Orthodontic Treatment in Lafayette, LA
Modern Options, Personalized Care & Results That Last
At Johnson Orthodontics, Dr. Jacob Johnson provides comprehensive orthodontic treatment tailored to each patient’s needs and developmental stage. From braces to clear aligners, our Lafayette office offers modern options designed to create healthy, confident smiles with care that feels personal, not production-line.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Guiding Healthy Growth, Supporting Better Outcomes
Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding jaw growth and facial development, often during childhood, to support healthier function and more stable orthodontic results. When addressed early, growth-related issues can often be corrected or reduced before they become more complex.
What Is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized area of orthodontic care that looks beyond tooth alignment alone. It addresses how the jaws, facial bones, and bite develop over time—especially during periods of active growth.
By using carefully timed treatment and growth-guiding appliances, orthodontists can influence jaw position and facial balance. This approach helps create the proper foundation for straight teeth, a balanced bite, and healthy long-term function.
Benefits of Dentofacial Orthopedic Treatment
Early orthopedic guidance can simplify future orthodontic treatment by correcting underlying structural issues as the face and jaws develop. In some cases, this can reduce treatment time later or help avoid more invasive interventions.
Patients may also benefit from improved bite function, facial symmetry, and airway support. When growth is guided intentionally, treatment becomes more efficient, predictable, and supportive of lifelong oral health.
Aligning Function, Balance & Long-Term Stability
Surgical orthodontics is used when jaw alignment issues cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone. By coordinating orthodontic care with oral surgery, this approach improves bite function, facial balance, and long-term oral health.
What Is Surgical Orthodontics?
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic treatment, combines orthodontic care with corrective jaw surgery to address significant skeletal discrepancies. These cases often involve jaw positioning issues that affect chewing, speaking, breathing, or facial symmetry.
Orthodontic treatment is used before and after surgery to properly align the teeth, while surgery corrects the underlying jaw structure. This coordinated approach allows for results that orthodontics alone cannot achieve.
Benefits of Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
For patients with more complex jaw concerns, surgical orthodontics can dramatically improve bite function and overall comfort. Correcting the jaw position helps distribute bite forces evenly, reducing strain on the teeth and jaw joints.
Patients may also experience improvements in facial balance, airway function, and long-term stability of their orthodontic results. When indicated, surgical orthodontics provides a comprehensive solution that supports both function and aesthetics for lasting outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions in Lafayette, LA
An orthodontist is a certified specialist with advanced training focused specifically on aligning the teeth and jaws. This additional education allows orthodontists to accurately diagnose bite issues and deliver treatment that supports long-term oral health.
Orthodontists are experienced in using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances to create a healthy, stable bite. Choosing a specialist helps ensure your treatment is effective, efficient, and built to last.
A straight smile does more than boost confidence—it supports healthier teeth, gums, and jaw function. Proper alignment makes daily brushing and flossing easier and helps prevent uneven wear on the teeth.
Orthodontic treatment can also improve chewing and speech, reduce strain on the jaw joints, and support balanced facial structure. When alignment issues are addressed correctly, patients benefit from both improved function and long-term comfort.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. This early visit allows Dr. Johnson to monitor jaw growth and tooth development as permanent teeth begin to emerge.
Early evaluations don’t always mean early treatment, but they do allow potential concerns to be identified at the right time. When needed, early intervention can simplify future treatment and may reduce the need for extractions or surgery later on.
No referral is required to schedule an orthodontic consultation. While referrals are always welcome, families can contact Johnson Orthodontics directly to book an appointment.
Scheduling is simple, and our team is happy to guide you through the process from the very first visit.
Dr. Johnson is a certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He completed dental school at the LSU School of Dentistry before continuing his advanced orthodontic training at the University of Oklahoma.
This specialized education reflects his commitment to providing high-level care focused on both function and long-term stability.
While orthodontic treatment can be effective at many ages, delaying care may allow alignment issues to become more complex over time. In some cases, postponing treatment can increase the likelihood of extractions or surgical intervention.
Earlier treatment often leads to more efficient results and helps prevent additional strain on the teeth, jaws, and facial structures.
During your first visit, you’ll meet with Dr. Johnson and our team for a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. This includes examining the teeth, bite, jaw alignment, and facial structure, along with digital images and X-rays as needed.
After the evaluation, we’ll review your treatment options, discuss timelines and costs, and answer any questions you have. Our goal is to ensure you leave informed, comfortable, and confident about the next steps.