At Hannah Orthodontics, we specialize in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. While many people are familiar with orthodontics, the “dentofacial orthopedics” part of the title may be less well-known.
Guiding Facial Growth
Every orthodontist begins in dental school. After completing dental school, some graduates go directly into practice as dentists, while others choose to pursue a dental specialty, which involves an additional two- to three-year residency program.
There are nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, including:
- Pediatric Dentistry – dentistry for children
- Periodontics – dentistry focused on gum health
- Oral Surgery
One of these nine specialties is Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. You probably know that an orthodontist straightens teeth— “ortho” comes from the Greek word for “straight” or “correct,” and “dontic” comes from the Greek for “teeth.”
What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
“Dentofacial” refers to the teeth and face, while “ortho” again means “straight,” and “pedic” comes from the Greek word for “child.”
Procedure Specifics
While orthodontics focuses on managing tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves guiding facial growth and development, particularly during childhood. In both areas, appliances are used—braces for orthodontics and specialized devices like headgear or expanders for orthopedics, depending on what facial abnormalities are present.
In some cases, orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often, the two are done simultaneously. So, if your child has both braces and headgear, they are undergoing both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Why It’s Important
Thanks to our expertise in both fields, we can diagnose and treat misalignments in the teeth, jaw, and facial structure, allowing us to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic concerns. This ensures not only a straight smile but also proper jaw alignment and facial balance.
