Dental Facial Orthopedics

Dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. Dentofacial orthopedics is the process of normalizing the growth of a patient’s bone structure and repairing any imbalances of the face and jaws. This process often involves a two-phase treatment and often begins when the patient is around 3 or 4 years old. Dentofacial orthodontics refers to changes in the relative position of the upper or lower jaws in the face. This requires a growing patient (usually children) and special appliances that can affect growing skeletal bone.

Technically speaking, dentofacial orthodontics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature facial structures.

Dentofacial orthodontics employs special techniques aimed at realigning teeth and jaws. There are several orthodontic treatment alternatives that our NYC orthodontist may use, depending on the results of panoramic x-rays, study models (bite impressions) and a thorough visual examination.

Removable appliances will most likely be used to correct cases of misalignment. These appliances consist of metal wires on an acrylic base which re-train lip and tongue movements along with swallowing and chewing. Such re-directed movements stimulate nerve endings so as to direct growth of the upper and lower jaws, which in turn produce the desired outcome.

If you would like to learn more about Dentofacial Orthodontics please feel contact the best in class, top rated specialist, Doctor Michael Gelb’s NYC or White Plains, New York Gelb Center office today.

Dr. Michael Gelb on Dental Facial Orthopedics

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Conditions We Treat

In general, what percentage of the untreated population would benefit from Orthodontics and/or Dentofacial Orthopedics? *These are approximate percentages and will vary somewhat with different ethnic groups.

2% of the population does not need either Orthodontics or Dentofacial Orthodontics. These people have good facial skeletal structure and attractive teeth that function well. 98% of patients would improve their facial appearance with Dentofacial Orthodontics.
20% of the population have reasonably good skeletal structure and don’t need Dentofacial Orthodontics. They do need Orthodontics to have better alignment and function of the teeth.
75% of the population have skeletal problems that would benefit from Dentofacial Orthodontics. These people also need Orthodontics as part of their total treatment plan.
2% of the population have skeletal problems that either do not respond to Dentofacial Orthodontics or are too severe to be handled by means other than oral surgery to correct the skeletal relationship.

What problems can Dentofacial Orthodontics and/or Orthodontics treat?

A wide range of dental problems can be treated. Many of these problems are tied to malocclusion (improper bite). Such a condition can significantly impact the clarity of speech, chewing ability, and facial harmony. In addition, a severe malocclusion can also contribute to several serious dental and physical conditions such as breathing difficulties, TMJ or jaw joint disorders, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. It is important to seek treatment early to avoid expensive restorative procedures in the future. The orthodontics may work alone but, where necessary, will work in with an orthodontist to solve special problems.

The typical irregularities requiring orthopedic treatment are as follows:

To achieve harmonic facial proportions
To obtain a healthy passage of air and to overcome problems in the TMJ or jaw joint, among other issues
Overcrowding – An overcrowded mouth means there is insufficient space in the jaw for all adult teeth to fit naturally. Overcrowding may lead to displaced, rotated or completely misaligned teeth.
Overbite – An overbite refers to the protrusion of the maxilla (upper jaw) relative to the mandible (lower jaw). An overbite gives the smile a “toothy” appearance and the chin looks like it has receded.
Underbite – An underbite, also known as a negative underjet, refers to the protrusion of the mandible (lower jaw) in relation to the maxilla (upper jaw). An underbite makes the chin look overly prominent. Developmental delays and genetic factors generally cause underbites and overbites.
Sleep Apnea – This is caused when soft tissues in the posterior part of the mouth restrict or block the passage of air to the lungs at night. Sleep apnea results in reduced levels of oxygen reaching the blood-stream and the effects can range from day-time drowsiness to congestive heart failure in extreme cases

Dr. Michael Gelb

Dr. Michael Gelb, DDS, MS is a world-renowned TMJ and Sleep Specialist with practices in both New York City and White Plains. He received his D.D.S. degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and his M.S. from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Gelb is the co-author of GASP: Airway Health- The Hidden Path to Wellness, and the co-founder of both The Foundation for Airway Health and The American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry.

The Gelb Center was founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Michael Gelb’s father, Dr. Harold Gelb. Since then, Dr. Michael has taken his father’s findings to the next level through his Airway Centric® integrated therapy. He invented the ACG™ Airway Centric® System with the help of ProSomnus Sleep Technologies. The ACG System is the first day and night dental appliance solution that offers an integrated approach to addressing airway issues.

Dr. Michael Gelb is dedicated to improving his patients’ health by reducing pain, restoring refreshing sleep and transforming lives.

Learn more about Dr. Michael Gelb

Gelb Center NYC Location

635 Madison Avenue
19th Floor
B/W: 59th & 60th Street
New York, NY 10022
P: (212) 752-1662
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Gelb Center White Plains Location

12 Old Mamaroneck Road
Suite 1C
White Plains, NY 10605
P: (914) 686-4528
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Dr. Gelb's Professional Memberships

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)

American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP)

AAPMD Airway Health Professional Association

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Dr. Michael Gelb, DDS, MS Ratings

Dr. Michael Gelb, DDS, MS Testimonials

He really impressed me at my first two visits and he came very highly recommended. My mom was treated for TMJ by his dad and insisted that I only see Dr. Gelb since her results were 100% satisfactory.

Patty A. South Orange, NJ

sues. Thank you Dr. Gelb and all of you at The Gelb Center: you are all fantastic and empathetic doctors and your staff is professional and helpful.

Dawn T. Manhattan, NY

I had a perfect experience with Dr. Gelb. He was patient, listened carefully to my issues and then fit me for a new appliance.

David F. Los Angeles, CA

I am an Obstructive Sleep Apnea patient and Dr. Gelb literally changed my life, and maybe even saved it.

Neal S. Manhattan, NY

I cannot say enough positive good things about Dr. Gelb and his staff. I came to him and he turned my life around for the better almost immediately.

Mary T. Putnam Valley, NY

Dr. Michael Gelb is one of the movers and shakers in the field of research and development regarding the power TMJ dysfunction has to disrupt the health and well-being of an individual. He has patented many appliances to apply individualized methods of correction. This is most definitely not a one size fits all approach! I personally have had great success with his treatment.

Carol G.

Dr. Gelb is kind, compassionate and extraordinarily knowledgeable … I cannot recommend Dr. Gelb highly enough.

Peter K. Manhattan, NY

Best hands down… They care about your total well-being! Highly recommend the Gelb Center if you are suffering from TMJ or sleep apnea!

Maria Cuozzo-Wetzel

From the moment I walk into the time I leave, Dr. Gelb and his staff are compassionate, helpful and genuinely interested in making my jaw, and life, better.

Connie S. New York, NY

It has been almost a year since you and your wonderful staff changed my life. By the time you all had reset the order of my bite and removed the pain in my jaw with your night and daytime appliances, my C-PAP machine for my “severe” sleep apnea was no longer needed and my sleep became quiet again. After I graduated from your excellent care, Dr. Barone recommended that I return to spend the night at the Weill Cornell Center for Sleep to get the definitive read on how well your reconstructive work had mastered my serious sleep apnea. In layman’s terms, the score for quality of my breathing while sleeping was something like a “1” and was the lowest score the Center had ever seen. I forwarded that report to you at that time. I do not expect to ever return to my C-PAP machine. Your and all your staff are truly masters of your craft!! I would recommend you heartily to anyone who has jaw, bite, or sleep apnea issues. You are the best in the business!

Sara H.

… I am so thankful for this man for renewing the lease on my life! You are without a doubt one of Gods Angels on earth.

Melissa Dawn

I love Dr. Gelb’s energy, efficiency, and ability to make me laugh. His staff is great, very professional and always kind.

Henri V. Los Gatos, CA

He gave me jaw appliances one for the day and one for the night and they seriously help. He really knows what he is doing and I couldn’t be more happy to have found the best jaw doc in NYC.