As one hears the term “orthodontics”, things like braces or teeth straightening typically comes to their mind. However, this field of dentistry also includes dentofacial orthopedics. As Dr. Kami Hoss mentions, dentofacial orthopedics focuses on improving the dimensions and positions of the jaw and facial bones. Basically, while orthodontics is largely about straightening the teeth, dentofacial orthopedics puts more emphasis on the bones that house the teeth.
Dr. Kami Hoss sheds light on the dentofacial orthopedics
“Dento” stands for teeth and “facial” for the face. Dentofacial orthopedics is a prominent dentistry speciality that treats both the teeth and the facial structure, including the jaw that provides structure to the teeth. Correcting jaw problems is the key focus of dentofacial orthopedics.
Orthodontic issues make it difficult for people to floss and brush their teeth properly, thereby increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. People experiencing such problems should consider visiting an orthodontist who has proper training and experience in dentofacial orthopedics. Such specialists are well-acquainted with orthodontic procedures and can carry out the appropriate treatments that help patients to overcome their dental problems. Dentofacial orthopedics is meant to help people with growth problems of the teeth and mouth. Its primary focus is the jaw structure, and largely deals with repairing or improving facial deformities caused in the teeth due to head and neck development.
Dentofacial orthopedics guides facial growth and development, which largely takes place during childhood. A variety of devices and tools tend to be used for this type of treatment. Depending on the facial abnormalities, familiar orthodontic tools like braces and other specialized appliances like headgear and expanders are used. At times, dentofacial orthopedic treatment has to be followed by conventional orthodontic treatment, but in most cases, they are used together. This basically means that in case a child has braces and headgear, they are quite likely to be undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at the same time.
The primary goal of dentofacial orthopedic treatment is to achieve teeth that are properly aligned. Achieving and maintaining a good bite would make sure that the jaws work together property, which can help prevent further dental problems down the line. Orthodontic treatments can make flossing and brushing easier as well, by lowering the likelihood of developing tooth cavities due to less wear and tear.
Most dentists or orthodontist are likely to identify the early signs of malocclusion pretty easily. By taking a child for regular visits to the dentist from an early age, one would be able to prevent issues like tooth cavities and pave the way for properly aligned teeth as permanent teeth start to erupt. By the age of three, a dentist would be able to spot a potential malocclusion in a child, and therefore, parents must also act fast to avoid long-term issues or potentially invasive treatment down the line.
Dentofacial orthopedists involves treating dental dysfunction and jaw offsets. Even though several adults do believe that only children and teenager can benefit from dentofacial orthopedics, that is not the case in reality. This branch of dentistry concerns people of all ages. As Dr. Kami Hoss points out, dentofacial orthopedics helps fix dental malposition in both young and older people.
