Understanding Dr. Andrew Cedarbaum’s Specialization
Dr. Andrew Cedarbaum is a specialist in “Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.” While many people are familiar with orthodontics, the term “dentofacial orthopedics” can be a bit confusing. Let’s clarify what it means!
The Nine Dental Specialties
Every orthodontist begins their journey in dental school. After graduation, some dentists start practicing immediately, while others opt to specialize, requiring an additional two to three years in a residency program. The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, including:
- Pediatric Dentistry (focused on children)
- Periodontics (specializing in gum health)
- Oral Surgery (involving surgical interventions)
Among these specialties is “Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.” You might know that orthodontists primarily focus on straightening teeth, with “ortho” originating from the Greek word for “straight” or “correct,” and “dontic” meaning “teeth.”
What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?
“Dentofacial” refers to both “teeth” and “face,” while “ortho” once again signifies “straight,” and “pedic” derives from the Greek word for “child.”
Guiding Healthy Facial Development
In essence, while orthodontics concentrates on tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics emphasizes the guidance of facial growth and development, which primarily occurs during childhood. Both fields often utilize appliances—braces for orthodontics, and specialized tools like headgear and expanders for dentofacial orthopedics, depending on the specific facial abnormalities being addressed.
Integrated Treatment Approaches
Orthopedic treatments may sometimes precede conventional braces, but often, both are implemented simultaneously. Therefore, if your child receives braces along with headgear, they are benefiting from both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic care!
With expertise in both disciplines, Dr. Andrew Cedarbaum can accurately diagnose misalignments in teeth, jaws, and facial structures, crafting a comprehensive treatment plan that integrates orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic therapies.
