The Smile And Health Benefits Of Functional Orthodontics
When people think about orthodontics, they often picture straighter teeth and a more attractive smile. But there’s a lot more to it than looks. Functional orthodontics goes beyond just aligning teeth—it focuses on how the jaw develops, how the bite fits together, and even how well a person breathes at night.
At Centreville Family Dentistry in Centreville, MI, we take a comprehensive approach to orthodontic care. By addressing the root causes of misalignment, we help patients of all ages achieve not only a straighter smile but also better long-term oral and overall health.
What Makes Functional Orthodontics Different?
Traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on moving teeth into alignment. While that can create a great-looking smile, it often doesn’t address why the teeth became crowded or misaligned in the first place. That’s where functional orthodontics takes a different approach.
Instead of extracting teeth to make space, functional orthodontics encourages natural jaw development. Treatments like palate expansion create room for teeth to align correctly while improving facial balance, breathing, and bite function. It’s about more than just straightening teeth—it’s about setting up a foundation for better oral health.
How Functional Orthodontics Supports Lifelong Health
A properly aligned bite and well-developed jaw can have benefits that extend far beyond the smile. Functional orthodontic treatment can help with:
- Better breathing and airway health – Expanding the palate can improve airflow, reducing the risk of sleep-disordered breathing and snoring.
- Less jaw pain and fewer headaches – A misaligned bite can strain the joints, leading to tension, discomfort, and even chronic headaches.
- Improved facial symmetry – Functional orthodontics supports natural, balanced facial development, particularly when started early.
- Healthier teeth and gums – Proper alignment makes it easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Children, in particular, benefit from early intervention. Still, adults can also experience improvements in bite function, sleep quality, and overall comfort with the right treatment.
Functional Orthodontic Treatments
Braces and Clear Aligners
Traditional braces and modern clear aligners work to gently shift teeth into the correct position. While braces use brackets and wires for precise movement, clear aligners provide a discreet, removable alternative. Both options contribute to better alignment and bite function, making daily oral hygiene easier.
Palate Expansion and ALF Therapy
Palate expansion helps create the space needed for teeth to align naturally for patients with a narrow jaw or crowded teeth. Advanced lightwire functional (ALF) therapy is another approach that encourages proper jaw growth and development, which can improve breathing and facial balance.
Myofunctional Therapy
Poor oral habits—such as mouth breathing or incorrect tongue posture—can impact jaw development and tooth alignment. Myofunctional therapy retrains muscles to support healthier breathing and oral function, making it an important part of functional orthodontic treatment.
Laser Therapy for Tongue and Lip Ties
A tongue or lip tie can restrict movement, affecting everything from speech to jaw development. Laser therapy provides a gentle, precise way to release these ties, improving oral function and promoting long-term dental health.
Discover the Benefits of Functional Orthodontics
If you or your child struggle with dental crowding, bite issues, or sleep-related concerns, functional orthodontics may offer the long-term solution you’ve been looking for. By addressing more than just tooth alignment, this approach helps create healthier smiles, improved breathing, and a better quality of life.
Contact our dental office located in Centreville, MI to schedule a consultation and explore the best options for your smile.
