Information on Functional Jaw Orthopedics
Functional Jaw Orthopedics (aka Functional Jaw Orthodontics) is the process of ensuring that the jaws are in their correct positions, correct shape and correct size. This tries to create balance within the skeletal system of the skull. Sometimes this is also known as “No Braces Orthodontics.”
Leonardo DaVinci might have been an FJO dentist if he was living in the 21st century! DaVinci was passionate about “divine proportions.” He knew that there was a mathematical way of achieving perfect balance.
Many things in the universe are based on the proportion: 1 to 1.618.This is known as DaVinci’s Divine Proportion, which cosmetic surgeons, dentists and those working in the beauty industry call the “golden proportion”. It is found in art, architecture, animals, flowers and insects. For example, the distance from the the elbow to the wrist is 1: 1.618. Each succeeding finger bone is 1.618 the length of the preceding finger bone.
Your FJO Dentist also knows about Perfect Jaw Balance
Experienced practitioners are often able to tell where problems are by looking at the face and x-rays without having to measure them physically. The end goal is the same though…..
There should be balance between the jaws and when this is achieved, a beautiful profile is more likely
Dr Hans Bimler
A German physician (not dentist!) Dr Hans Bimler was one of the pioneers, spending much of his career establishing these values. Once the jaws are balanced the teeth must be moved into a stable position.
For most people the front 6 teeth need to be placed in a Roman Arch form. This puts the teeth in a stable position. Just like a Roman Arch that is formed without cement.
How do the Jaws change shape or position?
By putting light constant forces on the bones of the jaws, we are able to encourage bone deposition and growth where necessary. A removable appliance is sometimes used.
Dental Appliances
A commonly used dental appliance is the Biobloc. Another is the upper Schwarz appliance as seen in the picture, although there are many appliances that can be used. Each appliance has a different function so your FJO dentist will choose the correct appliance for you. They even come in different colours.
Dental Retainers
Dental retainers may sometimes be used during treatment and/or for a short time after your treatment. They help to maintain the position of the teeth. Sometimes, if FJO is done properly, retainers are not required permanently. This is because when the jaws are correctly positioned and the teeth are all in their proper place, together with the correction of habits (which can cause the problem) such as thumb sucking, the forces on the teeth are balanced. It is when the forces on the teeth are not balanced that relapse can occur.
When should Functional Jaw Orthopedics (FJO) be done?
This can vary. Growth problems such as a narrow palate are ideally fixed before all the adult teeth are erupted. Although it is often necessary to wait longer to have a co-operative child, some practitioners treat as early as age 2. In addition, it is sometimes beneficial to wait to treat problems until a particular growth phase. Problematic habits or incorrect breathing or swallowing patterns are usually best corrected as early as possible.
What can happen if FJO is needed, but it is not done before Orthodontics?
Usually, the teeth will still look straight and most patients will be pleased with the cosmetic result. However, various functional problems can arise or get worse if the FJO phase of treatment is required and ignored.
There are many health benefits that can result from perfectly balanced jaws.
Benefits of Functional Jaw Orthodontics
To sum it up, this truly is dental treatment with positive life-long effects. Some of the health benefits of Early Interceptive (FJO) Orthodontics Include:
- Your smile and confidence. A great wide smile can make you feel more confident!
- Your profile. It is commonly known that a large nose may look smaller when the upper lip is full and in the correct position. This is achieved by ensuring the upper jaw is not positioned too far back.
- Better airway tooth and jaw function with less tooth grinding and tooth wear… There may also be less chance of painful clicking jaws.
- Proper Breathing ability. Since the jaws are related to the airway, a constricted airway can be opened by putting the jaws into the correct position, just like when we perform a “jaw thrust” to open the airway during cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation (CPR).
Good video to show how FJO can make you healthier
More on FJO from this site:
- Check out these FJO Dental Proofs
- Find an FJO Dentist in Australia
