Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
You may have noticed that our doctor specializes in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. While most people are familiar with orthodontics, the dentofacial orthopedics portion of the title is often less understood.
What Is the Difference?
Every orthodontist begins their education in dental school. After graduating, some dentists go directly into general practice, while others pursue advanced specialty training. These specialties require an additional two to three years of residency training. There are nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, including pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is one of these nine recognized specialties.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics focuses on the movement of teeth. Braces and aligners are commonly used to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve overall dental function and appearance.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding facial growth and development, which occurs primarily during childhood. This specialty addresses how the jaws and facial structures grow and relate to one another.
A variety of appliances may be used depending on the specific facial or jaw imbalance present. These can include expanders to widen the upper or lower jaws, reverse pull headgear to guide the upper jaw forward, and Forsus springs to encourage forward growth of the lower jaw.
Sometimes dentofacial orthopedic treatment is completed before conventional braces are placed. In many cases, orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments are used at the same time. If your child is wearing braces, expanders, reverse pull headgear, or Forsus springs, they are receiving both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic care.
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment
Because our doctor is trained in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, they are able to evaluate tooth alignment, jaw position, and facial growth together. This allows for a comprehensive treatment plan that integrates tooth movement with proper jaw and facial development.
By addressing these factors together, treatment can support healthier function, improved facial balance, and long lasting results.