You may have noticed that our practice specializes in “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.” Most people are familiar with orthodontics, but the dentofacial orthopedics part often raises a question or two.
Every orthodontist starts in dental school. After graduating, some go directly into general dentistry, while others pursue a specialty that requires an additional two to three years of residency training. There are nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, including pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.
“Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics” is one of those nine specialties. Orthodontics focuses on moving teeth into alignment, while dentofacial orthopedics addresses the growth and development of the face and jaws. This part of treatment is most effective during childhood, when bones are still developing and can be guided more easily.
Common appliances used in dentofacial orthopedics include palatal expanders, which widen the upper jaw, and headgear, which influences how the jaws grow relative to each other. These tools help create a better foundation before or alongside traditional orthodontic treatment.
The good news is that both disciplines fall under the same specialty, so when you see our orthodontist, you’re getting expertise in both tooth alignment and facial development all in one place.