Physiologic Orthodontics

A Full Face, Orthopedic Approach to Orthodontics

Physiologic Orthodontics

Jonell Lay
Jonell Lay@jonellgades
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Supremia Dentistry is off-the-charts amazing. I went in for a routine cleaning and a consult about my TMJ/TMD. Dr. Suh and his staff were completely engaged with me, spent time answering my questions, and the overall energy in the office is very positive and warm. The conversations we had around my TMJ/TMD were extremely honest - I didn't feel "sold to" - and I was impressed with Dr. Suh's insights as he looked at my pictures. He basically told me my life story (regarding my teeth) by looking at my pictures. Because of Dr. Suh's perspective that "everything is connected" I left feeling hopeful because he digs deeper than just the "Oh, you grind your teeth, let's give you a mouth guard" to find root cause. It's apparent Dr. Suh challenges the historical standard answers and seeks deep understanding to inform his approach to dentistry. It's also apparent that he invests in his team and his practice. I highly recommend.
So first off, this is NOT your typical orthodontic treatment.  In fact, due to the nature of bone remodeling, and proper joint placement, this treatment is almost more orthopedic in nature.  
 
Innovative technology has brought us the ability to offer Physiologic Orthodontics. This treatment is life changing for individuals who have underdeveloped palates / upper jaws.  
 
It’s a non-surgical way to naturally promote the development of your palate and improve your overall dental health.
 
Physiologic Orthodontics is safer than previous methods of jaw development because it doesn’t use mechanical force on teeth to develop their jaws. So how does it work?
Physiologic Orthodontics​

WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM Physiologic Orthodontics?

Maybe you’ve been told you need jaw surgery in the past, and you’re not excited about the invasive, painful procedure. Or perhaps you have respiratory problems that may stem from a blocked airway.
 
Not everyone who could benefit from Physiologic Orthodontics looks the same. Candidates for this treatment may have some or all of these symptoms:
 
  • Trouble breathing through their nose properly
  • Sleep apnea or severe snoring
  • Painful TMD/TMJ symptoms
  • Narrow jaw or other need for jaw expansion surgery
  • Blocked airway
  • An asymmetrical or undeveloped facial structure
If this sounds like you or your child, Physiologic Orthodontics could be beneficial.
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HOW DOES Physiologic Orthodontics WORK?

If you think you might be a candidate for this orthodontic treatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Suh and his staff. They will use digital x-rays and other images to create a model of your jaw to look for any deficiencies.

Once you are approved for the treatment, the process can begin. Like any natural, non-surgical oral treatment, it doesn’t happen overnight. 

There are two main phases: the Development Phase and the Controlled Braces phase.

In Phase 1, or the Development Phase, the appliance is placed on the nerve that stimulates development. It is cemented to the upper teeth to ensure secure placement, and then bite plates to help you move your mouth are attached to your lower molars.

During this phase, which typically lasts around one year, you will be seen for regular visits to adjust the acrylic since your palate will be growing.

Phase 2 begins with the addition of brackets and wires. The focus will be on the physiologic positioning of the lower jaw to be in its most optimal and functional position. This differs from traditional orthodontics in that we will be focusing on jaw positioning on top of making sure each patient ends up with a large broad smile.

Since you now have a purposely-created gap in your teeth, the braces and archwires are necessary to pull your back teeth forward to fill in those gaps. Alternatively, you can opt for implants in the new gaps. But the braces are adjusted regularly to ensure that your upper and lower teeth remain aligned and properly occluded.

This phase can take up to 2 years to complete.

Phase 1 of Physiologic Orthodontics focuses on forward development, but the use of the controlled arches in Phase 2 provides the necessary stimulus to balance that forward development with sideways development as well. Both phases are necessary to complete the full effect of your new, expanded jaw.

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Treatment

When your jaw is not formed properly, or abnormal facial development exists, you may experience a lot of pain and mental anguish. Breathing problems can develop and worsen over time.
 
With today’s innovative technology, this type of pain and suffering is no longer necessary. Schedule your appointment today to see how Dr. Suh and staff can help you adjust your jaw, regrow your bones, and reshape your face naturally.

Call the office you'll be glad you did!

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