What Is Epigenetic Orthodontics?
What gave our practice its name and what makes our preferred method of treatment so revolutionary? Pop dentistry focuses primarily on superficial causes of oral health problems that are rooted much deeper than many people give them credit for. Epigenetic Orthodontics combines the investigation of those deeper root causes with treatment plans informed by the intersection of all the systems involved.
The Science of Epigenetics
Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself. It’s the study of how a person’s behavior and environment can cause changes in the way their genes work. These changes do not affect a person’s DNA directly, but instead, alter the way the body reads DNA sequences.
Where Epigenetics Meets Orthodontics
This perspective applied to the jaw acknowledges that facial bones and the jaw don’t have a pre-determined, genetic expression (with the exception of genetic syndromes). Instead, facial and jaw bones are responsive to their environment and can be influenced in the way they will grow and inevitably, function.
Conditions That Impact Jaw Growth
What kinds of things constitute the environment that influences jaw and facial bone growth? We are our habits in many ways and that long held wisdom hold true in the arena of jaw growth. Habits such as those that follow can contribute significantly to several common diseases and conditions:
- Breathing patterns (mouth breathing versus nasal breathing)
- Swallowing
- Chewing
- Diet
Conditions Caused by These Factors
If a person practices the dysfunctional behaviors that negatively impact jaw and facial growth, they might expect to experience the following:
- Malocclusion
- TMJ disorder
- Crowded teeth
- Underdeveloped jaws
- Sleep breathing problems including sleep apnea
The Takeaway
Genes lay the blueprint for the potential for a person’s growth and development but do not necessarily determine the way those blueprints will be read (gene expression). They’re more of a best case scenario plan. But, if someone’s lifestyle necessitates adjustments to meet the conditions they live with, then the body can adapt to an extent.
For more information on epigenetic orthodontics and how epigenetics may be affecting you, consider scheduling a consultation with a Dr. Buck by calling 425-361-7499.
