Dentofacial orthopedics is one of the many areas that a dentist can specialize in. This is a dental specialty that involves treating any imbalances of the jaws and teeth. The goal of dentofacial orthopedics is to guide facial development and growth so that the teeth line up normally.
A small percentage of dentists choose to specialize in orthodontics and dental orthopedics after they graduate from dental school. They are required to complete a residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, which typically last two or three years. They focus their practice totally on orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics after they complete their residency.
Doctor Ragan of Ragan Orthodontics specializes in orthodontic treatment and dentofacial orthopedics. He is dedicated to helping patients of all ages get the smiles they want. Doctor Ragan offers different types of braces, Invisalign, AcceleDent, and more with treatment options available to adults, teens, and children. Contact Ragan Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation.
Who Is Considered A Good Candidate For Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Children are typically considered the best candidates for dentofacial orthopedics. That is why children are advised to see an orthodontist by the age of seven or eight. An orthodontist can determine whether a child is in need of dentofacial orthopedics.
Treatment is typically performed in two parts. Prior to starting any treatment, the orthodontist will perform a thorough examination in order to determine when it is best to start the treatment. The first part of the treatment is performed before all of the child’s teeth grow in.
The goal of the first phase of the treatment is to correct jaw abnormalities before the permanent teeth start growing. For example, if a child has an under-developed upper jaw, then this can be corrected before all of the permanent teeth grow in. Headgear and expanders can be used during the first phase of the treatment.
The second phase of the treatment is performed after the child’s permanent teeth grow in. Braces are often used during the second phase in order to ensure that the teeth line up in their proper position. In some cases, headgear and braces are used simultaneously.
Can Adults Get Dentofacial Orthopedics?
Even though children are the best candidates for dentofacial orthopedic, it can also be used to treat adults who have jaw abnormalities. However, it is much harder to correct jaw abnormalities in adults because the jawbones are fully formed and hardened. That is why surgery is often performed on adults. The purpose of surgery is to align the bite and jaw up properly. Adults may also get braces after undergoing surgery. It may take longer to correct jaw abnormalities in adults. However, dentofacial orthopedic can help people get the smile they’ve always wanted.