Holistic orthodontics: everything you need to know
With a holistic approach, an orthodontist can positively change your life and your child’s life. It is not just about a beautiful smile: your entire body is part of the bigger picture.
What is holistic orthodontics?
Holistic orthodontics focuses on how oral health affects the entire body. This approach looks at optimal bite function, jaw positioning, and the alignment of the temporomandibular joints that connect the upper and lower jaws.
How does holistic orthodontics work?
One of the most effective aspects of holistic orthodontics is the close collaboration with your orthodontist. They will carry out a comprehensive review of your medical history and ask relevant questions about your lifestyle, diet, and health habits in order to tailor a treatment plan specifically to your needs.
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Why holistic orthodontics?
Holistic treatment can help preserve healthy teeth, reduce systemic inflammation, and support a sense of physical and emotional well-being.
Improved chewing ability
Proper alignment of the bite is essential for efficient chewing.
Orthodontic treatment can correct dental and jaw irregularities, allowing you to chew your food properly and potentially experience improved digestion.
Improved airway function
Orthodontic treatment can help open the airways and optimise breathing, which in turn can improve sleep quality and overall health.
Better emotional health
Dental misalignment or gaps between teeth often cause people to feel insecure. After treatment, emotional well-being and self-esteem can be significantly strengthened.
Reduced inflammation
When inflammation becomes severe, it can contribute to a range of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Treatment methods
Orthodontic treatment has made significant advances over the years. While traditional metal braces are still a valid and widely used option, patients can now choose from other alignment methods, such as clear braces and aligners (e.g. Invisalign).
Devices such as Crozat appliances, Bionator, Bioblock, the Myobrace system, or functional regulators according to Professor Fränkel may also be recommended. Each treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages, and patients should discuss the options with their orthodontist to determine which approach best suits their needs.
Bioblock
Bioblock consists of a series of removable orthodontic appliances that are worn continuously, including during eating, sports, and sleep. They are made of hard acrylic and wire.
This orthodontic technique corrects the upper jaw in all three dimensions (wider, further forward, or backward) and advances the lower jaw without requiring anchorage on the upper jaw.
Advanced Lightwire Functional (ALF)
ALF appliances are available in many different designs and for a wide range of applications. Most designs consist of very small, thin, durable wire and do not use acrylic.
ALF treatment can address the underlying causes of crooked teeth rather than just the symptoms.
Myobrace
Myobrace is recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 15 and should be worn for one hour per day as well as during sleep.
Myobrace supports natural facial and jaw growth and development. Wearing this appliance can reduce the need for braces later in life.
Functional regulator according to Professor Fränkel
The functional regulator is an appliance used in combination with muscle training (muscle exercises). This approach produces morphological changes in both jaws and helps restore normal occlusion.
Advantages of the functional regulator
- Elimination of abnormal muscle activity and promotion of a normal developmental pattern
- Treatment of skeletal misalignments
- Prevention of psychological issues associated with malocclusion
- No impairment of oral hygiene
Holistic orthodontics for children
Starting early is the key to success. If a problem is identified, make sure your child sees an orthodontist by the age of five at the latest. Crooked, spaced, crowded, or misaligned teeth are often caused by improper jaw development in early childhood.
A growing child has a much higher chance of successful treatment than one who has already passed or is close to puberty.
What signs should you look out for?
- Teeth that do not have enough space (overbites, crossbites)
- Loud breathing or snoring during sleep
- Chronically inflamed or infected tonsils
- Abnormalities of the temporomandibular joints
- Frequent back pain, hip discomfort, or headaches
Holistic orthodontics for adults
It is never too late for a healthy and attractive smile. As we age, teeth can shift, which may negatively affect oral health and self-confidence. Modern advances in orthodontic technology make it easier than ever to improve both your smile and your overall well-being.
Compared to children, treatment may take longer in adults. Adult teeth are more firmly anchored in the jaw and require more time and pressure to move into the desired position.
Conclusion
Holistic orthodontics treats the individual as a whole. Not only are aesthetics and oral health improved, but all bodily functions – including a strong immune system – are supported.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Bionator?
A Bionator is a general term for a family of removable orthodontic appliances made of acrylic that move the lower jaw into a more forward position. This is often desirable when the upper teeth are positioned too far in front of the lower teeth, leading to a type of bite problem known as overjet.
The appliance is designed to be worn during the patient’s growth phase, which is why it is most effective in children.
Is the activator used in holistic orthodontics?
Yes, the activator is used in holistic orthodontics and focuses on correcting bite and jaw issues, particularly in younger patients. This removable appliance gently guides the jaw into the correct position and plays a key role in directing the growth and development of the jaw and facial structures.
What are Crozat appliances?
Crozat appliances are made of flexible, lightweight, corrosion-resistant wire. They are custom-designed by the orthodontist and adjusted once a month. The appliance is typically placed on the tongue or palate side of the teeth and applies gentle outward pressure, which increases during swallowing. This pressure gradually aligns the teeth, increases space in the dental arches, and naturally straightens crowded teeth.
The high level of wearing comfort makes Crozat appliances particularly suitable for children, as early treatment can extend over several years.
Dr. med. dent. Barbara Scheiner
Dr. med. dent. Barbara Scheiner, Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie (CH) hat ihre Promotion im Jahr 2013 erfolgreich in Zürich absolviert. Sie hat sich damit ihren langjährigen Traum erfüllt. Durch die universitäre Fachzahnarztausbildung ebenfalls in Zürich spezialisierte sie sich als Kieferorthopädin und ist seit 2017 nach erfolgreich bestandener Prüfung als “Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie Schweiz” zertifiziert.
Seit dem Jahr 2018 ist sie Inhaberin der Praxis We Love Smiles Kieferorthopädie Zürich AG. Ihr Wissen wendet sie in ihrer Schweizer Praxis erfolgreich und mit großer Hingabe an. Ihr Fachgebiet sind Zahnstellungskorrekturen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen.
Kundenzufriedenheit und Professionalität stehen dabei immer an erster Stelle. Sie geht dabei äußerst behutsam und schonend vor, sodass sich auch die kleinsten Patienten wohl bei ihr fühlen.