Functional Orthodontics in Alexandria Arlington Northern VA

Improve your smile’s health, function, and appearance with functional orthodontics. This can truly be a life-changing treatment for many people because it focuses on correcting the bite, aligning teeth, and improving the aesthetics of the face and teeth. Some people also experience better breathing and fewer issues with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. How do you know if you or your child needs functional orthodontics? Let’s take a closer look. 

Facts About Functional Orthodontics in Alexandria, Virginia 

Unlike traditional orthodontics, functional orthodontics addresses the underlying structural cause of crooked or misaligned teeth. Available for both children and adults, this treatment straightens teeth through multidimensional expansion of the upper or lower palate. Functional orthodontics concentrates on correcting the under-developed upper or lower jaw and returning the bite to a natural, comfortable alignment.

Multidimensional palate expansion may provide more stable, lasting results compared to traditional orthodontic methods. Shifting the upper palate in multiple directions improves jaw function, and the teeth can align correctly. Treatment is designed to improve the health and function of the bite as well as the aesthetics of your smile.

Dr. Mojgan Mazhari of Alexandria Dental Health & Smile Studio is a Fellow of the LVI Global School of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dedicated to remaining at the forefront of dental technology and orthodontic treatment, Dr. Mazhari has participated in advanced education courses focusing on treating bite alignment and malocclusion comprehensively.

Benefits of Functional Orthodontics

Functional orthodontics decreases the chance of future orthodontic relapse by addressing the underlying structural cause of crooked teeth. Here are some additional benefits of the procedure: 

• Reduces the use of tooth extraction to accommodate misalignment
• Straightens crooked teeth
• Improves the appearance of teeth
• Prevents further damage to oral health
• Can prevent orthodontic relapse later in life

After traditional orthodontic treatment, many patients require retainers to maintain their straight smile. Functional orthodontics treatment may not require such aftercare. 

Functional Orthodontics for Children

As with most dental procedures, treating crooked teeth and bite misalignment as early as possible can allow for more effective and conservative treatment. Children between the ages of 6–9 can receive their first appliance and begin functional orthodontic treatment. Treating children for structural issues in the jaw, tooth misalignment (malocclusion), or bite concerns provides a more stable foundation for a developing smile and helps them avoid extensive corrective needs later in life. Correcting the bite as it develops can also decrease the risk of TMJ disorders and sleep apnea problems down the road.

For some children, functional orthodontics can eliminate the need for braces. Through multidimensional palate expansion, bite misalignment is corrected while gently shifting the teeth so they make proper contact.