The position of teeth is not exclusively genetically determined. Genetics is a determining factor but in reality the position of the teeth is rather a momentary image of how balanced the body is. Early recognition helps us a lot with getting to know what changes have to be made. As early as the age of 3-5 we can see the signs based on which we can plan what is worth to do in order to achieve a beautiful smile and a healthy child.

The short answer is yes, it can! One part of it is the position of teeth. In a great number of cases at a later age much more intense treatment is required because dental distortion becomes much bigger. Tooth extraction or orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) often occur later. The other part is the functional difference associated with the position of teeth. If we fail to recognize in time the complexity of the problem, it might lead to learning disorders, sleeping disorders, jaw pain or a disadvantageous facial development. Make sure to consult us so we can assess your current condition!

Since the crooked position of teeth is part of a complex problem, the assessment and treatment both have to be firmly grounded. Teeth are not simply in their given position because of genetics. The tongue, lips and cheek muscles, the chewing muscles, breathing, posture and the neurological balance responsible for the tone of muscles can all play a role in how our teeth are positioned. Exactly for this reason during the assessment we examine the mentioned areas beside the traditional orthodontic diagnosis. After the unique assessment we conduct a very detailed analysis and we assemble the complex treatment package tailored to the patient’s individual needs.

The crooked position of teeth is part of a complex problem. Be aware that the muscular system surrounding the teeth (lips, cheek muscles, chewing muscles and the tongue) has an effect on the position of teeth. The functioning of the muscles depends on breathing, the balance of the nervous system and posture. This means that if our posture, our breathing during sleep, or the nervous system get off balance, the disrupted functioning can cause our teeth and jaw to move from their original positions. HermannOrtho’s special method is that in order to restore the balance of the body and the condition of the teeth in the most biological way possible, we work every level of the system that might be off. Such treatment modules are logopedia, breathing training, neurological groundwork, posture correction – all of this in one place, in an organized manner, built on each other, with the most modern equipment and methods.

Very often a crucial element in the body and teeth getting off balance is thumb sucking or pacifier use. The thumb and the pacifier in the mouth prevents the ideal development of swallowing, the tongue from getting used to its proper position in the palate cavity. On top of that, in the majority of cases this habit goes hand in hand with mouth breathing. The lower position of the tongue, and mouth breathing easily lead to the development of a narrow dental arch, the crowding of teeth, the underdevelopment of the lower cheekbone and an elongated face. The associated sleeping disorder makes the situation even worse. This means that quitting this habit and supporting the patient in their effort is our common interest. Our clinic  applies a special device which is constantly in the mouth and makes the presence of the thumb or pacifier uncomfortable. Luckily, children get used to it very easily irrespective of their age. Usually this device has to be in the patient’s mouth for 3 months.

It is a fact that more and more children develop jaw joint problems. In early childhood teeth grinding is more typical, jaw problems less so, but in adolescence surprisingly many children suffer from severe pain in the jaw and popping. Our modern thinking links these jaw problems (including teeth grinding in early childhood) to the quality of sleep and physical exhaustion. Our surgery applies the most modern method in jaw joint and sleep therapy. This is a 3-4 month therapy package for adolescents in which we take the stress off the joint with special daytime splints and support this with a combined training which loosens up the directly involved muscles and at the same time restores the balance of the body.