Dr. Martinez specializes in dentofacial orthopedics, a branch of dental medicine focused on the foundation of your child's smile: the jaw structure.

Dentofacial Orthopedics and jaw growth guidance by Dr. Martinez in Miami

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Dentofacial Orthopedics

Planning orthodontic treatment begins with a functional foundation: guiding the natural development of your child's jaw

While traditional braces in Kendall focus on moving teeth, dentofacial orthopedics is the specialized branch of dental medicine that focuses on the "foundation"—the muscles and bones of the face. As an orthodontist, I use this phase of treatment to ensure that the teeth and the jaw structure work in harmony.

Most children show early signs of jaw discrepancies as they grow. An underdeveloped mandible (lower jaw) can lead to "bad bites" like crowding, overbites, or crossbites. Because the optimal time to guide this growth is between ages 7 and 11, I recommend a first evaluation at age seven. By acting while your child is still growing, we can often avoid more invasive procedures like extractions or jaw surgery later in life.

• The Herbst Appliance: In the past, "headgear" was used to address protruding teeth. Today, I prefer the Herbst appliance. It is fixed in place and works 24/7 to gently guide the lower jaw forward without requiring the patient to remember to wear it.

Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) showing the adjustment key used to widen the upper jaw at Martinez Orthodontics in Kendall Miami.

• Palatal Expanders: If the upper jaw is too narrow, an expander gently widens the arch. This eliminates crossbites and creates the necessary room for permanent teeth to erupt naturally.

Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device used for overbite correction and lower jaw growth guidance at Martinez Orthodontics in Miami.

• The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device: This is a specialized spring-based appliance I use to correct overbites by guiding lower jaw growth. It is a modern, fixed alternative to traditional headgear that works continuously without requiring patient compliance.

Your child’s skeletal development is the foundation of their future smile

Choosing the right time for treatment is a significant decision for your family. You can trust that I will personally evaluate your child’s growth and provide the clear, clinical information you need to make the best choice for their long-term health.

Please call today to arrange a personal orthodontic consultation at my Kendall clinical suite. I look forward to meeting you and your family.

Skeletal Balance & Symmetry

Corrects jaw discrepancies to create a more balanced and aesthetic facial profile.

Airway & Breathing Support

Widening the palate can improve tongue posture and support better breathing patterns in growing children.

Space Management

Proactively creates necessary room for permanent teeth, often eliminating the need for future extractions.

Preventative Foundation

Addresses structural issues early to reduce the likelihood of needing invasive jaw surgery in the future.

Stable Clinical Results

Establishing a proper skeletal foundation ensures that your child's final results are functional, aesthetic, and more stable over the long term.

Stellar Attention to Detail

We can’t say enough great things about Dr. Martinez and his entire orthodontic practice. For the past two years, he has worked on our daughter’s teeth, and the results are truly incredible — her smile looks absolutely amazing!
Dr. Martinez’s attention to detail is nothing short of stellar. We are beyond happy with the outcome and couldn’t be more grateful for his expertise, patience, and dedication. If you’re looking for a top-notch orthodontist who truly cares and delivers outstanding results, Dr. Martinez is the one. Highly recommended!

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Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child see Dr. Jesus Martinez at Martinez Orthodontics?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's first evaluation occur around age seven. At Martinez Orthodontics in Kendall, Dr. Jesus Martinez looks for early signs of jaw development and tooth eruption issues that are much easier to address when caught early.

For parents in Kendall, an early screening at age seven allows Dr. Martinez to create a custom "Map" for your child's dental future. Don’t be concerned if they aren't ready for braces yet; many consultations simply serve as a baseline to monitor growth. This visit is the best way to ensure your child starts treatment at the absolute optimal time for the best results.

Beyond moving teeth, Dr. Jesus Martinez also focuses on Dentofacial Orthopedics, which involves guiding the actual growth of the jaw and facial structure. By using specialized appliances like Palatal Expanders, Herbst appliances, or Headgear, we can proactively create the necessary space for permanent teeth and improve the alignment of the upper and lower jaws while a child is still growing. Addressing these structural needs during a child's "growth spurt" in Kendall often leads to a more balanced profile and can prevent the need for more complex procedures later in life.

We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation at our Kendall office, where Dr. Martinez will personally review your child’s development and answer any questions you have about their future smile.

Does my child really need "Phase I" treatment?

In the Miami area, it is common to see young children in braces, but at Martinez Orthodontics, we believe in treatment only when it is biologically necessary. Phase I (early treatment) is specifically intended to correct significant skeletal or developmental issues—such as crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw discrepancies—that would be much harder to fix later.

Dr. Jesus Martinez follows a conservative philosophy: if your child does not have a functional problem that requires immediate intervention, we will simply monitor their growth during complimentary check-ups. Our goal is to avoid unnecessary treatment and ensure that if Phase II (full braces) is needed later in their teens, it is as efficient and short as possible. We only recommend early intervention when it provides a clear, long-term benefit to your child’s dental health.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Jesus Martinez, Orthodontist in Kendall Miami

Dr. Jesus Martinez DMD
Orthodontist

Dr. Jesus Martinez Leon is a Columbia-trained orthodontic specialist with over 35 years of clinical experience. After earning his dental degree from the University of Puerto Rico in 1991, he served with distinction for four years in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. Following his military service, Dr. Martinez completed an elite postdoctoral residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 1999, followed by a specialized fellowship in 2000.

As a solo practitioner, Dr. Martinez is dedicated to a personalized clinical model. He personally evaluates ...