Neuromuscular Orthodontics

Instead of focusing on teeth, neuromuscular orthodontics is about how the entire chewing system works together with regard to orthodontic planning. Looking beyond teeth, skeletal structures and the jaws, neuromuscular orthodontics includes the airway, joints and the muscles that operate the jaw. When these all work in harmony, patients enjoy a comfortable bite and after that, a straight smile. Our Bend, OR DDS, Kelley Mingus is an expert in treating smiles with a neuromuscular philosophy.

"The balance of the face and the airway are respected, with straight teeth being a small part of the overall treatment goal. Primary (baby) teeth are not extracted to alleviate crowding, rather jaws are developed to accommodate the teeth. Permanent teeth are not extracted to alleviate crowding for children and adolescents and only in very rare cases for adults. Instead, space is made for the teeth. (Wisdom teeth are a separate, unrelated issue.)

We believe a broad smile is more attractive, and treatment to accommodate the teeth helps keep the airway from being compromised. We invite you to contact my team and I, with any questions about this important option." -Kelley Mingus, DDS in Bend, OR

Advanced Results With Early Treatment

"Headgear is never used to push the upper teeth back - upper teeth are almost never too far forward relative to the rest of the face. It's the lower jaw that is too far back making the upper teeth appear to be too far forward!

Treatment for children is done as early as possible to achieve the best result in the shortest amount of time. Parents are busy and kids don’t want or need to be in braces longer than necessary! Malocclusion (crooked teeth) and unfavorable facial development are caused by altered oral posture (the way the tongue, teeth, and lips are held at rest).

It is interesting to note that one of the causes of poor oral alignment is breathing through the mouth. To circumvent further orthodontic problems, we try to establish nasal breathing habits. In turn, this supports proper dental and facial development and stability of the orthodontic result.

It is critical to see children long before all the permanent teeth are in if we are to prevent serious facial balance problems. Adults who have had extractions for orthodontics can often have improved facial balance and an improved airway by orthodontically re-opening the spaces and replacing the extracted teeth. This often also helps reduce or eliminate headaches and/or TMJ symptoms." -Dr. Kelley Mingus, DDS in Bend, OR