided by professional assessment. While they do not directly alter jaw bones, their orthopedic benefits, especially in growing patients, can support healthier development and function.
If you or your child has concerns about jaw alignment or bite issues, seeking early orthodontic guidance is the best first step.
Book a Consultation at Dream Orthodontics
If you’re considering metal braces in Surrey or want to understand how orthodontic treatment may support jaw alignment, the team at Dream Orthodontics is here to help.
Schedule a consultation with a trusted orthodontist in Surrey and receive personalized recommendations tailored to growth, function, and long-term oral health.