Grant Bowbeer DDS MS

     Most malocclusions ("bad bites") are the result of an imbalance in facial muscles and bones, not oversized teeth - even when there appears to be considerable crowding. THE KEY TO PROPER DIAGNOSIS IS THE FACIAL PROFILE! Most "crowding" is due to jaws that have developed too narrow. The removal of any permanent teeth to correct "apparent" crowding tends to flatten the facial profile and make the patient look older. Also, if a bone and muscle imbalance remains after completion of treatment, there may be poor stability causing teeth to shift and/or an increase of the overbite.

     In 85-90% of dental protrusions ("overbites") there is a balanced upper face with a normal upper lip contour. Most dental protrusions are not really protruded - the problem is a short lower jaw. In these cases, if the lower jaw is moved forward, the facial balance is improved. The use of any backward pulling headgear with a retruded (short) jaw will flatten the facial profile and the lips. This "flattening" will frequently become more noticeable years after treatment has been completed, as the patient matures into adulthood when the nose and chin get a bit larger and lips thin out as part of the normal maturation process.

     Deep bites and short lower jaws tend to cause or contribute to jaw joint (TMJ) pain, neck pain or stiffness, headaches, and occasionally back pain. Many of our adult patients have noticed an almost immediate improvement of these problems (within 5-10 days) after one of several types of a functional appliance has been placed. Each functional appliance works to achieve normal facial muscle function so that teeth and jaws can develop properly. Thus treatment using functional appliances has many advantages over treatment with braces alone...

1) Better facial and dental arch development

2) Improved facial esthetics (a nice profile)

3) Nice fullness to the face and lips

4) Reduces time the patient will need to be treated with braces

5) In most cases, eliminates the need for "headgear"

6) Most functional appliances can be removed for eating, brushing, sports, playing of wind instruments, etc.

7) There is little or no discomfort with this type of treatment

Other advantages include:

1) The teeth are easier to clean and care for without the obstruction of a fixed appliance, thus removable appliances can be used in patients who have a high susceptibility to dental decay. These patients are at high risk when fixed appliances and braces are used.

2) Many more adult orthodontic problems can be improved or corrected successfully. We are seeing excellent results in patients in their 30’s, 40’2, and 50’s.

     If the orthodontic problem is severe, it is best if treatment is started early. Major improvements can be achieved by starting as young as 6 or 7 years of age. Early diagnosis helps make the treatment more successful. An initial examination with us is recommended as soon as any of the following is noticed:

1) Crowding of the front teeth

2) Face looks small for the size of the teeth

3) Lower jaw seems short (retruded)

     We have found that functional treatment concepts can be helpful in achieving superior results in approximately 90% of the patients we treat.

     If one family member is in treatment with us, we will gladly perform an initial examination on any other family member at no additional charge.

     If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask myself or my staff.