Orthopaedics is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases, injuries, and other conditions of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of the body’s bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
Paediatric orthopaedics specialises in the management and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions that only affect children – from birth through adolescence. Children are not just small adults and they require very special care to address their needs as they grow and develop.
Healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive orthopaedic services specialise in the treatment and care of congenital and hereditary disorders, growth-related problems, inflammatory and infectious problems, fractures, and sports-related injuries.
What is functional orthopaedics?
Functional orthopaedics is a specialised approach to early dental care that helps guide proper jaw development and prevent orthodontic issues before they arise. By addressing factors like poor oral habits, jaw misalignment and airway development, this treatment can reduce the need for braces later in life by preventing the overcrowding of teeth.
How can functional orthopaedics help my child’s teeth?
This treatment focuses on correcting the underlying causes of crowded or misaligned teeth, from actions such as thumb-sucking or from sucking a dummy which can affect the way children grow and breathe. By using techniques like Myobrace, we can help create the right conditions for proper dental and facial growth, intercepting the growth of crowded teeth.
What is Myobrace and how does it work?
Myobrace is a preventive and pre-orthodontic system that gently trains the muscles of the mouth and jaw to develop correctly. It encourages children to breathe through their nose, rest their tongue in the right position and swallow properly.
At Preventive Dental, Dr Morris Weinstein can use this technique to treat children before their adult teeth emerge. It helps to prevent dental crowding and misalignment which in turn improves overall oral health.
What is Myoresearch & how does it relate to functional orthopaedics?
Dr Morris Weinstein recommends Myoresearch to correct poor oral habits for infants that contribute to crooked teeth and jaw misalignment. By using specialised appliances like Myobrace, it helps train the muscles of the mouth and face to function correctly, encouraging natural dental development and reducing the need for braces in the future.
When should my child start functional orthopaedic treatment?
Early intervention is key, and treatment can begin before adult teeth come in. The best time to start is during childhood when the jaw is still developing, allowing us to guide growth and reduce the need for complex orthodontics in the future.
Can functional orthopaedics prevent the need for braces?
In many cases, functional orthopaedics can help prevent or minimise the need for traditional braces by addressing the root causes of crooked teeth early. By promoting natural jaw development and correcting harmful habits, it supports long term oral health and proper tooth alignment.
How to get started with functional orthopaedics
Step 1 - Contact Preventive Dental
Schedule a consultation at Preventive Dental, where Dr. Morris Weinstein will assess your child’s dental development and identify any early signs of misalignment or crowding.
Step 2 - Visit The Best Orthopaedic Dentist
If suitable, we will introduce a personalised functional orthopaedics plan, which may include Myobrace or Myoresearch appliances to encourage natural jaw growth and improved oral habits.
Step 3 - Follow-up & Maintenance
Your child will attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments, ensuring the best long term results for a healthy and well-aligned smile.
Where can I find functional orthopaedics treatment near me?
Preventive Dental offers functional orthopaedics treatment at our Southfields practice, conveniently located near Wandsworth, Putney and Tooting. It is easy to reach our practice via car or public transport as we are only a 2 minute walk away from Southfields underground station.
If you are looking for expert care to support your child’s dental development, Preventive Dental can help with personalised treatment plans. Get in touch today to arrange an appointment and our team will be delighted to assist!
To make an consultation, call us today on 020 8874 3877 or email us smiles@preventivedental.com.