Cheers to your health! Biological dentist in Turlock CA explains many benefits of orthopedic orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists describes orthodontic treatment as the creation of a healthy and functional “bite” by aligning the positions of the teeth and jaws. When teeth and jaws are positioned so they line up correctly, these structures are able to function “as nature intended.”

When most people think of orthodontic treatments, conventional metal braces come to mind. As a biological dentist, Dr. Ramsin K. Davoud has invested in advanced training and technologies. As a patient, you enjoy the benefits of orthopedic orthodontics in Turlock CA – and all the latest, proven techniques that our modern, scientific understanding of dentistry has to offer.

The orthopedic orthodontics difference

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes orthopedics as the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. Bone and joints, ligaments and tendons, and muscles and nerves must all work together as a system so you can move and be active.

When most people think of orthopedic professionals, specialists in areas such as the feet, ankles, spine, shoulders, and hands may come to mind. So, why is a dentist talking about orthopedics? The skeletal system is made up of more than 200 bones. The adult skull alone spans eight cranial bones that protect the brain and 14 bones that support the face. The U-shaped hyoid bone at the base of the jaw also attaches the muscles and ligaments in the neck. These bones and adjoined cartilage, tendons, and ligaments do not exist on an island; for instance, the cervical spine and masticatory or chewing system are “functionally integrated.” When the cervical spine is impaired due to a disorder or as the result of trauma, it can affect the function of your jaw. Likewise, it works both ways – when your jaw doesn’t function as it should, it can affect other parts of your body that extend well beyond the appearance and health of your teeth, gums, and oral cavity.

Dr. Davoud is not just another dentist serving patients in Turlock CA and the surrounding area. He is both a Board-certified naturopathic physician and Board-certified integrative biological dental medicine practitioner. Dr. Davoud has invested in advanced training on neuromuscular dentistry and orthopedic occlusal advancement. Training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and the United States Dental Institute allowed Dr. Davoud to deepen his skills in orthodontics and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) therapy, extensive education that informs his day-to-day clinical treatment.

When Dr. Davoud applies his highly-specialized and unique level of education and experience to improve the function of your jaws or the relationship between your upper and lower teeth (or bite), it has many wonderful and perhaps surprising effects for the rest of your body and wellbeing.

Early intervention

There is no “appropriate” age to get orthodontic treatment. In fact, the AAO reports around 1 of every 5 patients who get orthodontic treatment is an adult; however, there is an ideal time to begin treatment – as your child’s jaws are still developing. For this reason, it’s generally advised children be evaluated for orthodontic problems that may require treatment by no later than the age of 7.

Early treatment with the orthopedic approach is also known as “functional orthodontics.” Traditional orthodontics like braces focus on straightening the teeth. Functional orthodontic techniques not only straighten teeth, but they also reposition the upper and lower jaws. Conventional orthodontics often involve removing otherwise healthy teeth to make room for teeth that are straightened with braces. If the bicuspids or premolars are removed, it can lead to a flat facial profile (that can’t be corrected later). Functional orthodontics doesn’t treat the symptoms; this approach gets to the root of the problem. Instead of pulling teeth to make room in the jaw, the jaw itself is expanded with specialized dental appliances. Orofacial muscle exercises or dental orthopedics may also be recommended to correct environmental factors, such as childhood habits like tongue-thrusting, that can lead to abnormalities. Correction with orthopedic orthodontics promotes attractively-aligned teeth, and a host of other benefits with big implications for your child’s long-term health and well-being:

• An improved profile
• Relief from chronic migraines, and neck and shoulder pain
• Helps with sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction
• Eases Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) symptoms
• Promotes better hearing
• Less dizziness

The first phase of treatment generally involves expanding the palate and repositioning the jaws, while the second phase of treatment is the “finishing touch” – straightening the teeth. Adults can also benefit from this whole-body, light-touch, and multi-faceted approach to correcting a variety of disruptive symptoms, and medical and oral conditions.

Call (209) 666-8867 to schedule an appointment at the Turlock CA office of biological dentist, Dr. Ramsin K. Davoud.

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