Answers Offered by Maxofacial and Dentofacial Orthopedics. A broken or a flawed smile is a serious problem because our face and its smile are the first thing that people focus on when they meet us.  That broken smile may result from auto or sports injury, from disease, or even from our personal genetics. We are all familiar with children and braces and 80% of Dentofacial Orthopedics services relate to them, but 20% of orthodontic treatment involves adults over 21. Your orthodontist, Dr. Matt Beecroft offers answers for dental and maxofacial anomalies (e.g, TMJ problems, overbites, misalignments, etc.) for both children and adults, the whole age spectrum.

Orthodontic Training

Becoming an orthodontist begins with the earning of a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a Doctorate in Dental Medicine, and a residency providing a broad variety of experiences in practical orthodontics. Continuing education is mandated by state license agencies and by national accrediting groups, the learning continuing as long as the orthodontist practices this dental specialty, which is one of nine. A practicing orthodontic practitioner typically continues as an educator of others in the specialty through contact with those in orthopedic residencies, adjunct faculty relationships, professional associations, etc. In our case, Dr. Matt Beecroft’s academic credentials include work at Brigham Young, Case Western Reserve, and Vanderbilt Universities.

Addressing Common Problems

Every orthodontist sees a variety of people in a practice. Teeth may be crowded, overlapping, or crooked so that any smile is distorted. Jaw alignment may be off so that teeth never touch one another in chewing. This problem may present initially at toddler age, but it is treatable from crib age. The jaw and palate mature at different rates and sometimes result in overbites, underbites, etc. When treated early, later surgery may be avoided. Missing teeth may result in migration of teeth along the gums producing misalignment. Gaps between teeth may be cosmetically problematic. These and other problems bring patients to their orthodontist Dr. Beecroft for answers.

Orthodontic Services

No two mouths are ever the same. There are a number of treatment strategies for managing specific dentofacial anomalies. In the case of children, orthodontic planning should begin in childhood before braces or other dental modifications are implemented. The palate and jaw mature at different rates, and teeth emerge on a staggered time basis. Early orthodontic decisions in staging future dental management may minimize potential problems, sometimes eliminating later interventions like braces or surgery.

A Typical Need

Braces are a common intervention. Metal and ceramic braces continue to be a chosen option for that attractive smile. Although metal braces bring the temporary “platinum smile” to a mouth, they may be applied on the back side of teeth and be “invisible.”  Additionally, recent Invisalign technology has brought innovative “invisible” braces to your orthodontist’s practice.

Choosing Help

Regardless of your or your loved ones' specific smile problems, there is help for virtually any orthodontic need. Call today for further advice, braces, prostheses, surgery or for a second opinion. Dr. Matt Beecroft is accessible to you at Beecroft Orthodontics offices in Fredericksburg (11113 Leavells Rd., phone 540-898-2200) and North Stafford (239 Garrisonville Rd., Suite #101, phone 540-659-6300).

Dentofacial Orthopedics