Face, Jaw, and Airway Orthodontics
Advanced Orthodontic Solutions for Better Sleep and Pain Relief
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All About Functional Orthodontics
Advanced Orthodontic Solutions
Functional orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial imbalances. These conditions, clinically referred to as “malocclusion,” result in misaligned bites. Dr. Shirazi is an experienced general dentist practicing functional orthodontics, expertly designing, applying, and managing corrective appliances like ALFs, functional devices, and aligners. His approach ensures proper alignment of the teeth, lips, and jaws while promoting facial harmony, TMJ stabilization, and improved airway function.
Signs That Orthodontics Are Needed
- =An airway that becomes unstable, even just at night, leading to snoring or sleep apnea
- =Teeth grinding and clenching
- =Tongue-tie or challenges with speech
- =Misaligned, crowded, or crooked teeth
- =Jaw pain or difficulty chewing due to bite misalignment
- =Restricted jaw movement resulting in facial or jaw discomfort
- =Permanent teeth emerging in an improper or obstructed position
- =Tongue thrust
If you or your child exhibits any of these SIGNS, SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH DR. SHIRAZI FOR A DETAILED EVALUATION.
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All About ALFs
ADVANCED LIGHT WIRE FUNCTIONALS
The goal of Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALFs) is to gently guide the structures of the oral cavity using light forces, similar to the natural pressure exerted by the tongue, while taking up minimal space in the mouth. ALF also helps position the tongue correctly for proper swallowing. By expanding the palate into a broader, flatter shape, ALF increases oral volume and enhances airflow by widening the nasal base. Additionally, it encourages correct swallowing habits, ensuring that the orthopedic expansion remains stable even after the appliance is no longer in use.
What Are The Benefits Of ALFs?
Create Space for Crowded Teeth
We can align crowded teeth with or without braces! Treatment can even work while you sleep, so there’s no need to wear anything during the day!
Broaden the Arch
For both children and adults, we can often expand the dental arches, reducing or eliminating the need for surgery or tooth extractions.
Arch Expansion
Adults can also benefit from non-extraction expansion to achieve optimal facial and dental aesthetics. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre, over 99% of patients never require extractions.
How ALF Appliances Improve More Than Just Oral Health
When Dr. Darick Nordstrom, the visionary behind the ALF appliance, introduced it in the early 1980s, he soon discovered that his patients were finding relief from a variety of seemingly unrelated health concerns. These included:
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PDelayed dental development
Such as childhood learning problems due to decreased blood flow to the brain
- PDigestive issues caused by improper swallowing
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PFacial Pain
Blurred vision, strained eyesight
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PEar Complications
Ringing or humming sounds in the ears, decreased hearing ability
- PTeeth clenching and grinding
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PChronic Headaches
Such as childhood learning problems due to decreased blood flow to the brain
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PTMJ disorders
With pain and restrictions of movement
Airway-Focused Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment can help expand the airway, improving breathing, particularly for those with sleep apnea. By increasing space in the mouth, the tongue can remain in a forward position, reducing airway obstructions during sleep. Many patients who once struggled with nasal breathing experience significant improvement both during and after treatment. We utilize cutting-edge technology to track these enhancements and ensure optimal results.
Definitions of Orthodontic Terms
Class I Malocclusion – The bite is properly aligned (the upper and lower teeth meet correctly), but the teeth may be crowded, crooked, or rotated.
Class II Malocclusion – The upper teeth extend too far beyond the lower teeth, commonly referred to as an “overbite” or “buck teeth.”
Class III Malocclusion – The lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, creating what is known as an “underbite.”
Occlusion – The positioning and spacing of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed.
