A physiologic approach to orthodontics is a philosophy and methodology built around the theory that 90% of pain in the human body is from muscle. Therefore, if we can make muscles comfortable, we can reduce pain.
We use ultralow frequency (ULF) trans cutaneous electro-neural stimulation (TENS) therapy to relax the muscles that control the resting position of our jaw and neck. We also use a myomonitor (EMG) to verify the level activity of these muscles so we know when they are relaxed.
By placing the muscles in this relaxed position when they are at rest and in function, we decrease the amount of overall muscle tension which decreases the level of pain and sensitivity in the muscles and takes the pressure off of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Less tension in these muscles results in a less lactic acid buildup in the muscles of the head and neck which decreases the frequency and severity of headaches.
This physiologic approach with orthopedic treatment can correct the size, shape, and position of the jaws for optimal TMJ, airway, cervical posture, facial beauty, leaving plenty of room for beautifully straight teeth.
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Easily the best experience I have had at a dental clinic. From start to finish, the entire team works their hardest to make the entire process as comforting and informative as possible...
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The big three are nasal breathing, lip seal and proper tongue posture. When those three things are not in place during the growth and development of the jaws, disharmonies and imbalances in the craniofacial structure can result.
Dr. Shauna Palmer utilizes an orthodontic technique called physiologic orthodontics or jaw development orthodontics that can correct some of those disharmonies that form during growth and development when the big three are interrupted.
When those big three were interrupted during growth and development, we commonly see patients with a top jaw that is too small, (underdeveloped upper jaw) a bottom jaw (underdeveloped bottom jaw) that is too small or maybe a top jaw that’s set back, a bottom jaw that’s overgrown; common terms for these things are underbites and overbites.
Our physiologic approach allows us to develop or remodel the top jaw to the proper size, and that frees up our ability to get the bottom jaw in a really nice relaxed physiologic bite positions
To learn more about physiologic based orthodontics and Dr. Shauna Palmer’s non-surgical treatment modalities, please contact us today or please send us a brief email and we’ll be in touch very soon.
Image 1: Patient with severe crowding and missing an upper lateral tooth. Other orthodontic consultations recommended removal of the lower front tooth that was “tucked back” and leaving the missing tooth in the upper jaw out of the picture and just doing cosmetic veneers after to “hide” the missing tooth.
This patient opted to do physiologic jaw development orthodontics with us instead. This patient has build-ups on the lower molars temporarily to balance and align the jaws in a physiologic position and the upper jaw remodeling appliance is in place
Image 2: Upper jaw remodeling appliance has finished its work and created room
Image 3 & 4: The braces going on
Image 4, 5 & 6: Mid treatment with the jaws developing a nice shape, a temporary false tooth is placed in the upper right missing lateral space and the front tooth is now in the proper position- no teeth lost, proper spacing, and esthetics
This patient will require some gum treatment and cosmetic restorations on the upper front teeth after the orthodontics are complete.
Image 1: The patient came in with severe TMD ( temporomandibular disorder ) symptoms including migraines and severe vertigo.
Image 2: Patient put into a physiologic fixed orthotic to treat the TMD symptoms (which were resolved) through alignment of the jaws
Image 3: Patient elected to go into phase 2 treatment of jaw development physiologic orthodontics. This was the first appliance to remodel the upper jaw bone.
Image 4: Once the upper jaw bone was developed, the braces went on to further develop the upper jaw
Image 5: The lower jaw was further developed with the braces while maintaining the lower jaw in a physiologic position with the upper using the lower molar bonded pads
Image 6: We are nearing completion of the physiologic jaw development orthodontics and the patient still is symptom-free. We will have to treat that front tooth with a veneer or crown for esthetics due to discoloration once the orthodontics is complete.
NOTE: These are examples only and do not imply any certainty of a result of a procedure, and all outcomes are subject to the circumstances of the individual patient.
Dr. Palmer is a general dentist trained in physiologicly based orthodontics and is not a certified orthodontic specialist.
Why choose Dr. Shauna Palmer?
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The information provided on this website is not intended to serve as medical advice. An appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for any patient can be made only by visiting your dentist, physician, or group of doctors. Dentist Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry in Kelowna, BC, shall have no liability or responsibility to any individual with respect to loss or damage directly or indirectly caused or alleged by the information contained in this website or obtained from other websites to which a visitor may connect and view. Kelowna dentist Dr. Shauna Palmer provides family, cosmetic, restorative, sedation and holistic dentistry, dental implants, periodontal gum care, TMJ treatment, snoring & sleep apnea treatment, Invisalign orthodontics, and more.
CALL: 250 768 3984
ADDRESS: 2446 Main St, West Kelowna, BC
SERVICES:
Kelowna dental emergencies, hygiene, family, cosmetic, holistic, sedation, and TMJ pain dentistry, periodontal treatment, teeth whitening, root canals, crowns & bridges, broken teeth, white fillings, mercury removal, dental implants, veneers, snoring & sleep apnea care, orthodontics and dental braces.