Most people understand the relationship between orthodontics and tooth movement. But dentofacial orthopedics entails the guidance of facial growth and development, which typically occurs during childhood. However, dentofacial orthopedics is used to treat adults and this process may involve surgery (please review our surgical orthodontic section). In orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics appliances are frequently used – orthodontics use braces and dentofacial orthopedics may use headgear or an expander.
The appliance chosen for dentofacial orthopedics depends on what facial abnormalities are present. For example, a narrow upper or lower jaw, one jaw larger than another, or jaw asymmetry. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. So, if your child needs braces and headgear/expander, your child is undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics!
WB Orthodontics is skilled in both areas, we are here to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure. We can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
To learn more about dentofacial orthopedics and find out if this type of treatment is right for you, please contact WB Orthodontics for a consultation today at 804-454-1888.
