Non-Surgical Treatments
Explore Alternatives to Jaw Surgery
The thought of having jaw surgery can be intimidating — we understand this! At Molen Orthodontics, we use cutting-edge techniques and tools to successfully treat many borderline cases without surgery and without headgear.
If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, we invite you to get a second opinion. Not only do our doctors use the latest techniques and appliances, they’ve been instrumental in developing many of the non-surgical treatments we offer.
Who Might Benefit from Non-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
Many patients come to us after being told by another provider that surgery is their best option. This isn’t always the case!
In many cases, patients can achieve excellent results without surgery — especially with a custom treatment plan from Molen Orthodontics.
Non-surgical options can be effective for:
- Patients who have good facial balance but a misaligned bite
- Children and teens whose jaws and facial bones are still actively growing
- Patients whose case is considered “borderline” for surgical intervention
Parents, enroll your little one in our growth and guidance program for free check-ups every 9 to 12 months!
Through early orthodontic treatment, we aim to prevent the need for jaw surgery by treating conditions while the jaws and facial bones are still developing.
Non-Surgical Treatment Route
Low-Force Palatal Expansion
Palatal expanders are one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for correcting narrow or misaligned jaws, especially in growing children. Though they may look intimidating, they’re comfortable, proven, and even used on our doctors’ own children.
The expander fits around the upper molars and gradually widens the jaw by gently separating the palate at its natural suture. To maintain proper bite alignment, our doctors pair this with a spring-loaded appliance — designed by Dr. Molen himself — that helps upright the lower teeth during treatment.
Expansion is most effective before the palate fuses, typically before age 10.5. Afterward, a fixed retainer protects the results. While it may seem straightforward, palatal expansion requires precision. Many patients come to us for retreatment after earlier expansion was poorly performed or not properly retained from treatment at a different office.
When Surgery Is Necessary
We avoid surgery whenever possible, and we know you don’t want your child to go through it either. But in some cases, such as severe jaw misalignment or airway issues, surgery may be the most effective path to lasting results.
If a surgical approach is needed, you’re in the hands of experienced, compassionate experts. Our doctors are highly trained in managing surgical orthodontic cases. No matter the recommendation, we’ll always provide honest guidance and ensure you fully understand your options and what’s best for your smile and your little one’s smile.
