New England Dentofacial Orthopedics

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    Orthopedic OrthodonticsDENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS is a medical specialty for correcting problems with facial and jaw bone development. The purpose of dental orthopedics in children is to guide facial growth, correct teeth misalignment, and repair bite pattern issues. We can also use dentofacial orthopedics procedures to prevent these oral problems from developing in the first place.

    ORTHODONTICS is the term for general dental procedures designed to properly align teeth and jaw movement.

    Together, orthopedic orthodontics align the teeth and jaw to optimize structural alignment and to minimize destructive forces on the teeth, jaw joints, and spine which could cause loss of permanent teeth, tooth and jaw pain, headaches, back pain, trouble breathing, and more.

    ALF Lightwire Orthodontics

    The purpose of Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALFs) is to orthopedically move structures of the oral cavity using minimal forces without occupying a great deal of space in the mouth. In doing so, the ALF expands the maxilla to allow a greater capacity of oxygen to enter the nasal cavities and trains the tongue to swallow in a proper manner so that the new position created by orthopedic expansion is maintained after its use is discontinued.

    Even the most difficult looking teeth are treated without having to extract any teeth!

    Dentofacial Orthopedics: Other Conditions to Consider

    The purpose of Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALFs) is to orthopedically move structures of the oral cavity using minimal forces without occupying a great deal of space in the mouth. In doing so, the ALF expands the maxilla to allow a greater capacity of oxygen to enter the nasal cavities and trains the tongue to swallow in a proper manner so that the new position created by orthopedic expansion is maintained after its use is discontinued.

    Even the most difficult looking teeth are treated without having to extract any teeth!

    Tongue Ties

    Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) affects the tongue’s range of motion. It’s caused by a failure of the lingual frenulum, a small band of tissue, to detach from the tongue before birth, which prevents the tongue from moving freely. Affected children may have problems lifting their tongue or sticking it out past their front lower teeth.

    The condition often runs in families, and it typically affects boys more than girls.

    Lip Ties

    A lip tie refers to a condition where the strip of skin beneath the upper lip, known as the frenulum, is shorter or tighter than usual, limiting the range of motion of the lip. This condition can occur in newborns and may persist into childhood or adulthood if not addressed. A prominent lip tie can potentially cause challenges with breastfeeding for infants, as it may restrict the baby’s ability to latch onto the breast effectively. In addition to breastfeeding difficulties, a lip tie might contribute to issues with oral hygiene, speech development, and even the alignment of the teeth as a child grows.

    Mouth Breathing

    Mouth breathing is when a child breathes with their mouth open. It’s generally caused by a partial or total obstruction of the nasal passages which means the child can’t breathe freely through their nose.

    Although occasional mouth breathing is okay, such as when the child has a cold or nasal congestion, regular mouth breathing can cause dental problems such as bad breath, a gummy smile, crooked teeth, an overbite, and tooth crowding.

    At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Center of New England, dental orthopedics treatments are available from Dr. David to help treat mouth breathing including braces and appliances to open your child’s palate.

    Tongue Thrusting

    Tongue thrusting is when the tongue rests between the upper and lower teeth when the child swallows.

    Thumb Sucking

    Strained facial muscles. Note lower lip pushing in.

    Why We Need to Treat Abnormal Ties:

    Abnormal lip and tongue ties can cause multiple medical problems such as colic, gas, reflux, drooling, gagging, sleep apnea, and speech and jaw development problems.

    • Nutritional problems
    • Colic or excessive gas
    • GI problems: reflux
    • Drooling
    • Gagging
    • Sleep apnea
    • Changes in sleep patterns
    • Speech problems
    • Jaw growth & development
    • Psychological problems

    Diagnosing Lip and Tongue Ties

    Lip and tongue ties should be diagnosed immediately after birth using the finger sweep technique, either in the birthing or delivery area or knee to knee examination. A full evaluation in a dental office should follow.

    Parents who blame the tongue tie primarily for the child’s feeding or speech problems are no longer thought to be either neurotic or fooling themselves. Gratifyingly, there are now many professionals who have acknowledged that a structural defect, causing a range of difficulties, is best served by what a prominent Australian pediatric surgeon Dr Martin Glasson has described as “an operation which is simple, brief and virtually devoid of complications”.

    The tongue tie picture is seen to cause many more side effects than those expected, some problems being more or less important than others. These little known side effects of tongue tie can and do occur, and contribute both to a poor prognosis in therapy, and to a long term reduction in the quality of life of the patient. It is being increasingly accepted by disciplines associated with infants, children and adults with tongue tie that there is now no place for “wait and see” policies when the frenum has been identified and diagnosed as abnormal, and early intervention is the optimal form of management.

    For expert dentofacial orthodontics treatment in New England, contact us today.

    TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre Icon

    We Can Help You.

    Call us today to learn more about treating your TMJ or Sleep challenges.

    (978) 779-0865

    Learn more about what our patients have to say

    about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of New England

    Brittany D.

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Beautiful experience. My third child, was my first with ties. Dr. Kaplan took his time showing me images of my sons ties and explaining them to me so I understood them more. He also made the atmosphere very comfortable! We had all 3 ties released (tongue, lip, and cheek) done in about 10 minutes. Dr. Kaplan checked in with me about 5 minutes after the procedure and explained everything to me about follow up appointments with lactation and chiro and how to massage my babies mouth post-op. Highly recommend for infant tie issues!

    Marissa T.

    5.0 ★★★★★

    Dr. David is by far one of the most compassionate dentists I have ever met. Dr. David and her team have a thirst for knowledge and are constantly furthering their education. I would highly recommend the TMJ & Sleep Centre of New England if you have any TMJ/Sleep needs.

    Tara R.

    5.0 ★★★★★

    I have only been for initial exam and consultation, so this review is for that. I love the office. They have great technology and a nice ambiance if you can believe it. Pretty rare to find a dentist with nice views but I had beautiful trees to look at outside the window while I sat in the chair. The tech and dentist were so caring and really listened to me and took their time to make me feel at ease. I have had some less than savory and even traumatic experiences at other dentists , I can say that I feel very comfortable and trusting with Dr David. I think she is a brilliant doctor who really cares about people and looks at the whole picture , not just your teeth. I’m happy I found her and ready to start my treatment plan. This is by far not the cheapest dentist but I only have one set of teeth, so trusting myself to the best.