Dentofacial Orthopedics | Palatal Expander | Surgical Orthodontics
The Dentofacial Orthopedic Specialist
Specialist in Dentofacial Orthopedics is a special distinction earned by orthodontists who have completed a two to three year orthodontic residency program and passed rigid state specialty examinations. After accreditation, a specialist’s entire practice is centered on orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic therapies.
Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on the jaw relationships and facial development. It is the process of regulating the growth of the face and jaws and correcting imbalances that are present. The process often begins as early as age seven to take advantage of a child’s growth potential. It’s also commonly used to treat adults notwithstanding growth limitations.
Dentofacial Orthopedics for Children
A child’s development can be adjusted to optimize the jaw relationships, bite, and facial appearance. For this reason, children are the best candidates for dentofacial orthopedic therapy.
Dr. McAnnally will monitor your child’s growth to determine the best time to begin Phase-One dentofacial orthopedic correction. Later, Phase-Two orthodontics will usually be needed to straighten misaligned teeth.
Dentofacial Orthopedics for Adults
For correction of adult facial and jaw imbalances, we rely on orthopedic appliances to induce remodeling of the jaws. Surgery provides an alternative to appliance wear. You can still obtain the attractive facial pattern and beautiful smile you’ve wanted.
To find out if dentofacial orthopedics is right for you or your child, call us and schedule an orthodontic consultation.
Two-Phase Treatment
- Phase-One: Dentofacial orthopedics or jaw surgery to correct the unfavorable jaw relationship.
- Phase-Two: Orthodontics, usually braces or aligners, to straighten misaligned teeth.
Dental bad bites are due to misaligned teeth. Orthodontics, usually braces or aligners, is required to straighten the misaligned teeth. Phase-One is not required.
- An attractive facial appearance
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- The social, business, and economic advantages that accompany a pleasing facial pattern and beautiful smile
- No tooth extractions
- Increased stability, longevity, appearance, and function of the teeth
- Improved respiratory and cardiovascular function
- lower incidence of TMJ disorders, snoring, sleep apnea, abnormal tooth wear, tooth decay, gum disease, and costly dental care
Dr. McAnnally’s Practice Has Been in the Forefront of Dentofacial Orthopedics Since Its Rise in the Mid-1970s.
Dentofacial orthopedics began ascension in the United States in the mid 1970's and became firmly established in the mid 1980's. From 1901 to 1983, the official journal of the American Association of Orthodontists was entitled American Journal of Orthodontics. In 1983, dentofacial orthopedic therapies received formal recognition by the American Association of Orthodontists when the journal was retitled American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. From 1983 to 1986, ‘Dentofacial Orthopedics’ was set in smaller typeface than ‘Orthodontics’. In 1986, the typeface was enlarged to equal that of 'Orthodontics'. Since 1986, the title, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, has given equal recognition to these two treatment modalities. We believe the journal should be further retitled - American Journal of Dentofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics - to reflect the normal sequence of multi-phase therapy.