An orthodontist isn’t your child’s only option in Turlock, CA
Q: When does a parent start to worry about his or her child’s facial appearance?
A : As the child starts growing, his or her face may lose its baby fullness and the features become more defined – a pinched chin, a protruding upper lip, a compressed forehead being more apparent. If your child has crooked, overlapping or misaligned teeth, you may feel worried.
Q: Is there any alternative to orthodontic treatment?
A : Previously, the only solution to such problems lay in orthodontics, but now there is an alternative known as orthopedic orthodontics. This treatment addresses the cause of problems and considers that other health abnormalities could be related to your child’s facial development. It focuses on giving the child the good health and attractive look he or she deserves.
Q: What is the difference between Orthopedic orthodontics and Traditional orthodontics?
A : You know conventional orthodontics as “braces.” These brackets are cemented to teeth and connected by wires, tightened to twist and pull teeth into alignment. Traditional orthodontics also attempts to address bite problems – the relationship between the upper and lower arches. Creating space for crowded teeth and aligning the bite often requires extraction of healthy teeth.
Orthopedic orthodontics is referred to as “functional orthodontics,” which is appropriate. This method encourages harmonious development of musculoskeletal structure – the bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and connective tissue that influence the mouth. The functional result is improved ability to chew food and speak clearly, more efficient breathing, and reduced stress on the TMJ. The aesthetic results are dramatic. Teeth are straight and evenly spaced, the jaw looks strong, and facial proportions and planes are balanced for an appealing profile.
Q: What are the health benefits of orthopedic orthodontics?
A : Functional orthodontics employs removable and fixed oral appliances and postural exercises to optimize facial development, widening the palate and bringing upper and lower jaws into alignment. It is sometimes said that a healthy face leads to a healthy life, with good reason. A diminutive or recessed chin, and misalignment of the jaws can lead to migraines, neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, hearing problems, and TMJ disorders. Many children with this condition suffer upper airway obstruction, leading to snoring and sleep apnea, and inability to perform well in physical activities. Functional orthodontics can remove these obstacles to your child’s healthy development.
Q: What is a treatment plan like?
A : Every patient is different, but a typical treatment plan for a child aged 7 to 15 is about 8 months, depending on the severity of the case and the child’s level of cooperation. Orthopedic orthodontics can be an option for adults, as well.
Q: Why should we decide on Dr. Davoud?
A : Dr. Ramsin K. Davoud DDS in Turlock, CA has advanced training in orthopedic orthodontics from Occlusion Connections, a well-respected organization of dental professionals dedicated to improving oral health and whole-body wellness. Call (209) 666-8867 to schedule a consultation.
