INFORMATION FOR DOCTORS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
Now with 2 locations
La Salle serving Winnipeg and Eastern Manitoba: 204-736-4399
Portage La Prairie serving the Portage area and Western Manitoba: 204-814-0111

ORTHODONTIC STABILIZATION OF AIRWAY AND TMJ

Airway and TMJ stabilization first involves identifying and expanding narrow upper jaws so the lower jaw can be moved to a healthy functional position. This is accomplished with orthopedic appliances that gently create an improved upper arch form. This also provides more space for the tongue that not only maintains the arch expansion but improves breathing. Corrected lower jaw positon is accomplished with a series of removable orthopedic appliances that guide the lower jaw to the 3-dimensionally correct position while the teeth are moved with orthodontic appliances (braces) to support the jaw in that position.

Examples of Maxillary Arch Expansion in Adults and Children

FUNCTIONAL ORTHODONTICS FOR AIRWAY

One of the many benefits of functional orthodontics and dental orthopedics is an increase of total oral volume (airway). The tongue, the major culprit in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), will block the airway by moving backwards toward the throat during sleep, when there is not enough room for it in the mouth. By orthopedically creating space for the tongue and training it to swallow properly, the airway’s total volume greatly increases. Coupled with an increase in the nasal airway from the orthopedics the body is provided steady air intake and increased oxygen supply to the body.

Many patients with difficulty breathing through the nose prior to therapy have found relief with this process, both during and after treatment. Our office uses a Rhinometer, which sends sound waves down the airway to measure the size of the airway and quantify the increase in air intake.

ALFs: ADVANCED LIGHTWIRE FUNCTIONAL’S

The purpose of Advanced Lightwire Functional’s (ALFs) is to orthopedically move structures of the oral cavity using minimal force (comparable to that created by the tongue) without occupying a great deal of space in the mouth. In doing so, the ALF expands the maxilla to allow a greater capacity of oxygen to enter the nasal cavities and trains the tongue to swallow in a proper manner so that the new position created by orthopedic expansion is maintained after its use is discontinued.

Advanced Lightwire Functional ApplianceAdvanced Lightwire Functional Appliance

CASE STUDY

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ortho2a

 

Close Spaces

Close Spaces

We can close gaps in the teeth, for the best aesthetic result possible without surgery.

Space Out Crowded Teeth

Crowded Teeth

We can straighten crowded teeth with or without braces! You can even have it corrected while you sleep, without having to wear anything during the day!

Widen Arch

Widen Arch

For children and adults, we can often expand the dental arches, so that even braces are not necessary.

Expand Arch

Expand Arch

Adults also can benefit from non-extraction expansion for the optimum in facial and dental aesthetics. Over 95% of the patients treated at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre never need to have extractions.