You may have seen that our doctors specialize in “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.” Most people are familiar with orthodontics, but dentofacial orthopedics is a term that often raises questions.
Every orthodontist begins with dental school. After graduating, some enter general practice immediately while others pursue a specialty, which requires two to three additional years of residency training. The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, including pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.
“Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics” is one of those nine. While orthodontics focuses on moving teeth, dentofacial orthopedics addresses the guidance of facial and jaw growth and development — a process that primarily occurs during childhood. Braces are the familiar orthodontic tool; specialized appliances like headgear and expanders are used in dentofacial orthopedics. Often the two approaches are used simultaneously, so if your child has both braces and headgear, they’re actually receiving both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatment.
Our doctors are trained in both disciplines, enabling them to diagnose and treat misalignments in the teeth, jaw, and facial structure — and develop integrated treatment plans that address the whole picture.
