Myofunctional Orthodontics

Breathing through the mouth (and not the nose) causes many issues including dental crowding, high arched and narrow palate, crooked teeth, and increased anterior facial height. This is because tongue placement is extremely important in guiding the growth of the jaws and the face.  Poor soft tissue dysfunction and body posture usually accompanies mouth breathing as well. Correcting tongue position while resting, mouth breathing habits, and poor body posture is critical in achieving proper growth of the upper and lower jaws, face, and overall health of a developing child

Clues about Soft Tissue Dysfunction in the mouth include:

  • Crowding with insufficient room for adult teeth
  • Double row of teeth 
  • Deep Bite
  • Open Bite
  • Crossbite 
  • Constricted upper jaw
  • Grinding of teeth at night
  • Thumb or pacifier sucking
  • Incorrect Swallow

 

Unaddressed poor soft tissue dysfunction during growth and development will lead to poor growth pattern as illustrated in the video below.

What is a correct resting tongue posture?

  1. Lips together
  2. Tongue on the roof of the mouth
  3. Nasal breathing
  4. Good posture

If your child can successfully achieve these 4 goals, he/she is  heading in the right direction.

As always, we are happy to discuss findings and treatment options with our parents.

While crooked teeth are usually the main concern for most parents, the mouth tells us that something more is going on requiring early intervention to allow our children to reach optimal growth potential. 

LPD Orthodontics offers the following services:

  • Complimentary Consultations
  • Phase I (baby and mixed baby-adult teeth phase): Early Interceptive and Dental Facial Growth Guidance.
  • Phase II: (permanent teeth phase)
    • Metal Braces
    • Clear Aligners
    • Hidden Braces (behind the teeth)
  • Digital Impressions and Scanning- no more goo!
  • Digital Radiography
  • In-house 3D printing

Did you know that Dr. Cindy is a dual-trained specialist? This makes her the only dual-certified pediatric dentist and orthodontist in Rockland County, NY!

What makes our multi- specialty practice so unique? 

All of our LPD patients benefit from the combined knowledge and training of our growth and development team.

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