Functional orthodontics is a holistic approach to treatment, focusing not only on creating beautiful smiles but also on supporting overall health and well-being.
This treatment uses orthopedic appliances to expand the palates and properly align the upper and lower jaws. This foundational phase ensures optimal jaw alignment and spacing before transitioning to Myofunctional Trainers or braces for final alignment.
Beyond straightening teeth, we actively teach children the importance of nasal breathing, proper lip seal and nutrition. These habits are essential for healthy facial growth, optimal airway function, and long-term wellness. While a broad, balanced smile is a natural outcome of our approach, the true benefit lies in the lasting improvement of overall health.
Signs/symptoms your child may need functional orthodontics:
• ADD/ADHD
• Mouth breathing
• Narrow palette
• Teeth grinding
• Snoring
• Crowding
• Underbite/overbite
• Not enough room for permanent teeth
• Chronic ear, sinus or nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Movement Disorders
Evaluation/Diagnosis:
At Manhattan Beach Orthodontics, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluation and diagnosis. Our assessments go beyond just the teeth—we carefully examine:
• Growth and Development – Evaluating jaw alignment and facial structure.
• Airway Health – Identifying any obstructions or breathing issues.
• TMJ Function – Assessing joint stability and movement.
• Dental Spacing – Analyzing crowding, gaps, and bite alignment.
• Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie – Checking for restrictions that may impact speech, swallowing, and jaw development.
• Nasal Issues – Detecting signs of nasal constriction or obstruction.
• Posture – Understanding how head and neck positioning affect overall balance.
We utilize CBCT scans and a comprehensive health history to gain a complete picture of each patient’s needs, allowing us to create personalized treatment plans that support long-term oral and overall health.
Treatment:
Dr. Maryam’s orthodontic treatment focuses on early intervention and natural development to minimize the need for extensive procedures. We use orthopedic expanders and specialized retainers to guide jaw growth, ensuring proper alignment and function from an early stage.
By promoting correct tongue posture and natural jaw development, we help reduce the need for more invasive treatments later. If a child has a tongue-tie or lip-tie, we refer them for a release procedure and collaborate with myofunctional therapists to support optimal function and breathing.
Our goal is to minimize the need for full braces by using myofunctional technology after expansion and alignment. When braces are necessary, we customize treatment with custom-torque brackets and safer wires for a more natural, patient-friendly approach. In some cases, clear aligners may also be an option, allowing us to tailor treatment to each patient’s specific needs.