Aside from traditional orthodontics, which typically deal in the aesthetic wishes of patients to correct a crooked smile, Dr. Mohammad AlJanabi and his staff at Brooklyn Orthodontics also provide aid in the form of dentofacial orthopedics. Not just your typical orthodontist, Dr. AlJanabi goes beyond typical tooth movement for the purpose of straightening and uses dentofacial orthopedics therapy to guide the growth and development of the jaw and face, correcting bite abnormalities.
Typically, dentofacial orthopedic treatment is performed in two phases, the first while the child still has baby teeth, as well as primary teeth that have grown in. During this phase the doctor ensures that the upper and lower jaw are properly aligned. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. Palatal expanders put gentle pressure on the upper molars with the purpose of widening the jaw, and are expanded upon the instruction of Dr. AlJanabi. In addition to the palatal expander, the forsus appliance is used to move the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. Worn for about 12-15 months, this is normally used for younger children.
Despite the more ideal scenario in treatment of children, there is help available in dentofacial orthopedics for adults. Generally requiring a mixture of this type of therapy and surgery, Dr. Mohamed AlJanabi will put his expertise to use to properly align the jaw and move the teeth into the proper position in an involved and comprehensive manner. Trained in both orthodontics and dentofacial orthodontists and recognized by the American Dental Association, he will devise an integral treatment plan that not only obtains an attractive result, but more importantly, alleviates and prevents any future problems that could cause a patient pain.
Misalignments and bite problems are not only aesthetically unpleasing, but they can lead to larger problems, which include ringing in the ears, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. The teeth themselves over time can also become worn or cracked, and as a result become sensitive and weaker, which is why it is best to repair these abnormalities before permanent and irreversible damage is caused. Between the possible neck and shoulder pain, pain in the face or jaw, and the other possible problems, this once seemingly unattractive quality becomes a major source of distress for some patients, and a dentofacial orthopedic becomes a very necessary and helpful option.
