You may have noticed that our doctor specializes in “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.” While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the dentofacial orthopedics part of the title.
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, 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: pediatric dentistry (dentistry for children), periodontics (dentistry focusing on the gums), and oral surgery.
“Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics” is one of the nine specialties. Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics guides facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. Appliances are frequently used — the more familiar braces for orthodontics and other specialized appliances like expanders and facemasks, depending on what facial abnormalities are present.
In conventional orthodontics, braces are sometimes used with headgear and functional appliances, which can have a headgear effect. This approach can slow down the growth of the upper jaw or retract the upper jaw back, which can negatively impact the esthetic and airway in susceptible patients, especially growing patient populations.
Being skilled in both areas, Dr. Yousefian can diagnose misalignments in the teeth, jaws, and facial structures and devise a treatment plan that integrates orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments. This plan promotes proper jaw and upper airway growth and avoids appliances with headgear effects.
