Functional Orthodontics/Orthopedics
Creating Beautiful Faces and Smiles

Functional orthodontic treatment is an important part of our holistic approach to orthodontics. It places emphasis on achieving a broad, beautiful, symmetrical face, full lips, straight teeth, a stable TMJ position, balanced muscle function, and a healthy airway. Crowding and misalignment of teeth are addressed by developing the jaws, instead of pulling teeth.

With traditional orthodontic treatment, crowded teeth are frequently treated by extracting premolars and retracting or pulling the front teeth back to close up the excess space created. This retraction can cause the face, especially around the lips, to look caved in. It makes the nose more prominent, and it compromises the airway. This retraction of the front teeth may also cause headaches and TMJ problems by forcing the mandible (lower jaw) too far back.

ALF appliances promote the development of dental arches and also the correct alignment of the teeth to improve the bite and create balanced faces.