One of the most prominent tools in an orthodontist’s toolbelt is extractions. When teeth are crowded and causing aesthetic as well as functional problems, this strategy seems to make sense, remove teeth to make room for the rest of them. The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t resolve the cause of the problem; it just makes it look better. At Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics, Dr. Buck’s ground-breaking epigenetic focus eliminates the need for these kinds of extractions so that children can retain their teeth and love their smiles.

Foundations to A Great Smile

What is responsible for teeth alignment and overcrowding? The jaw and facial bones act as the foundation for teeth. If either of these components is underdeveloped or injured in any way, it can lead to dental problems down the road, such as poor alignment and overcrowding.

One analogy that might best explain the importance of the facial bones and jaw to the condition of the teeth is that of a house. The teeth act as everything that you can see, such as doors, windows, rooms, and flooring, while the jaw and facial bones represent the house’s foundation. You can make all of the renovations to the part that is visible that you want, but without a solid foundation, most construction efforts are going to be more or less fruitless.

How Do Extractions Impact Children’s Development?

Extractions can have any number of effects on a child. Removing teeth at a young age can be especially detrimental to physical development while children are still growing. For example, pulling teeth to allow more room for other teeth can affect children in any of the following ways:

• Bite collapse
• Exposure of sensitive tooth roots to possible infection
• Healthy teeth becoming more prone to chipping, breaking, or fracturing
• Changes in appearance including gum recession, bone degeneration, drooping lips, and hollowing cheeks

In the case of extracting a tooth or teeth to attempt to resolve malocclusion, surgeons are effectively removing otherwise healthy tissue that could be saved through other methods.

The Non-Extraction Approach

The more effective, long-term solution to malocclusion is epigenetic orthodontics. This jaw development-focused approach to crowding saves children from the removal of otherwise healthy teeth and usually takes just a few months to see substantial improvement. By concentrating efforts on guiding the growth of the jaw, Dr. Buck is able to create more space for teeth to settle into without risking the negative physical development consequences of extraction.

Advanced Children’s Orthodontics in Lynnwood, WA

For more information about epigenetic dentistry or to learn if this solution is right for your child, visit our page on Epigenetics and Children or call our office at (425) 361-0962.