Early detection and prevention of malocclusion (bad bite) and inadequate growth of the face and jaws is a significant component of Dr. Simmons philosophy. Leaving these conditions diagnosed and untreated can lead to:
- Crooked teeth
- Poor facial aesthetics
- Airway dysfunction
- Sleep disorders
- TMJ
Most experts agree these problems are not inherited, but are a result of environmental or functional influences in growing children, creating crowded teeth and underdeveloped faces. These developmental problems can be detected at an early age, and often are, but frequently no treatment is recommended. Waiting for braces and/or tooth extraction in teenage years does not solve the underlying causes of crowded teeth and poor facial development.
The key to early orthodontic treatment is to identify problems when they first appear. Waiting until all permanent teeth to come through before beginning treatment with braces can unfortunately lead to irreversible damage affecting not only the teeth, but also the child’s overall health and development.
Dr. Simmons recommends having your child evaluated at approximately age 5, or at any time you have concerns about your child’s development. Dr. Simmons’ treatment corrects the identified problems by directing your child’s growth to maximize an ideal outcome using myofunctional activities and comfortable appliances.
The goal of treatment is to create a beautiful face, a healthy bite…for life! Your child is likely to be a candidate for early orthodontic treatment if:
- Your child’s lips are apart while sitting quietly or sleeping
- Your child snores
- Your child grinds their teeth
- Your child does not appear to have enough room for all of their teeth
- Your child has no spaces between their baby teeth
- You have a family history of TMJ, sleep apnea or removal of teeth for orthodontic treatment
Treatment Comparison
Below is an informative comparison between Traditional Orthodontics and Dr. Simmons’ Craniofacial Orthopedics treatment.
Traditional Orthodontics
- Moves teeth
- Active treatment as early as 9 years
- Fixed orthodontic appliances
- Treatment usually pushes teeth backward
- Extraction of permanent teeth often required
- Usually requires of wisdom teeth
- 2-3 years of treatment time with long-term retainers
- Ignores myofunctional disorders
- Ignores airway disorders
- Treatment is mechanical
- Wait and see what happens
Craniofacial Orthopedics
- Optimizes dentofacial development
- Active treatment 5-6 years
- Fixed and removable appliances
- Treatment positions teeth forward
- No permanent tooth extractions
- Provides room for wisdom teeth
- 3-8 years of treatment time with no retention
- Myofunctional therapy is essential during treatment
- Addressing airway is critical to treatment success
- Treatment is biologic
- Addresses problem as they are identified
List of most commonly presented problems:
- Crowding and crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Openbite
- Mouth Breathing
- Airway and breathing disorders
- Facial esthetics
- TMJ, popping, locking of jaw
What is the cause of orthodontic problem and why are air and food important?
Malocclusions and facial growth deficiencies have been recognized for nearly 200 years. Dentists have struggled to find a solution. Currently the orthodontic treatment paradigm involves dental arch expansion techniques, removal of “extra” permanent teeth, or surgical alteration of the jaws. Their focus is solely on teeth, ignoring the bone, muscles, jaw joints and airway. The scientific field that has directed and informed us with regard to human craniofacial growth and development is anthropology, unfortunately not dentistry. Historically research in human craniofacial development has focused on embryologic development not post-natal (children after birth or growing child) development. Decades of published textbooks and research in anthropology have demonstrated keys to understanding failure of the craniofacial structures to properly grow and strategies that can be used to correct these deficiencies in growing children adults.
Malocclusions and jaw growth discrepancies are rarely genetic, rather they are cultural in origin. The foods we eat, the air we breathe and breast-feeding practices in westernized cultures have altered functional demands on developing jaws and teeth, creating what are known as epigenetic effects. These epigenetic effects all negatively affect the teeth, jaw and associated structures. Many of our current chronic health problems are related to these growth deficiencies. For over 35 years Dr. Simmons has provided gentle, safe and effective treatments to overcome these epigenetic effects. No one around has the experience or knowledge to more effectively these developmental problems.
Orthodontics is not just for Children
Many adults have had orthodontic treatment one or more times in their life. Many experiences orthodontic relapse, and/or TMJ and sleep apnea. The underlying problem was never address. Unresolved Myofunctional issues, underdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment failed to properly address growth and development deficiencies.
Dr. Simmons exclusive treatment approach starts with a comprehensive history and examination to begin to connect the dots. To determine your individualized treatment recommendations, Dr. Simmons has developed a unique comprehensive diagnostic protocol incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and a multidisciplinary review. Treatment is non-surgical and effective.
To learn about Dr Simmons’ Orthopedic-Orthodontics treatment call 206-682-3399, or Click Here
