Activator Growth Orthodontic Treatment for a Child’s Retruded Chin, Followed by Invisalign First

Orthodontic treatment for a retruded chin with Invisalign

Hello, I’m Director Yoon Jeong-won of Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, an orthodontic clinic in Daechi-dong.

When watching children play, there are times when the chin looks as if it is set too far back, or the mouth appears protruded. At first, many people brush it off, but later notice it after comparing photos. Some may think it will improve as the child grows, but a retruded chin is not only an appearance issue; it can also cause the following functional problems, so it should be examined carefully.

• Reduced chewing function: It may be difficult to chew food properly, and the jaw joint may be strained.

• Breathing problems: If the mouth is often open, this can lead to mouth breathing, which may cause dry mouth, enlarged tonsils, sleep disorders, and more.

• Speech problems: If the teeth and jaws do not fit together properly, difficulty with certain sounds may occur.

Fortunately, if orthodontic treatment is started at the right time during the growth period, the facial bones of children are still growing, so the position of the jaw and the arrangement of the teeth can be guided more naturally than in adults whose growth has already ended. Therefore, it is best to visit a nearby orthodontic clinic and receive an orthodontic consultation.

In a previous post, I explained orthodontic treatment for a child with a retruded chin. A retruded chin occurs when there is a growth imbalance between the jaws, such as excessive maxillary growth or insufficient mandibular growth. Therefore, growth of the excessively developed maxilla is restrained with a headgear, and the relatively underdeveloped mandible is encouraged to grow using a Class II activator.

Mechanism of action of the activator

This patient visited the clinic with the chief complaint that the front teeth were gradually protruding, and the front teeth were significantly flared with an overbite pattern. The molar relationship was also Class II (a bite relationship in which the lower molars are positioned farther back).

Initial visit, 2024.8.3.

When the lips were gently closed in a relaxed position, the retruded lower jaw and protruded upper front teeth contacted and pressed against the lower lip, so even though the lower jaw was retruded, the lower lip appeared protruded.

Class II activator

Wearing the headgear

We decided to use a Class II activator to advance the posteriorly positioned mandible and improve the jaw relationship. In addition, a maxillary headgear was used as an auxiliary measure to restrain maxillary growth.

Here is the condition after about 9 months of wearing the Class II activator and headgear.

2025.5.16.

Change in molar relationship position

Change in jaw position before and after treatment

As a result of treatment, the mandible grew forward, and the overbite improved significantly. Maxillary growth was also restrained with the headgear, improving the angle of the previously protruded upper front teeth, and the gap between the upper and lower front teeth was greatly reduced. The lower lip, which had appeared protruded due to pressure from the upper front teeth, also improved, completing a straight profile.

Side profile changes before and after activator treatment

The patient has plans to leave the country at the end of this year, so we decided to close the remaining spaces between the teeth as much as possible before departure with Invisalign First. The aligners are being worn with the goal of finishing within a total of 20 stages before departure. If additional orthodontic treatment is needed after the permanent teeth have fully erupted, we plan to complete it with additional appliances within the warranty period when the patient returns to Korea during school vacation.

Daechi-dong dental clinic

• Invisalign is very useful if you have plans such as studying abroad or immigrating, because you can take the appliances with you and continue orthodontic treatment by wearing the aligners or through patient transfer.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic has all the latest necessary equipment for Invisalign orthodontic treatment, including the iTero Lumina 3D oral scanner, growth plate examination, and pre- and post-treatment simulation using a Morpheus facial scanner, allowing for more precise and systematic orthodontic treatment.

In addition, the orthodontic treatment fee includes the precision diagnostic fee and monthly fees (excluding the retainer fee), so you do not need to worry about additional expenses. We also have a general dentistry department, so all treatments needed for orthodontics, such as extractions and cavity treatment, can be done in one place. To reduce the burden of having to pay a large amount at once, we also offer an installment payment system, making us an even more attractive choice.

Representative Director Yoon Jeong-won is in charge of the orthodontic department and has specialized only in orthodontics during 16 years of clinical practice, giving him extensive experience with many high-difficulty cases. Therefore, effective treatment is possible for various orthodontic cases such as malocclusion, protruding mouth, underbite, and retruded chin correction.

Perhaps those considering orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery due to protruding mouth, crowded teeth, malocclusion, retruded chin, underbite, and similar concerns have already gathered a great deal of information through searches for nearby orthodontic clinics. Even so, comparing the different appliance types in person and hearing detailed explanations about whether extraction is necessary will be a great help in making a decision.

During the consultation, you can compare various appliances such as Clarity, Clippy C, and Invisalign clear aligners directly and hear detailed explanations about their advantages and disadvantages, orthodontic treatment prices, and types of orthodontic treatment. We encourage you to call or visit for a consultation without hesitation.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic in Daechi-dong, Gangnam Orthodontic Clinic, is conveniently located near Samseong Station, Hagyeoul Station, Daechi Station, and Hanti Station, making it very convenient for patients coming from Samseong-dong, Daechi-dong, Gaepo-dong, Dogok-dong, and Yeoksam-dong.

​Daechi-dong Woosung Apartment Intersection, building next to BMW

(opposite Starbucks / Samsung Store)

Daechi-dong Orthodontic Clinic Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

Parking is convenient and free

Consultation and inquiries: 02-501-2879