Orthodontics - A New Era in Orthodontics and Orthopedics

ORTHODONTICS

A NEW ERA IN ORTHODONTICS & ORTHOPEDICS

Conventional Orthodontics

Conventional or retractive orthodontics, looks mainly at straightening teeth for esthetics and appearance and assumes that the facial muscles and jaw joints will accommodate to their new position. Teeth are considered for extraction if there is insufficient space to align the teeth. Making the teeth look straight is often the primary concern. Narrow and constricted arches will often result. This approach often does not consider the impact it has on the airway (breathing), proper tongue space, as well as the health of the masticatory muscles which must properly function for a stable bite. A “physiologic” relationship of the head and jaw posture are commonly over-looked when straightening and aligning the teeth.

Neuromuscular Orthodontics

Neuromuscular orthodontics emphasizes how the muscles, jaw joints and teeth affect one another to find a homeostatic relationship before aligning the teeth to one another. A proper gearing of the teeth to function in harmony with the jaw joints and muscles allows the teeth to wear and function evenly reducing any trauma and excessive strain to the surrounding supporting bone. Narrow dental arch forms are properly developed to a full contour, enhancing breathing and appearance. The closing of the bite vertically in the back regions of the mouth orthopedically is accomplished non surgically in most cases. The trained dentist will use objective measurements and TENS instrumentation to identify a more pleasing facial appearance and jaw position before and after treatment. This approach has been found to be more comprehensive going beyond just the straightening of teeth. Improved function, bite stability and facial appearance to avoid dental relapse is important to establish “Happy muscles” and stable jaw joints.