Dentosophie,
functional orthodontics
Video 'Airway and TMJ', by Dr Derek Mahony
Functional therapy is more than a dental correction,
it is a process of development
The position of our teeth reflects our whole being. It is the result of the stresses of our birth, the imprint of our ancestors and family, our eating habits, the health of our organs, our stress management and the drive we put into life.
A beautiful smile is not just about straight teeth, it's also about the energy we give off.
To have a beautiful smile, we need to be free of all our negative impressions and burdens, and only then is lasting correction possible.
The functional correction of teeth is a journey towards beauty.
Respiratory and myofunctional disorders
Ideally, people breathe through their nose. This optimises air quality and oxygenates the blood better. The mouth is closed, the teeth are in close contact with each other and the tongue is positioned at the top of the palate. Nasal breathing is optimal for craniofacial development, tooth position and general health.
During mouth breathing, the lips are opened, the tongue descends and an incorrect swallowing pattern (called visceral swallowing pattern) is created.
These dysfunctional patterns are collectively known as myofunctional habitus. They modify the forces acting on the teeth and jaws, resulting in a multitude of dysgnathias. This effect is particularly pronounced during periods of active facial growth.
Temporomandibular joint diseases With each visceral swallow, the lower lip presses against the lower jaw, pushing the condyles up and back into the cavities of the temporomandibular joint. This displaces the disc and compresses the bilaminar region. Inadequate jaw growth can also lead to a compensatory change in head position to allow unimpeded breathing. This contributes to tension and inflammation in the muscles of the head, neck and back.
If this problem is not treated in childhood, a symptom known as craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) develops in adulthood.
Since most dental and orthodontic practices are unaware of this relationship, there is little effective therapy available to those affected. Sleep and breathing disorders Mouth breathing is medically recognised as a symptom of sleep-disordered breathing (SBAS), which includes snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and also obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is characterised by repeated obstruction of the upper airways, preventing the people concerned from breathing while they sleep. Sleep-disordered breathing is linked to many health problems in children, such as restless sleep, anxiety, hyperactivity, bedwetting and many others.
Adults with untreated sleep-disordered breathing are at greater risk of excessive fatigue, cardiovascular disease, psychological problems and many other disorders. There is also a link between sleep-disordered breathing and dental problems such as bruxism, tooth decay and periodontitis.
SOURCE: 1. Bonuck, K. et al. Pediatrics. 2012; Apr;129(4): e857-65. 2. Angle, E
Therapy
The therapy consists of osteopathic treatment at regular intervals, supported by the use of a night splint. This appliance corrects the position of the tongue, dentition and temporomandibular joints to their physiological position, enabling the mouth to regain its functional characteristics. Active exercises are taught for conscious correction.
This therapy enables the mouth, jaw and skull to release tension from an early age or as an adult. This corrects the position of the teeth, the stress and the lack of oxygen from which 70% of adults suffer. A well-oxygenated brain produces more endorphins, which enable better relaxation. This therapy leads to recovery and a state of well-being of the brain and the entire body. |
Silicone dental splint |
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