Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO)
A Proactive Approach to Facial Development
True health begins with balance between muscles, joints, airway, and facial structure. That’s why we offer Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO) – a gentle, non-surgical approach that helps guide growth and restores harmony to the entire craniofacial system.
Meet the Practitioner:
Dr. Kyung Kim
Dr. Kyung Kim grew up in the Pacific Northwest and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Human Physiology before attending dental school at Oregon Health & Sciences University. After graduating, Dr. Kim discovered his first passion within dentistry—working with pediatric patients.
When his son was three years old and still struggling with sleep issues, Dr. Kim developed a second passion for airway dentistry. He has since dedicated much of his professional life to learning from dentists and orthodontists who specialize in jaw growth.
In 2021, Dr. Kim met his mentor, Dr. Patricia Valerio, and began focusing on Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO). He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in this specialized field at a Brazilian university, under the guidance of Dr. Valerio. Dr. Kim will be among the first dentists to earn a master’s in Jaw Functional Orthopedics. He feels blessed to learn from Dr. Valerio who has over 30 years of experience in practicing JFO.
Outside of his dental career, Dr. Kim enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessie, and their four energetic sons: Theo, Lucas, Johnny, and Elijah. They love to spend the summer months outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, and in the winter, they enjoy skiing at Mount Hood.
What Is Jaw Functional Orthopedics?
Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO) focuses on correcting the underlying structural and functional imbalances that can lead to TMJ disorders, bite issues, and airway problems. Rather than just straightening teeth, JFO works to create a healthy foundation for the jaws, joints, and muscles to function properly. It uses removable appliances that encourage proper growth and development of the jaws, helping them align naturally while reducing strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles.
The Key Principles of JFO:
- Supports natural jaw growth and facial balance
- Reduces strain on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs)
- Improves airway and can improve tongue posture
- Creates the structural foundation for a stable, healthy bite
Why JFO Matters for Overall Health
When the facial bones grow unevenly or the bite is imbalanced, the body compensates and that can cause pain, dysfunction, or aesthetic changes over time. The underdevelopment of the facial bones can affect the neck, shoulders, and more!
Common Problems
- TMJ clicking, pain, or locking
- Teeth crowding or malocclusion
- Airway restriction and/or mouth breathing
- Facial asymmetry or poor growth patterns
- Headaches, neck tension, or fatigue
How JFO Can Help
- Aligns the joint and relieves muscle strain
- Expands and guides the jaws before orthodontic treatment
- Improves nasal airflow and tongue posture
- Guides balanced development of the face and jaw
- Reduces muscle overcompensation and restores function
By treating the cause rather than the symptoms, JFO helps set the stage for a healthy, pain-free future.
Who Can Benefit?
JFO is especially powerful for growing children and adolescents, but it can also benefit adults in certain cases. Early intervention helps prevent future TMJ problems and supports natural growth patterns.
Ideal candidates include:
- Children showing early signs of crowding or crossbite
- Mouth breathers or children with chronic congestion/snoring
- Those with facial asymmetry or underdeveloped jaws
- Children experiencing early TMJ clicking, tension, or headaches
- Individuals with tongue-thrusting or poor swallowing patterns
The ideal time to begin JFO is between ages 4 and 8, while growth plates are still active.
Children up to age 12 and adults can still benefit from functional therapy when combined with other TMJ and airway treatments.
What to Expect With JFO Treatment
Comprehensive Evaluation
- Full TMJ and muscle assessment
- Posture and airway evaluation
- Digital imaging (CBCT, scans, photos)
- Review of growth, sleep, and breathing patterns
Custom Appliance Design
- Lightweight, removable functional devices
- Tailored to guide growth and correct imbalances
- Designed for comfort and gentle adaptation
Appliance varies from child to child and is custom-made for their unique needs
Monitoring & Adjustments
- Regular follow-ups to track progress
- Appliance adjustments as needed & new appliances as needed
- Myofunctional exercises to support new muscle patterns
Transition Phase (if needed)
- Once skeletal balance is achieved, orthodontic alignment may follow
- TMJ and airway integrity remain the top priority
The Benefits of JFO
- Prevents or reduces TMJ symptoms
- Promotes balanced facial growth
- Improves nasal breathing and sleep quality
- Creates space for teeth naturally
- Encourages proper tongue and muscle function
- Minimizes the need for aggressive orthodontics or surgery
Why Choose Us?
- Expertise in Functional Appliances – Dr. Kyung Kim has experience treating children via JFO with enormous success.
- Comprehensive, Holistic Care – We address not just the bite, but the entire system, joints, muscles, airway, and posture.
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools – CBCT imaging and analysis, laser treatment, and more.
- Patient-Centered Approach – We tailor every plan to the patient’s comfort, growth stage, and long-term goals.
Our goal is to help every patient – child or adult – to achieve lasting comfort, function, stability, and confidence through a healthy, well-balanced craniofacial system. This includes a patent airway, healthy jaw joints, an ideal facial structure, and more!
FAQs
- Is JFO uncomfortable? Not at all. JFO uses light, biologically compatible forces. Most patients adapt within days.
- How long does treatment take? Typically, between 12 and 24 months, depending on the case and growth rate.
- Can adults do JFO? Yes, certain adult cases can benefit, especially when combined with TMJ or airway therapies.
- Does JFO replace orthodontics? Not necessarily. JFO builds the foundation; orthodontics may follow to fine-tune alignment.
Start Your Journey to a Balanced, Pain-Free Smile
If you or your child snores, mouth breathes, grinds their teeth or has head, neck or jaw pain – then Jaw Functional Orthopedics may be the solution.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kyung Kim at the TMJ Doc today and discover how restoring natural balance can change your comfort, confidence, and quality of life!