Dentofacial Orthopedics

Our doctor specializes in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics

While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are puzzled by the dentofacial orthopedics portion.

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, such as pediatric dentistry (dentistry for children), periodontics (dentistry focusing on the gums), and oral surgery.

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is one of nine specialties.

Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial bone growth and development, which occurs during childhood. The growth of bones can be reduced or enhanced during certain growth stages in life. Appliances are frequently used — the more familiar braces for orthodontics, 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 applied at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, he’s actually undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Being skilled in both areas, our doctor is able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw bones as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.