Welcome to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, a division of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC).

The division was established in late 2001, but dentistry can trace its ‘roots’ at AUB to 1910, when the university founded the first dental school in Lebanon and the Near East, and its first dean Dr. Arthur Ryton Dray held his first class of three students. Today, the orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics services are carried out of brand new facilities using the latest equipment of this highly-specialized field. The Karekin G. Tabourian Dentofacial Clinic carries the name of a former student and professor at the AUB Dental School, which closed in 1940.

The principal services encompass a comprehensive range of orthodontic procedures, from interceptive, orthodontic treatment for children to tooth movement in adults, including the treatment of severe bite problems that require combined, maxillofacial surgery. Treatment for dentofacial pain and temporomandibular joint problems is also provided. Here are some common questions and answers concerning orthodontics:

• What Is Orthodontics?
  Orthodontics is the dental specialty of aligning teeth and correcting malocclusions or bite problems (the jaw or your teeth [or both] are in the wrong position). The specialty is also known as dentofacial orthopedics because through braces and various orthodontic appliances, the size and position of the jaws may be affected.
  
  
• Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
  Misaligned teeth can be abraded with time due to chewing and are difficult to clean. This may lead to the development of disease in the periodontium (bone and gums) that house the teeth. In some instances, bite problems have been related to muscular and facial pain. Orthodontic treatment helps teeth and gums stay healthy and give a better bite, which will help normal chewing and digestion. After orthodontic treatment, patients feel more confident about their smile and face since it usually makes a dramatic improvement in appearance.
  
  
• How Does Orthodontics Work?
  Pressure applied over a long period of time moves the teeth. Braces are mechanical devices designed to apply pressure strategically to the teeth to move them into their proper position. In younger children, pressure on the teeth may be targeted to affect the growth of the jaws, as well.
  
  
• At What Age Should a Child First Visit an Orthodontist?
  In accordance with the American Association of Orthodontists' advice, we recommend screening children from the age of seven years when the permanent front teeth have started to come through. However, should any other problem exist, an orthodontist should be consulted as early as possible.
  
  
• When Can a Child Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
  The ideal age depends on the type of problem to be corrected. Only the orthodontist is qualified to decide the right time to begin treatment.
  
  
• When Can an Adult Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
  Treatment in adults, unlike children, is not timed with the growth potential of the patient. Therefore, orthodontic treatment may be started without delay, unless the condition of the teeth and gums requires some major restorations by the dentist or other dental specialists before braces. The orthodontist coordinates treatment with them.
  
  
• What Happens First?
  Before recommending braces or other treatment, the orthodontist will review the medical and dental history and examine the face and profile, teeth, jaws, and how they function. For a comprehensive study of the bite and face, x-rays, impressions, and photographs of the face and teeth are taken. When the study is ready, the orthodontist gives a presentation that includes diagnosis and treatment options, then, decides with you on the treatment plan and answers your questions.
  
  
• What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
  Surgery involving the upper and lower jaws is called orthognathic surgery in reference to getting the jaws in the correct position.
  
  
• When Should Jaw Surgery Be Considered?
  If the jaws and face are out of proportion, the patient may have problems chewing or is uncomfortable with his/her appearance. These problems can be corrected by combining orthodontic treatment with orthognathic surgery. First, the orthodontist uses braces to move the teeth into the required correct position. Then, the surgeon repositions one or both jaws to achieve a better bite and a more pleasing appearance. Surgery is performed after growth has ceased.
  
  
• What Are Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems?
  TMJ disorders are a family of problems related to the complex jaw joint. Symptoms, like pain or clicking sound, if present, are more easily diagnosed and treated than they were in the past. Since some types of TMJ problems can lead to more serious conditions, early detection and treatment are important. Treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the patient according to the etiology of the problem and related symptoms.
  
  
• What Other Services Are Offered?
  A team of experts (surgeon, orthodontist, speech therapist, ENT and other specialists) provide long-term, comprehensive treatment of cleft lip/palate and other craniofacial anomalies to achieve proper function of the jaws, teeth, and surrounding facial soft tissues, as well as optimal hearing and intelligible speech.

• Orthodontic Faculty
  • Dr. Joseph Ghafari, DMD: Head of the division
  • Dr. Fares Abou-Obeid, DDS
  • Dr. Patrick Anhoury, DMD
  • Mr. Antoine Bassil, RDT
  • Dr. Samar Bou Assi, DMD
  • Dr. Roland Feghali, DMD
  • Dr. Ramzi Hadad, DMD
  • Dr. Sami Karam, DDS
  • Dr. Anthony Macari, DMD
  • Dr. Felipe Rezk-Lega, DMD
  • Dr. Roy Sabri, DDS
     
• Dental/Surgical Faculty
  • Dr. Naji Abou Chebel, MD
  • Dr. Nadim Abou Jaoude, DDS
  • Dr. Nabil Barakat, DDS
  • Dr. Jose Chidiac, DDS
  • Dr. Mohamad Itani, DMD
     
• Location
  The Division of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is located on the sixth floor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, AUBMC, Beirut, Lebanon.
  
  
• Appointments
  To schedule an appointment, kindly call 00961-1-350000 or 00961-1-374444, ext. 5700.
  
  
• Working Hours
  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm