Straight Teeth

We are genetically programmed to have straight teeth and symmetrical faces. One only has to look at the skulls of our distant ancestors, who have the same genes, but lived in a different environment.  There is more pollution today, less breast feeding, bigger tonsils and more active immune systems that affect the growth and development of our jaws.  If the airway is affected by the environment, the person can become a mouth breather, develop habits such as thumbsucking or posture their heads forward and cause the bones to grow and develop in a non-optimal form.  If the upper jaw bone develops small, then the arch of teeth that erupt within it will be cramped and cause the crowding we see so commonly today. 

Interceptive treatment in young kids is a conservative way to help your child develop the nice, round dental arches needed to be able to house all the teeth that need to erupt.  With 3D imaging, we can measure the teeth that have not erupted and guide the development of the jaw bones to the optimal genetic potential to be able to house all the teeth without crowding.  Generally speaking, lots of spaces between the baby teeth is a good thing.  Remember, your child's jaws will grow so don't panic when the teeth first erupt and there is no space between the baby teeth.  Feel free to bring your child in to Dr. Heit for a complimentary consultation if you are not sure.

There are many theories as to why there are so many people with crowded teeth today.  It can also be hereditary or a result of a birth deformity.  Nontheless, many people find straight teeth attractive and thus pursue orthodontics (braces) for cosmetic reasons.  Never, in the history of time, have so many people had braces as today-even adults.

Since many abnormalities in facial structure and teeth alignment can be traced to an environmental infuence found during a dental exam, it makes sense that changing the environment can help resolve the problem.  There has been much debate in the dental community about the problem of relapse following orthodontic treatment.

TMD

If you are considering braces to straighten your teeth, please read the section on TMD (temporomandibular disorder) so you can understand that straightening your teeth is also changing your bite and jaw position.

It is vital to have a thorough evaluation of not only your teeth and gums before engaging orthodontic treatment, but also your TMJ's and airway to make sure you know all the risks of treatment, non treatment and prognosis in your own special case.

Referral to an Orthodontic Specialist

Although Dr. Heit can provide the service of orthodontics she is not an orthodontic specialist.

Dr. Heit can refer you to a specialist who is excellent at moving teeth at your request or if your case is complex.  Dr. Heit and her team will discuss options for treatment in dentistry today following a thorough examination and provide you with the information you need to make your decision.  There is a whole area of specialty called orthodontics recognized by The Alberta Dental Association and College. 

There are many cases where Dr. Heit can work with your orthodontist in a multidisciplinary approach.  For example:  Dr. Heit can find the bite/jaw position using biomedical instrumentation and fabricate an orthotic, then the orthodontist can use the orthotic as a guide to complete the braces into the predetermined jaw position if the orthodontist deems it necessary. 

You are invited to come in for a complimentary consultation to see if we are a fit for you. If we fit, then you can sign up for a complete exam.  There will be a thorough questionaire and examination which will take approximately 2 hours.  It is a very important part of your dental treatment plan.

Remember the 3 D's of dentistry is Diagnosis, Diagnosis, Diagnosis