What is Functional Jaw Orthopaedics?
Functional Jaw Orthopedics, or “F.J.O Orhtodontics” is the process of ensuring that the jaws are in their correct positions and that they are the correct shape and size. This improves balance within the skeletal system of the skull. Sometimes this is also known as “No Braces Orthodontics.” When this treatment is performed on a dental patient many health benefits can arise. Things like:
- Proper breathing
- Proper sleeping
- Freedom from jaw and headaches
- The need for pulling teeth becomes extremely rare
- Patients faces become more beautiful and balanced.
Note: Braces are still sometimes required to align the teeth fully, you can contact an FJO Dentist for more information…
Straightening teeth is the easy part! Watch this video…
- Note: Extractions (pulling teeth) are sometimes carried out which at times this may lead to changes in the profile….
FJO – Ideal proportions
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.
In FJO treatments we try to ensure bones of the skull and jaw are in the correct proportions
German Physician Dr Hans Bimler
A German physician (not dentist!) Dr Hans Bimler was one of the pioneers, spending much of his career establishing these values.
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.
F.J.O. FAQ
1. 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 often used.
2. Dental appliances?
A commonly used dental appliance is the Biobloc. Another is the 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. They even come in different colours, as shown in the picture.
3. Will dental retainers be needed?
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. Often, if FJO is done properly, retainers are sometimes 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 improper breathing, tongue and lip posture and thumb sucking, the forces on the teeth can be balanced.
It is when the forces on the teeth are not balanced that relapse can occur…
4. When should Functional Jaw Orthopaedics (FJO) be done?
Causes should be removed early if possible. There is an optimum time for each individual case though. More info on our Dental Braces 101 and Life with Braces page.
5. 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.
6. Can you sum up the benefits of FJO Dentistry?
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 better!
- 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 tooth and jaw function with less tooth grinding and tooth wear… There may also be less chance of painful clicking jaws.
- Proper Sleep. Less TMJ pain can improve sleep patterns.
- 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).
- Dr David Page has written an excellent book documenting the health benefits of balanced jaws called Your Jaws Your Life. For more information about FJO treatment and/or Your Jaws Your Life, please see: www.SmilePage.com (This is Dr Page’s website)
7. How FJO can make you healthier? Watch this video…
More about FJO Orthopaedics here:
- Check out these F.J.O. Dental Proofs
- Learn about Different F.J.O. Types of Treatments
- Questions? Comments? Get in Touch
