What Does Dentofacial Orthopedics Mean?
Dr. AlJanabi is an orthodontist, however he also specializes in dentofacial orthopedics. When orthodontists begin their studies in dental school they may choose to pursue a specialty within the field. Some dental students go on to pursue training and residency in disciplines as varied as pediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics and others. One of the specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association is Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Orthodontistry is a well known specialty. Everyone knows you go to an orthodontist to get your teeth straightened! The meaning is right there in the name: the root word “ortho” comes from the Greek for “straight” or “correct.” The “dontic” portion of the word means “pertaining to teeth.” Put the word parts together, and orthodontist is a literal name for what Dr. AlJanabi does in our Brooklyn office every day!
When it comes to Dentofacial Orthopedics, the root meanings are just as literal. “Dento” means teeth and “facial” means face. In the word orthopedics we already know that “ortho” means straight–“pedic” refers to the Greek word bones. Therefore the practice of Dentofacial Orthopedics is simply the correction of the facial bone and the jaw.
Orthodontics focuses on the alignment of the teeth–however the teeth are not the only part of the face and mouth that can cause trouble and unwanted misalignments. Through the practice of dentofacial orthopedics, Dr. AlJanabi helps to guide facial bone growth through the use of orthopedic appliances for the jaw and face. Some of these appliances include the Herbst appliance and maxillary and mandibular expanders to help create space in jaws that are too narrow or underdeveloped. If you’ve been told you have a crossbite, overbite or underbite you should receive dentofacial orthopedic treatment to help correct your misaligned bite.
Dentofacial orthopedics are best applied in youth–with the successful first stages of treatment occurring around age eight when both primary teeth and the first adult teeth are present. Because the mouth and jaw are still forming, the jawbone is more malleable and receptive to treatment. As patients get older, bad bites become more set and difficult to change. Dentofacial orthopedics may be instituted prior to the installation of braces, or used concurrently with orthodontic treatment. If left uncorrected, misaligned bites may need to be corrected with surgery in adulthood.
While facial and jaw misalignments may not be as visually prominent as otherwise crooked teeth, bite misalignments can cause a variety of health issues if left untreated. Those with bite problems often experience headaches, dizziness, pain in the jaw or the face, sensitivity, fatigue, worn teeth, and even tinnitus and TMD (temporomandibular disorder).
As a trained dentofacial orthopedist, Dr. AlJAnabi will evaluate you or your child for any bite issues during your appointment and make recommendations for care and treatment if it is needed. Early intervention is important, if you are in the Brooklyn Area and would like to set-up and appointment for evaluation and consultation please call our office at (718) 333-5898