All About Dentofacial Orthopedics
You may have noticed that Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre specialize in “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.”
While most people in Western Oklahoma have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the dentofacial orthopedics part of the title—we’re here to explain.
Becoming an Orthodontist
Every orthodontist begins their journey in dental school. Upon completion of dental school, some graduates immediately go into practice as dentists. Others choose to pursue a specialty, which requires additional schooling during a two- to three-year residency program.
There are nine specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association. Some you are likely familiar with, like pediatric dentistry (dentistry for children), periodontics (dentistry focusing on the gums), and oral surgery.
“Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics” is one of the nine specialties.
Explaining Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics
Essentially, orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement and dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood.
Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre frequently use appliances—braces for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances, like headgear and expanders, depending on what facial abnormalities are present.
Sometimes orthopedic treatment at Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics may come before conventional braces, but often the two are used at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, they are actually undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Start Your Smile Transformation
Dr. Farrow and Dr. Dewbre are skilled in both of these specialized areas, so they can accurately diagnose any misalignments in your teeth and jaw, as well as your whole facial structure.
To learn more about customized treatment plans with orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatment, schedule your free initial consultation in one of our four office locations.