Dr. Wang’s Specialties
Portage Orthodontics specializes in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the “dentofacial orthopedics” part of the title. Fear not; we can explain!
Specialty Programs
Every orthodontist starts out in dental school. Upon completion of the degree, some graduates immediately go into practice as dentists. Others choose to pursue a dental specialty which requires additional schooling during a two to three year residency program.
There are nine specialties sanctioned by the American Dental Association including pediatric dentistry (dentistry for children), periodontics (dentistry focusing on the gums), and oral surgery. Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is one of the other specialties.
What is dentofacial orthopedics?
As you know, an orthodontist straightens teeth. The term “ortho” comes from the Greek word for “straight” or “correct” while “dontic” is Greek for “teeth.”
But what about dentofacial orthopedics?
“Dentofacial” represents “teeth” and “face.” When combined with “ortho” meaning “straight” and “pedic” the Greek word for “child,” dentofacial orthopedics refers to the straightening or correction of a child’s teeth and face.
Dentofacial Orthopedics Reviews
We’ve always had a good experience at Grabowski orthodontics! They are efficient & we’ve seen good results in our kids :)
I appreciate the team at Dr. Grabowski’s office for transforming my smile over the past 37 months; it looks amazing. I highly recommend Grabowski Orthodontics!
This was my third visit to the office and the staff were friendly and attentive. I’m very glad I selected Portage Orthodontics.❤️
My daughter is a new patient. Everyone is friendly and kind. Very beautiful office and most importantly, my daughter had a great experience getting her braces on. We are excited about our journey with Portage Orthodontics.
I had a great experience at Portage Orthodontics getting my braces put on. The staff was very friendly and made me feel comfortable throughout the visit. The whole process went smoothly, and the clinic was clean and professional. I’m really happy with my experience and excited for my treatment moving forward.
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Do Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics overlap?
Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. In both cases, appliances are frequently used, including 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 accomplished at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, he’s undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics!
Because Dr. Wang is skilled in both areas, they are able to diagnose any malalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.
Request an appointment for yourself or your child today. It’s never too late to achieve your perfect smile with proper alignment!
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What to Expect
Following a comprehensive evaluation of your child's facial features, including looking for any misalignments or abnormalities in their teeth and jaw, Dr. Wang will create a customized treatment program. Based on their condition, their treatment might or might not use an orthodontic appliance. Portage Orthodontics offers various orthodontic treatments, and if this is needed for your child's treatment, Dr. Wang will review all of the options to determine which one is ideal. Dr. Wang or a member of his team will also teach you and your child how to properly take care of the appliance and answer any questions that you might have about the therapy.
