We now know that crowded or “crooked” teeth, a crossbite, underbite or overbite are signs of an underlying development issue. The way the jaws fit together are less about our genetics and more about external influences on our growth and development. Factors like nutrition, breathing patterns and incorrect forces from facial muscles and the tongue affect growth from a young age.

Traditional Orthodontics straightens teeth without addressing the underlying causes of why the teeth are crooked. However, our approach, a field called Myofunctional Orthodontics, seeks to address the root cause of the problem as soon as possible, rather than just “straightening” teeth.

The Adams Dental team focuses on the underlying causes of crooked teeth. Because this approach targets the cause of the problem, treatment helps lower the risk of orthodontic relapse that is commonly seen today. Research shows that 80% of growth happens by the time children are 8 years old. Knowing this, we approach treatment in the earlier stages of childhood as soon as we see an issue so we can help encourage children’s jaws to develop correctly. While straight teeth are a result, they are not our primary goal.

We work to address the way your child’s face is growing by retraining improper muscle movement or posture, because this will ultimately impact the position of their teeth.  We believe that jaws were designed to accommodate all of our teeth. We prefer not to extract teeth and instead work to encourage proper jaw development which leads to enough space for teeth and in the end, a beautiful broad smile that sits within a balanced face.

It is important to recognize that Myofunctional Orthodontics requires commitment from the patient (and parent). It is more interactive than traditional orthodontics because we are working to correct habits, not just position teeth. We find that we are most successful when we work with patients and parents who understand the impact oral habits make on tooth position and facial growth, and are committed to effecting a positive change in overall health.