Ask Dr. Keenan: What are “Dentofacial orthopaedics”?

You may have noticed that Dr. Peter Keenan specializes in “Orthodontics and Dentofacial orthopaedics.” While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the “dentofacial orthopaedics” part of the title.

Not to worry – we can explain!

You probably know that an orthodontist straightens teeth, and indeed: “ortho” comes from the Greek for “straight” or “correct,” and “dontic” from the Greek for “teeth.” But what about dentofacial orthopaedics? “Dentofacial” is “teeth” plus “face” while “ortho” again means “straight” and “pedic” is from the Greek for “child.”

Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopaedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. In both cases, appliances are frequently used – the more familiar braces for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances like headgear and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthopaedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, he’s undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics!

Because Dr. Keenan is skilled in both areas, he is able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopaedic treatments.

We hope that helps! Contact us to schedule an initialconsultation for your child. There are two offices, one in Galway City and one in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. It’s never too late to get a great smile, and we can’t wait to help you get started.

Tags: Castlebar braces, Castlebar orthodontist, dentofacial orthopaedics, Dr. Peter Keenan, Galway City braces, Galway City orthodontist, Keenan Orthodontics, tooth misalignment