Growth Guidance Orthodontics

The AGGA and RGGA appliances help patients in a number of ways, both aesthetically and functionally. These appliance are custom-designed uniquely for each patient to develop the upper jaw three-dimensionally over time, by remodeling the bones to improve form and function. By adjusting the bones, we have the ability to bring children’s bodies into the DNA potential that was corrupted during growth by their environment. This not only improves facial features, but also opens the airway.  The goal of this treatment is not for perfectly straight teeth but to stimulate growth toward a normal direction in order to minimise the need for more extensive treatment (such as extraction of adult teeth or jaw surgery) at an older age. Often children who are treated with AGGA/ RGGA appliances do not require braces, however for those that do, it is more a cosmetic alignment that is needed rather than a major jaw correction.

Treatment times will vary based on the child’s needs, however usually is between 6 to 9 months. Typically these appliances can grow the jaw 1-2mm per month, therefore regular visits every 4 to 6 weeks are important to check on progress and make any adjustments needed.