Balancing the Face with Growth Guidance Therapy

An adequate airway, correct tongue position and swallowing are critical in the development of a child’s face, and this good “oral posture” can dramatically impact the overall health of a child.

Often children grow up as “mouth breathers” due to complications with allergies, sinus problems or airway obstructions like enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Children’s mouth breathing starts a process that may restructure the face in ways that affect its appearance and healthy function.

At the Hindin Center, Dr. Jill Meyer is working at the cutting edge of growth guidance therapy to alter oral posture, primarily using Biobloc therapy and early orthopedic treatment. She is one of the few that is selected in the US for this treatment.

Developed by Dr. John Mew, Biobloc therapy consists of redirecting growth of the lower face in a more ideal direction, converting “unfavorable” vertical growth caused by mouth breathing and /or incorrect tongue posture to a more horizontal and “favorable” growth which is more attractive and healthier. This is optimally done on young children, usually by the age of ten.

Dr. Meyer also treats adolescents using fixed orthodontics or “braces” to straighten the teeth while keeping facial balance and airway in mind.

Ask your Hindin Center dental professional to speak to you about the benefits of growth guidance therapy for your child. It can make a big difference in facial appearance, proper tooth alignment, comfortable inhalation, and developmental health.