You may have noticed that our doctor specializes in "Orthodontics and
Dentofacial Orthopedics." While most people have heard of orthodontics,
many are confused by the dentofacial orthopedics part of the title.
Every orthodontist starts out in dental school. Upon completion of dental school, some graduates immediately go into practice as
dentists. Others choose to pursue a specialty, which requires additional schooling during a two- to three-year residency program.
There are nine specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association. Some you are likely familiar with: Pediatric Dentistry
(dentistry for children), Periodontics (dentistry focusing on the gums), and Oral Surgery.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is one of the nine specialties. Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. Appliances are which are frequently used are braces, and other specialized appliances like headgear and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, they're actually undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Being skilled in both areas, our doctor is able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.
Dentofacial orthopedics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. While orthodontics focuses on the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves guiding facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood.
Orthodontics manages tooth movement, while dentofacial orthopedics guides the growth and development of the face and jaw. Our doctor is trained in both areas and can diagnose misalignments in the teeth, jaw, and facial structure to create a treatment plan that integrates both.
Appliances frequently used include braces along with other specialized appliances such as headgear and expanders, depending on the facial abnormalities present.
Yes. Orthopedic treatment may sometimes precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. For example, a child who gets braces and headgear is undergoing both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
After dental school, some graduates pursue a specialty that requires an additional two- to three-year residency program. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is one of nine specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association.
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