Neuromuscular Orthodontics

"Neuromuscular Orthodontics is a term used to describe the inclusion of neuromuscular principles in orthodontic evaluation and treatment planning. Traditional orthodontics has focused almost entirely on the skeletal (bone) structures of the teeth, jaws and jaw joints. The Neuromuscular Dentist uses all of this information, but also gives careful study to the upper airway and the status of the muscles that control the posture and function of the jaw.

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 Bend dental team and I, with any questions about this important option." -Dr. Kelley Mingus, Distinctive Dentistry

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).

Because breathing through the mouth rather than the nose is frequently the cause of altered oral posture, we try to find the reason someone is a mouth breather and change the pattern to nose breathing. 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, Bend Dentist of Distinctive Dentistry at Broken Top