Dentofacial Orthopedics:   The specialist's role.

Dentofacial orthopedics is what sets an orthodontic specialist apart from other practitioners in the dental field. Upon completion of dental school a few dentists choose to specialize in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. To have the credentials of a specialist, these dentists must complete a 2 to 3 year residency. After residency, an orthodontist’s entire practice is focused on orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic therapies.

You probably already know that orthodontists straighten teeth, but what is dentofacial orthopedic therapy? These therapies address skeletal imbalances of the face and jaws. Normalizing a child’s jaw growth is the purpose of first phase dentofacial orthopedic treatments. First phase treatment is normally followed by second phase orthodontic treatment to correct the dental aspects of dental malocclusion or “bad bite”.

In adults, jaw surgeries may be recommended to correct the orthopedic imbalances or skeletal growth deformities. However, in Dr. McAnnally’s practice, dentofacial orthopedic therapies have been successfully used to treat adults for years and in many cases have eliminated the need for jaw surgery. Orthodontics will often accompany dentofacial therapies or jaw surgery to properly align the teeth and eliminate the malocclusion completely.

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.

First phase skeletal therapies (dentofacial orthopedics) coordinate the sizes, forms, and positions of the jaws and their relation to the cranial base. Successful first phase treatment greatly simplifies second phase orthodontic correction:

• Skeletal and dental compromises inherent in orthodontic treatment alone are avoided.
• Alignment of the teeth rarely requires extractions.
• The teeth function their best, wear less, are the most stable, and have the best assurance of lasting a lifetime.
• A beautiful, broad smile and balanced facial appearance is achieved.

Dr. McAnnally’s practice has been in the forefront of dentofacial orthopedics since its rise in the mid 1970's. Multi phased combination orthopedic and orthodontic corrections of skeletal malocclusions provide optimum form and function. When the skeletal pattern is normal and the teeth well aligned, the face and smile look their very best. In short, Dentofacial Orthopedic and Orthodontic specialists make your smile more than just a smile!