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What if crooked teeth weren’t inherited? It would change our whole approach to orthodontic braces if we knew we could intervene or even prevent braces.
Integrative or airway orthodontics take on this exact philosophy, that the jaw should develop straight teeth naturally. Functional airway practitioners use diagnoses and interceptive treatment planning to address the causes of crooked teeth.
The approach often means starting earlier, between 5-10 for example when kids’ teeth are being replaced by adult teeth, instead of when permanent teeth are finalized.
In the final episode for season 1, my guest is Dr. Barry Raphael, an orthodontist in New Jersey for 33 years, who changed the character of his practice to address airway and functional muscle habits.
He wants his transition to serve as a model for how the priorities of the profession can and should change. He has brought many airway-focused techniques into his practice.
Dr. Raphael works with children as young as 4 years old to address early breathing, posture, and sleep habits to minimize facial shape changes and crooked teeth.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into his philosophy and approach and how parents can find similar approaches for their children.
You can read more at the Raphael Centre for Orthodontics in Clifton, New Jersey.
https://www.morethanstraightteeth.com/
