Brodie Bowman Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics has two locations in Florida. The main office is in Fort Walton Beach, while the secondary office is in Niceville. The distance between the main office and Destin is less than nine miles, while the Niceville office is just 17 miles away from Destin.

The office is actually run by two orthodontists, Dr. Bowman and his partner, Dr. Roger Grace. Dr. Bowman was born and raised in Fort Walton Beach. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, where he earned a National Honor Society membership. He then earned his dental medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida. He also completed his residency there.

Dr. Brodie then served the US Air Force as an orthodontist for three years. He was first stationed at the Yokota AB in Japan and later transferred to the Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. By then, he had become Chief of Orthodontic Services. After leaving the Air Force, Dr. Brodie joined a group practice in Denver, Colorado. Five years later, he returned to Florida to partner with Dr. Bowman .

Dr. Bowman earned his doctorate from Atlanta’s Emory University. He then undertook orthodontic training at the University of Alabama. Dr. Bowman has earned board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics, and he has been in private practice for 24 years. He is a member of professional organizations like the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, and the Florida Dental Association.

What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?

The American Dental Association recognizes nine specialties within dentistry:

• Prosthodontics
• Periodontics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology
• Endodontics
• Dental public health

Within the specialty “orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics,” orthodontics is concerned with tooth alignment and movement. Dentofacial orthopedics manages the growth and development of the patient’s facial bones to prevent or correct any imbalances within the face or jaws. Children undergoing therapy for dentofacial problems usually have to wear appliances like headgear or palatal expanders, while adults often need surgery.

When Should a Child Start Visiting an Orthodontist?

Experts recommend that a child have their first visit with an orthodontist when they are around seven years old. Their adult teeth will have started to grow in by that age, and the orthodontist will be able to spot developing problems. Many of these problems, like an abnormally narrow palate, can be corrected with the appropriate appliance if caught during childhood.

You can get all the facts about the many benefits of orthodontics during a consultation at the office of Brodie Bowman, DMD. We have offices in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, and we happily serve clients in Destin and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to book an appointment!