You may have noticed that Dr. Heiner specializes in “Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics”. While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are uninformed about the term “dentofacial orthopedics”.

Orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of the facial growth and development which occurs largely during childhood. In each case, appliances are frequently used: the more familiar braces for orthodontics, and other specialized orthopedic devices to address facial abnormalities which fall under the dentofacial orthopedic category. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede the use of conventional braces, but often the two are employed at the same time.

So if your child has braces and an additional appliance, he or she is undergoing treatment via orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Because Dr. Heiner is skilled in both areas, he is able to diagnose any misalignments of the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure and can devise an individual treatment plan which addresses both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic considerations.