Oftentimes, our culture deems crooked and crowded teeth as simply a genetic issue, with the only obvious solution being braces or other orthodontic treatment. While genetics do play a part in the development of our teeth, our tongue and airway also have a great impact in its health and development.
Why Do People Get Braces
Braces are a common tool that orthodontists use to correct a variety of dental issues. These issues include crowded and crooked teeth, cross-bites, overbites and gummy smiles.
Braces often come into play during adolescents or in adulthood to correct the appearance by straightening teeth.
But what if there was a way to help mitigate these sorts of issues from an early age, and thus reduce the need for comprehensive orthodontic correction later?
How We Develop
Proper tongue placement and jaw development are crucial to overall orofacial development. In the past, tougher diets led to proper development with the use of jaw muscles and the tongue, which widened the upper maxilla (upper jaw), and thus, created more space for teeth to grow in straight. Nowadays, diet and lifestyle have led to a shift in how jaws develop and can lead to their underdevelopment. As a result, our jaws have stayed smaller, our teeth have less space to grow unobstructed, and our teeth have had to adjust to the limited space by crowding together.
The dental issues that come from improper orofacial development do not just cause issues with jaw underdevelopment and teeth misalignment; they are also important for the development of the upper airway. A restricted upper airway can contribute to SDB (Sleep Disordered Breathing). This disordered breathing can interfere with sleep patterns; lowering concentration, increase irritability and so much more. On the other hand, a well-developed upper airway allows for correct breathing, healthier teeth and overall well-being.
Where to Growing Healthy Teeth
So, is it possible to aid orofacial development to help children develop healthy jaws and healthy teeth? The answer is Yes!
Healthy Start® and Vivos® are dental oral appliances used to help guide the jaw towards its natural potential which may lead to proper development.
Healthy Start® and Vivos® are not a replacement for braces or conventional orthodontics in complex cases. The aim of these appliances is to promote proper development which can potentially minimize the need for further correction later while promoting better aligned teeth, healthier breathing and increased overall well-being.
If you’re interested in setting yourself or your child up for a future with healthy teeth, good breathing habits, and overall well-being, contact our team at Ecologic Dentistry today. We are located in Bonney Lake. Join us for our FREE online presentation: Grow, Breathe, Sleep, Thrive! Call us for your invitation at 253-863-7005 or request to be on our invitation list at Grow@EcologicDentistry.com. For other inquiries, please email us at TheNaturalChoice@EcologicDentistry.com.