Functional Orthodontics
Versus
Traditional Orthodontics
Functional Orthodontics can relieve TMD pain, eliminate sleep apnea, and much more.
What is Functional Orthodontics?
Functional Orthodontics consists of not only straightening a person’s teeth, but repositioning the upper and lower jaws to create a better profile.
If there is a weak chin or misalignment of either jaw the bite will be thrown off. This could lead to producing migraines, neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, sleep apnea, hearing problems, TMJ, upper airway obstruction and poor facial profiles.
Functional Orthodontics approaches straightening teeth in a different way.
Instead of pulling crowded teeth, the jaw is expanded to make room for them. When appliances are worn to widen the jaw, both upper and lower, it makes for a more balanced profile. It also helps to expand the sinus and to correct sleep apnea or breathing problems.
With the non-extraction technique, which uses expansion appliances to widen the dental arch in patients, you can achieve great results that are long-lasting.
Why is Functional Orthodontics a Better Solution than Traditional Orthodontics?
Traditional Orthodontics uses braces to straighten teeth. Most often, prior to the placement of braces, teeth are extracted to provide more room in the mouth to straighten teeth. Usually, it’s the bicuspids that are extracted and although room is made it leaves the face narrow. Extractions can also lead to a flattened facial profile that cannot be changed later.
Traditional Orthodontics doesn’t prioritize the whole body and overall health.
The priority result is a smile with straight teeth.
This may compromise the functional aspect of the jaw, leading to issues later in life such as sleep apnea, migraines, and more
Benefits of Functional Orthodontics
- No tooth extraction
- Straightening teeth
- Better facial profile
- Correct bite
- Correct sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Reduce TMJ pain, migraines, and neck/ shoulder pain
Functional Orthodontics at Dentistry for Health NY
Dr. Sarah Hubert provides the orthodontic services for DFHNY. She has a special interest in Functional Orthodontics, airway and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD).
Functional Orthodontics can relieve TMD pain, eliminate sleep apnea, and much more.
Explore the possibilities: contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Did you endure years of braces as a teenager and now your teeth have shifted?
Dr. Hubert has 10+ years’ experience providing orthodontic solutions with Invisalign® clear aligners. From simple to complex cases, she develops plans that provide the highest esthetic and functional outcome.
Not only do her patients look better, they often feel better because she takes into account their whole system when designing their unique plan.
Teeth will shift if breathing, soft tissues, airway, and the TMJ are not considered.
Dr. Hubert uses advanced techniques such as removable expansion appliances, myofunctional therapy, lingual frenectomy, and breath training to provide long lasting results.
Explore the possibilities: contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Do you suffer from regular headaches, neck pain, TMJ pain… and the night guard your dentist made hasn’t helped?
There is a direct correlation between the health of the joint (TMJ) and the occlusion (your bite or the way your upper and lower teeth come together) and sleep breathing disorders.
Signs and symptoms of an unstable joint/bite include headaches, neck and shoulder pain, tooth wear, gum recession and unexplained tooth or mouth pain. If the TMJ or the bite is not stable, it causes disharmony with the muscles of the head and neck.
Dr. Hubert uses splint therapy to stabilize the joint and relax inflamed muscles. The splint is worn day and night, even while eating. Dr. Hubert performs weekly splint adjustments. Over time the muscles quiet and the joint stabilizes. It is similar to physical therapy.
Often, patients see a relief in discomfort within the first weeks of wearing the splint. In many cases, we achieve a complete cessation of adverse and painful symptoms with splint therapy.
While the splint is therapeutic, it is not the cure. After joint stabilization has been achieved, an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be made.
Treatment plans can include:
- Composite or porcelain restorations
- Chiropractic therapy
- Myofunctional therapy
- Expansive orthodontics
- And in some cases – surgery
A personalized treatment plan will be created to establish a new, balanced bite, to improve jaw relationships, and open a restricted airway.
Explore the possibilities: contact our office to schedule an appointment.
