What Is Orthotropics? A Parent’s Guide to Natural Facial Growth
When parents first hear the term orthotropics, it often sounds similar to orthodontics, but the difference is much deeper than straight teeth. Orthotropics is a science-backed approach that focuses on how your child’s face grows, breathes, and functions. At Pure Facial Development in Ankeny, Iowa, Dr. Erika Peddicord helps children grow forward toward healthier airways, balanced faces, and confident smiles.
Understanding the Basics
Orthotropics comes from the Greek words orthos (straight) and tropos (growth). It was developed to guide how a child’s face and jaws develop naturally, encouraging forward and outward growth rather than downward and backward movement that can cause crowding or poor posture.
This approach uses removable dental appliances and posture correction techniques to help the jaw, tongue, and airway develop together. The result is improved facial balance, better breathing, and a stable bite that lasts into adulthood.
Why Forward Growth Matters
When the jaws grow forward, the airway stays open, the tongue rests properly on the roof of the mouth, and the teeth have room to erupt naturally. This promotes nasal breathing, a key factor in restful sleep, focus, and healthy development. Children who mouth breathe or snore may be showing early signs of poor jaw growth. Orthotropics helps address the cause before it becomes a lifelong issue.
Orthotropics vs. Orthodontics
Traditional orthodontics reacts to crooked teeth, while orthotropics prevents the problem by addressing facial growth early. Instead of removing teeth or relying on braces, orthotropics works with your child’s natural biology to guide the jaws forward.
Parents often choose orthotropics to:
Avoid extractions or jaw surgery
Support nasal breathing and sleep quality
Improve long-term facial harmony and confidence
The Ideal Time to Begin
Orthotropic care is most effective between ages 4 and 10, when facial bones are still developing. Starting early allows Dr. Peddicord to identify issues like mouth breathing, poor tongue posture, or narrow dental arches before they cause permanent misalignment.
Why Families Choose Pure Facial Development
Dr. Peddicord is one of the only providers in Iowa specializing in orthotropic treatment. Her approach combines dental expertise, advanced training in airway-focused orthodontics, and the empathy of a parent who has been through the same journey. Families from Ankeny, Des Moines, Ames, Altoona, and Waukee trust her for natural, non-invasive solutions to their child’s growth and health.
Schedule a consultation today at Pure Facial Development, 3720 N Ankeny Blvd., Suite 200, Ankeny, IA, and help your child grow forward naturally.
