Procedure Info
Holistic Orthodontics
Dr. O'Rielly no longer does work of this nature, but he highly recommends it for children in their formative years.
What to know
Dr. Evans's practice focuses on early childhood development, ages 5 through 9.
Reversible and not as traumatic
Many appliances are removable and don't require irreversible grinding, extractions, or stripping of teeth. Dr. Evans's goal is to use an appliance for 6 months to accomplish the necessary changes, compared to traditional fixed brackets that can be in place for 2 years.
Used at an early age
It is encouraged to do any orthodontic treatment at the earliest possible age. Dr. Evans's focus is to do the least amount of treatment to achieve the highest benefit to the patient, and functional appliance therapy allows her to do this while avoiding fixed brackets in many cases.
Bio-friendly materials
Orthodontic materials are now available that are bio-friendly, allowing orthodontics to be done without nickel and the chemicals normally found in acrylic resins.
Avoids the need for extraction
By using functional appliances before all the permanent teeth are in, it is usually possible to avoid the need to extract bicuspids to make room for all the teeth. Extraction should be avoided if at all possible, because it causes further contraction of the jaws and cranial bones that hold the teeth.
The focus of Holistic Orthodontics is the same as that of the Hippocratic Oath: First do no harm. For this reason, key features of Holistic Orthodontics are the use of non-toxic materials and the avoidance of extraction as a routine approach.
Many parents have educated themselves as to less desirable aspects of traditional orthodontics, like the use of nickel in stainless steel wires and bands, although current research is not conclusive as to the corrosive effects of saliva on these materials.
As far as extractions, it is always preferable to minimize the removal of teeth when possible. The health of the entire mouth needs to be taken into account, as well as the final aesthetic outcome desired. Sometimes extraction may in fact be necessary for specific results.
Functional Appliance Therapy is a non-invasive approach to orthodontics to correct crowding and structural problems in the jaws, which can cause neurological, muscular, and physiological symptoms all over the body.
An example of a functional appliance is the ALF Appliance. The ALF uses light wires that produce less pressure on the teeth. These light forces are active 24/7 and are also more "springy." The ALF works with the body organically and allows the bones to move with the teeth rather than forcing the teeth through the bones. This makes it extremely dynamic.
Ready to schedule your visit?
To book an appointment or ask a question, call (760) 632-1304 or request an appointment online.