Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of the teeth and the dental arches: the maxilla and the mandible. The practice of this specialty includes diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion and other abnormalities of the developing or mature Orofacial structures.
Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only, or deal with the control and modification of facial growth. In the latter case it is better defined as "Dentofacial Orthopedics". In severe malocclusions that can be a part of craniofacial abnormality, management often requires a combination of Orthodontics with headgear or reverse pull facemask and/or jaw surgery or Orthognathic surgery.
“Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics” is one of the nine 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 headgear 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 child gets braces and headgear, he's actually undergoing orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
