Dentofacial Orthopedics

All orthodontists had to start  in a dental school. After completion of dental school, some doctors immediately go into a practice of dentistry. Yet some others may choose to take up a a dental specialty; all specialties require additional schooling during a two to three year residency program. There are nine specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association. One of the nine specialties is “Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.”

While we are sure you know that an orthodontist straightens teeth, did you know where the word Orthodontist comes from? “Ortho” comes from the Greek for “straight” or “correct,” and “Dontic” from the Greek for “teeth".

So lets look at dentofacial orthopedics? “Dentofacial” is “teeth” plus “face” while “ortho” again means “straight” and “pedic” is from the Greek for “child". So what does all this mean....

In essence while orthodontics encases the management of teeth and tooth movement...dentofacial orthopedics involves, largely during childhood, the guidance of facial growth and development. In each treatment case, appliances are frequently used. Braces for orthodontics, headgear and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present usually are required. Occasionally orthopedic treatment may be required to precede traditional braces, but quite often the two are able to be performed at the same time. So lets make it easy to define whether or not your child is getting dentofacial orthopedics. If you or your child gets braces and headgear, your treatment includes both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Dr. Michael G. Behnan and Dr. Scott M. Behnan are both skilled in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Either doctor is capable of diagnosing any misalignments in the teeth and or jaw as well as you or your child's facial structure. During your consultation the doctor can discuss with you your orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatment needs.