Dentofacial Orthopedics

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.

“Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics” is one of the nine dental specialties. Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. Appliances are frequently used — the more familiar braces for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances like the Herbst appliance, facemask appliance, and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are used at the same time. So if your child gets braces and any of these growth modification appliances, he or she is actually undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Being skilled in both areas, Dr. Pawlak is able to diagnose any improper alignments in the teeth and jaws, as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.