Dentofacial Orthopedics Calgary
Our esteemed doctor, Dr. Biljana Trpkova, at InLine Orthodontics, Calgary, holds a specialization in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. The term “dentofacial orthopedics” might be a mouthful, but its role in orthodontic treatments is significant.
With decades of experience in orthodontic care, Dr. Trpkova takes a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating concerns related to jaw growth, facial balance, and bite alignment. Her goal is to help patients achieve not only healthier smiles, but improved function and long-term oral health as well.
A Peek Into Dental Specializations
Before we delve into dentofacial orthopedics, let’s take a step back and understand the journey of an orthodontist.
Upon completion of dental school, a graduate stands at a crossroads – one path leads to immediate practice as a dentist, and the other beckons toward further specialization. This fork in the road is marked by an additional two to three years of immersive residency programs.
The Canadian Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, each with its area of focus. For example, pediatric dentistry focuses on children’s dental care, periodontics on gum health, and oral surgery on operative mouth procedures. Among these specialties is Dentofacial Orthopedics, which is our area of expertise.
Dr. Trpkova completed her orthodontic training and Master of Science degree at the University of Alberta and has extensive experience evaluating jaw development, facial growth, and bite function in both children and adults.
We specialize in Dentofacial Orthopedics in Calgary to help patients achieve optimal facial and dental alignment.
Orthodontics vs. Dentofacial Orthopedics: The Twin Pillars
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, while seemingly complex, are fairly straightforward concepts when broken down.
Orthodontics
This is what most of us are familiar with – the branch of dentistry that is focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. In simpler terms, orthodontics and orthodontic treatment are all about tooth movement and improving overall oral function through personalized orthodontic care.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
This is the lesser-known counterpart to orthodontics. It deals with guiding the growth and development of the facial structure and jaw. This aspect is particularly important during childhood and adolescence, where unfavourable jaw growth can be corrected using specific appliances.
In some severe skeletal cases, dentofacial orthopedic treatment may also work alongside oral surgery or corrective jaw surgery to help improve jaw balance and facial harmony. When necessary, Dr. Trpkova works collaboratively with other dental and medical specialists to ensure patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
The Tools of the Trade: Dentofacial Orthopedic Appliances
Dentofacial orthopedics involves a variety of appliances such as expanders, upper jaw protraction headgear, or lower jaw advancement devices. These tools are used strategically to guide and rectify imbalances in facial growth and development.
At times, orthopedic treatment might happen before your child begins orthodontic treatment involving aligners or conventional braces. However, more often than not, both are used together.
Therefore, if your child is undergoing treatment involving braces or aligners along with expanders or headgear, they are actually benefiting from a comprehensive treatment plan involving both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. We also offer specialized care like TMJ Treatment for comprehensive orthodontic solutions.
Certain patients with craniofacial conditions, such as cleft lip and palate, may also benefit from coordinated orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic care as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan.
Bridging Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Being dually skilled in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics allows Dr. Biljana Trpkova to provide a holistic treatment approach. She is adept at diagnosing misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as identifying discrepancies in facial structure.
This broad skill set enables her to devise an integrated treatment plan that encompasses both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments, catering to the unique needs of each patient.
The fusion of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics results in comprehensive care that addresses not just the teeth, but the entire facial structure. This combination ensures that patients receive the most thorough care possible, setting them up for a future of better oral health and confidence in their smiles.
Take the First Step Towards Comprehensive Oral Health
Embarking on a journey toward better oral health can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here at our clinic, we’re committed to providing you and your children with the best care possible, thanks to our expertise in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Whether we are helping young patients during key stages of growth or providing treatment options for the entire family, our focus is always on personalized care, patient education, and long-term results.
If your child is showing signs of teeth or jaw misalignment in his or her adult teeth, or if you’ve been contemplating orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to guide you through the process, address your concerns, and ensure a personalized treatment plan that caters to your specific needs.
Take the first step today. Contact us today and let’s discuss how our comprehensive orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics services can help improve your family’s oral health. We look forward to joining you on your journey toward a brighter, healthier smile.
Calgary Orthodontics with over 20 years of experience. We offer traditional braces & Invisalign in a friendly environment for beautiful, healthy smiles.