Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with irregularities of the teeth and their correction. Dentofacial orthopedics is a specialty that deals with the correction or "normalizing" of the growth of an individuals bone structure and/or repairing irregularities of the jaws and face. Together, says the American Dental Association (ADA), the orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics specialty includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.