Craniofacial Airway Orthodontics

Craniofacial Airway Orthodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating dental and jaw abnormalities associated with cleft lip and/or palate, craniosynostosis, facial asymmetry, and other craniofacial conditions. At Stanford, orthodontists work closely with craniofacial surgeons, pediatric specialists, and therapists to provide coordinated care that supports facial growth, airway function, and long-term dental health. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive treatment tailored to their unique anatomy.

Craniofacial Airway Orthodontic care may include early interceptive treatment to guide facial growth, presurgical orthodontics to prepare the jaws for corrective surgery, and post-surgical alignment. Treatments often involve braces, growth modification appliances such as Stanford Orthodontic Airway Plate, Biocreative Alveolar Molding Plate, or ATOZ orthodontic distractors using advanced planning tools such as 3-D imaging and modeling.

For patients who require orthognathic (jaw) surgery, presurgical orthodontics aligns the bone and teeth and sets the foundation for proper jaw repositioning. This phase improves oral function and facial growth. Our orthodontists,surgeons, and therapiests coordinate closely to ensure high quality orhodontic care for your children. 

Children and adults with cleft lip and palate often require staged orthodontic interventions to support dental eruption, facial growth, and speech-related structures. Treatments may include palatal expansion, braces, preparation for alveolar bone grafting, and long-term bite correction. Our team provides continuous monitoring through all growth phases.

Early evaluation allows orthodontists to guide facial and jaw growth during critical developmental stages. Growth modification appliances can improve airway function, reduce future surgical needs, and alleviate jaw discrepancies. Stanford’s pediatric craniofacial airway specialists tailor care to each child’s unique growth pattern.

Common conditions and treatments include:

• Malocclusion related to cleft lip and palate
• Jaw asymmetry or underdevelopment
• Craniosynostosis-associated dental issues
• Orthognathic (jaw) surgery planning
• Palatal expansion and growth modification
• Dental arch alignment and bite correction
• Pre- and post-surgical orthodontics
• Coordination with bone grafting and speech therapy
• Congenital tooth abnormalities