Dentofacial Orthopedics

DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS Milford, MI

Dr. Siara-Olds specializes in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. While orthodontics refers to moving teeth, dentofacial orthopedics refers to guiding facial growth and development.

In other words, your child wearing braces is an example of orthodontics. Your child wearing headgear or using a palate expander is an example of dentofacial orthopedics.

Here’s what else you need to know about dentofacial orthopedics.

HOW DENTISTS BECOME ORTHODONTISTS

Every orthodontist starts out in dental school. Upon completion of dental school, some graduates immediately go into practice as dentists. Others choose to pursue a specialty. This requires additional schooling through a residency program that lasts two to three years.

The American Dental Association sanctions nine specialties, which include orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Other specialties include pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.

Needless to say, Dr. Siara-Olds chose to specialize in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

WHAT IS DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS?

Dentofacial orthopedics is the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs mostly during childhood. During this time, we often use appliances to help move, grow, and develop the jaws. This helps to create a harmonious relationship between the upper and lower jaws.

Some of the most common examples of dentofacial orthopedics include headgear, palatal expanders, and functional jaw orthopedics like MARA (Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance). But it’s important to remember that each child is different. Ultimately, your child’s treatment will depend on what facial abnormalities are present.

WHEN DO YOU START DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS?

Not all children need dentofacial orthopedics. But it’s not uncommon for children to get orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatment at the same time. An example of this would be if your child was wearing both braces and headgear.

Dr. Siara-Olds is skilled in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. As such, she’ll be able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaws, as well as the facial structure. She’ll then be able to devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION WITH DR. SIARA-OLDS

Dr. Siara-Olds is a board-certified orthodontist who practices in Milford, MI. To request a consultation, please call Siara-Olds Orthodontics at (248) 684-6833. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.

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