Most people seeking orthodontic treatment have crowded teeth. Straightening crowded teeth requires the creation of space in the jaws and there are two main ways to do this: extract some teeth or expand the jaws. Here at Dental Artistry we are vehement proponents of non-extraction orthodontics as we believe that extracting teeth has the potential to create a narrow smile, thin lips and a dished-in (flat) profile. If at all possible we expand crowded jaws to create beautiful wide smiles, full lips and attractive profiles. Expanding the jaws is easiest in younger children which is one reason why we advocate early treatment. In older patients it can be more difficult to expand the jaws which raises the potential for extractions.
Expansion of the jaws is another example of orthopaedic treatment, or functional jaw orthopaedics('FJO'). This differs from orthodontic treatment, which is movement of the teeth. Historically, teeth have also been extracted due to a mismatch in jaw position between the upper and lower jaw. Most orthodontic patients have a retrusive lower jaw which is positioned well behind the upper jaw. To balance the jaws the upper jaw can be brought back (usually by extracting teeth, called "extraction and retraction orthodontics"), or the lower jaw can be brought forward. At Dental Artistry we much prefer the facial appearance created when lower jaws are brought forward. We use a variety of orthopaedic techniques to accomplish this. Moving the lower jaw forward is easier in younger patients; another reason why we advocate early treatment.
 Mark after 'extraction and retraction' orthodontics - both upper and lower jaws are back |
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 We redid Mark's previous orthodontic treatment and moved upper and lower jaws forward for a more aesthetic profile |