What does orthodontics mean?
If you are like thousands of other Australians, you put much time and effort into researching the latest in orthodontic treatments. To learn about the best ways to straighten teeth, we first look at what the term “Orthodontics” mean? This is the process of moving the teeth into alignment.
How do the teeth move?
What are the pros and cons of clear plastic braces vs. fixed visible braces?
For many patients researching getting clear dental braces or regular braces, there is so much information that making a decision can be extremely difficult. Below is a simple break down of each method to help you really understand the pros and cons of the different types of dental braces treatments.
Clear Plastic Braces
PROS:
- Transparent and thus less visible to the naked eye
CONS:
- Slower tooth movement usually, so this type of dental treatment is best for crooked teeth in minor cases…
- Usually takes longer to move teeth when compared to metal braces
- Can be more expensive
Fixed “VISIBLE” Braces
PROS:
- Full scope of tooth movement so can be used in all cases
- Teeth move more rapidly
- Less expensive in most cases
- White brackets available (so the dental braces can be made less visible)
CONS:
- They are more visible than clear braces
What is Orthopaedics or Functional Jaw Orthodontics (FJO)?
FJO Dentistry or Funtional Jaw Orthopaedics is the treatment used to ensure the jaws are the correct size and shape and in their correct positions. When this is all correct many health benefits can arise. Proper breathing, sleeping, and freedom from jaw and headaches are just a few. The need for tooth extraction becomes extremely rare and faces can become more balanced. Find out more below…
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.
Balance Between the Jaws
There should be balance between the jaws and when this is achieved, a beautiful profile is more likely. A German physician (not dentist!) Dr Hans Bimler was one of the pioneers, spending much of his career establishing these values.
Teeth ideally sit in a shape like a Roman Arch. Not narrow and v-shaped
What happens after the Jaws are balanced with FJO Orthodontics?
Once the jaws are balanced the teeth are sometimes 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 their ideal position. Just like a Roman Arch that is formed without cement.
How is all this measured?
This may be measured by xrays, and study casts made of the patients teeth. Additionally there is the “ Schwarz-Korkhaus Analysis.” Some experienced practitioners are able to look at a person’s profile and their teeth and quite quickly see where the problems lie. Even so, it is normal practice to have x-rays taken.
Measuring study casts (impressions) of the teeth helps to analyse cases
The study casts are measured using various analyses. One analysis is called “The Schwarz-Korkhaus Analysis”. Schwarz and Korkhaus both spent years analysing where the teeth should sit within the Roman Arch, according to the volume occupied by the 4 front teeth. Larger teeth will sit on wider arches. Similarly, smaller teeth will sit on narrower arches.
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 usually used.
Commonly used appliances are a Biobloc or an upper Schwarz appliance, 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.
When should Functional Jaw Orthopedics (FJO) be done?
Causes can be removed from birth. If there is a tongue tie – this should be removed immediately as the tongue won’t function properly and so the palate may not grow large enough. If there is a habit such as thumb sucking this must be stopped as soon as possible for the same reason.
Active treatment is recommended whenever the jaws are out of balance from age 2 onwards. Although it is sometimes necessary to wait until the child is more co-operative such as around age 7.
What can happen if FJO is needed, but it is not done?
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.
What to do next if you want FJO treatment?
1. Find your nearest F.J.O. practitioner on our Contact Us or Dentist Directory pages
2. Make an appointment for a consultation during which your specific requirements can be discussed. (usually you will have impressions, photographs and x-rays taken to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning)
3. Discuss your treatment plan and decide when to get started
4. Begin the road to straight teeth and healthy jaws
More popular topics
- Click here for TMJ Dentistry
- Learn about Sleep Apnea Treatment
- Info here on the dangers Mouth Breathing
- Find out about Myofunctional Orthodontics
Questions?
- Say hello… Email Us Here
