What does “orthodontics” mean to you? Straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners? Did you know that orthodontics have a function beyond improving the aesthetics of your smile? We use “functional orthodontics” to describe a series of treatments that correct problematic jaw and bite issues, open up the airway, and balance facial proportions.
What Makes Functional Orthodontics Different?
Traditional orthodontics focuses mostly on straightening teeth for cosmetic reasons, without delving deeper into what caused the teeth to become misaligned in the first place.
Example: For a patient with crowding, rather than extracting teeth to fit within the existing space (which is routine in traditional orthodontics), we would expand the jaw to make room for the existing teeth. The narrow jaw is the root cause of the crowding. Expanding it improves overall function by widening the palate, opening up the airway, and balancing the facial proportions. That is functional orthodontics.
Early Intervention for Future Health
Functional orthodontics benefits children especially — even before their adult teeth emerge — because it promotes proper facial development. With early intervention, children’s teeth will have enough room to emerge naturally straight. The jaw joints will not be subject to undue stress caused by improper development and will, therefore, function properly. The airway will also develop as it should, preventing possible breathing problems, including sleep apnea.
Functional Orthodontics Includes:
Children who undergo functional orthodontic therapy grow up happier and healthier, with fewer behavioral problems. They sleep better with adequate airway development and get better nutrition with improved swallowing and chewing ability.
It’s Not Too Late for You!
Adults also benefit from functional orthodontics. Just because you’re all grown up doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to experience the benefits of functional orthodontics. With a personalized functional orthodontics treatment plan, you can say goodbye to
