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The functional orthodontic approach begins
by first
acknowledging what caused the orthodontic disaray in the first
place,
and then fully addressing and correcting these problems
comprensivly before tooth straightening occurs.
(NOTE: This is much easier
to accomplish in younger children, but much of the desired results
can be achieved in adults as well, it just takes slightly longer.
Click
here
to
learn about this dynamic in children.
Another difference in functional
orthodontics is that it
relies primarily upon the natural forces produced by muscles
in the mouth ( tongue, cheeks, lips, and jaws)
to promote the proper growth, development, and position of the
patient's teeth and jaws. These
forces, after all, are the very forces that pushed the jaws
and teeth out of position, so it only makes sense to employ
them to return the jaws and teeth to where they belong. This
makes treatment go so much faster! These
natural forces are far more beneficial in younger patients (ideally
between ages 6 & 10), so much so that the vast majority
of orthodontic improvement in these younger patients can be
achieved with these forces alone, properly harnessed. The
same forces are however very helpful in expediting treatment
in adult patients as well.
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Compare
the before and after shots of this patient's profile.
Notice primarily improvement in the lower jaw and chin
position.
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There is another
benefit of orthodontic treatment that should be present
in nearly every orthodontic case, but is unfortunately overlooked
by most of your typical traditional orthodontists. Most
patients and doctors alike understand that orthodontic treatments
straighten teeth. But because so few doctors fully grasp
potential of what orthodontics can do, many of these patients
see results that fall far short their full potential. One
of these extremely significant benefits (that should be
a part of EVERY orthodontic treatment to varying degrees)
would be a much more complimentary over-all facial balance.
See image to our left to see just one example in a patient's
profile. |
Click
here to view
a must see
objective but dramatic illustration for ideal facial balance
comparison
Click
here more benefits of orthodontics
besides just straight teeth.
While the functional orthodontist
does get some assistance from some dental devices (such as muscular
trainers, orthopedic appliances, and brackets and wires), the
use of these devices in treatment is done so only after consideration
of and in conjunction with the natural forces already occurring
in the patient's mouth. This approach's advantages include
it is far
more natural to the body, it
produces much
better results more rapidly,
it achieves more
comprehensive results
(often benefitting the patients entire
face, not just their teeth,) the achieved results
are far more permanant,
and the patient can often save money
and time invested in orthodontics.
Click
below to
contact us about
this progressive approach to orthodontics.
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