Functional jaw orthopedics
Orthopedic orthodontics, is an approach in dentistry that focuses on correcting the growth and development of the jaws to achieve proper facial balance and function. Unlike traditional orthodontics that primarily aims to straighten teeth, functional jaw orthopedics emphasizes the correction of underlying skeletal and muscular issues in the growing child’s face and jaw. This are DIAGNOSES, PREVENTS, and TREATS growth and development problems that affect dental/bone structures.
It is not characterized by directly treating and correcting teeth, but rather by all orofacial growth and development.
What is the main difference with orthodontics?
- Orthopedics uses natural forces:
- Child growth and development
- Tooth eruption
- Posture and movement of the tongue
- Posture and jaw movement
What are the advantages?
Above all, intervening early drastically reduces long-term consequences. The later it is intervened, the less we can reverse the situation.
- Skeletal and postural changes – improves the posture of the head and consequently the spine and body
- Acting on soft tissues, e.g. lip, tongue, …
- Helps control and correct harmful habits
Why can these problems be so serious?
- Changes in body posture
- More difficult eating
- Worse quality of sleep, e.g. snoring, difficulty concentrating, and more drowsiness
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Changes in oral functions: speaking, breathing… – atypical swallowing, imprecise speech and hypernasal voice
What types of devices?
Personalized, removable, easy-to-place appliances without complicating chewing and the oral hygiene process. Without such a tendency for cavities and stains to appear on the teeth.
