Dangers of Orthodontics: The Hidden Risks You Need to Know!

Summary

This video explores the hidden health risks associated with traditional orthodontic care, focusing on the long-term effects of teeth extractions, narrowing of the mouth, and improper airway management. It contrasts this with a health-based orthodontic approach that prioritizes the creation of sufficient space in the mouth for proper tongue function, airway health, and facial muscle stability. The video emphasizes the importance of preventing sleep disorders, fatigue, and other health issues by ensuring the mouth has enough space to breathe properly. Health-based orthodontics also aims to reduce the need for retention and tooth decay, providing a holistic solution for both aesthetic and functional dental care.

Takeaways

• 😀 Orthodontics can sometimes cause problems later on, especially if the mouth is small and insufficient space for proper tongue and tissue function is considered.
• 😀 Traditional orthodontic practices may involve removing teeth to create space for teeth, which can lead to smaller mouths and airway issues.
• 😀 A smaller mouth with insufficient space for the tongue and tissues can cause breathing problems, leading to sleep issues like sleep apnea, fatigue, and snoring.
• 😀 Many adults who had teeth removed for braces may suffer from blocked airways and other health issues without realizing the orthodontics played a role.
• 😀 A different approach in health-based orthodontics aims to create more space for the tongue and tissues first, ensuring better airway function and breathing.
• 😀 Orthodontic techniques like in-proximal reduction (IPR), which involves shaving the sides of teeth, can reduce space for the tongue, causing further breathing difficulties.
• 😀 Retention after orthodontics may not be as effective if teeth are positioned in an unstable way. Teeth must align with the natural muscle positions of the lips and tongue.
• 😀 Poor tongue and tissue function after orthodontic treatment can lead to teeth shifting, creating a need for retainers or further treatment.
• 😀 Inconsistent oral hygiene during traditional orthodontic treatment can lead to tooth decay, which requires expensive and time-consuming interventions as the patient ages.
• 😀 Health-based orthodontics focuses on expanding the mouth and ensuring there’s enough space for the tongue, lips, and tissues to function properly, preventing long-term health problems like sleep apnea.

Q & A

What are the potential long-term problems caused by traditional orthodontic treatments?

Traditional orthodontic treatments can lead to issues like narrowed airways, breathing problems, sleep apnea, and the need for retention. These issues occur due to practices such as removing teeth to make space or using in-proximal reduction (IPR) to create smoother teeth alignment, which can reduce the space necessary for proper tongue and tissue function.

Why is making more space in the mouth important in health-based orthodontics?

Health-based orthodontics prioritizes creating enough space in the mouth to allow proper tongue function, airway space, and overall tissue health. This helps prevent sleep issues, breathing problems, and other health complications that could arise from a lack of space in the mouth.

What role does the tongue play in orthodontic treatment?

The tongue is crucial for airway function and maintaining the stability of teeth. If there is not enough space for the tongue to function properly, it can push against the teeth, causing them to shift. Health-based orthodontics aims to ensure the tongue has enough space to function correctly, preventing such issues.

How does crowding and limited space in the mouth affect children?

In children, crowding and limited space can lead to issues like ADHD symptoms, bed-wetting, focus problems, and dark bags under the eyes, indicating breathing difficulties due to inadequate airspace. These problems can be alleviated by ensuring enough space for the tongue and proper airway function.

What is the difference between traditional orthodontics and health-based orthodontics?

Traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on straightening teeth for cosmetic purposes, often through tooth extraction or using IPR. Health-based orthodontics, on the other hand, emphasizes creating space for proper tongue function and airway health, considering long-term health impacts like breathing and sleep issues.

Why is retention a common issue after orthodontic treatment?

Retention issues occur when teeth are placed in an unstable position, requiring retainers to hold them in place. If the teeth are not positioned in a way that allows natural alignment with the surrounding muscles (lips, cheeks, and tongue), they will shift back to a more natural but unstable position, causing the need for continued retainer use.

How does improper tongue function affect orthodontic outcomes?

Improper tongue function, such as pushing against the teeth when there isn't enough room, can lead to teeth shifting and misalignment. Health-based orthodontics works to ensure the tongue has enough space to function properly, reducing the risk of this issue.

What are the benefits of removable expansion methods in orthodontics?

Removable expansion methods, like clear aligners, allow for easier cleaning, which helps prevent tooth decay. These methods also provide the flexibility to expand the mouth without the risk of additional hardware getting in the way, promoting both dental health and comfort.

What is 'M functional therapy' and why is it important in health-based orthodontics?

'M functional therapy' focuses on retraining the tongue and lips to function correctly within the expanded space of the mouth. This is important because it ensures the muscles are working properly to maintain the alignment of the teeth and improve overall oral health, preventing issues like teeth shifting after treatment.

How can laser procedures help in orthodontic treatment?

Laser procedures, such as night-lase, can be used to shrink and tighten tissue in the back of the throat, improving airflow and reducing breathing issues. This can be especially helpful when the tissue has become saggy or stretched from long-term airway restriction.