Functional Jaw Orthopaedics
Leading Dental Practice in Warrnambool
Warrnambool Dental is dedicated to helping you create the smile of your dreams.
Functional Jaw Orthopaedics Warrnambool
Functional jaw orthopaedics is a treatment that realigns the jaws and teeth using devices commonly known as splints or retainers.
An overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite can all be fixed with this procedure. Functional jaw orthopaedics can also improve Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) abnormalities.
Excellence
Our Approach to Care
We focus on care that is guided by your individual needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our team will take the time to talk you through what we’re seeing and what your options are, so you can decide what feels right for you.
The aim is to provide consistent, thoughtful care in an environment where you feel comfortable and understood.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first visit is centred around understanding your oral health and what you'd like to achieve. This usually begins with a detailed conversation, followed by an examination of your teeth and gums.
We'll talk you through anything we notice in a clear and straightforward way, so you have a good understanding of where things stand. If any treatment is required, suitable options can be discussed along with what each step may involve.
There's no pressure to decide on the spot. The aim is to give you clarity, so you feel comfortable and informed before moving ahead with anything.
5
Reasons Our Patients Choose Us
Dental Expertise
Dr Nishant Hurria
Dr Nishant Hurria has experience in providing a wide range of dental treatments, including more involved procedures.
Modern Dental Technology
Well-equipped Practice
We use modern dental technology to support assessment and treatment planning.
Patient-Focused Care
Care Tailored to Your Needs
Your care is planned around your individual needs, preferences, and oral health.
For Your Convenience
Easy Parking
Ample Car Parking Across the Practice in Warrnambool CBD
Flexible Payment Options
Interest-Free Options for Eligible Patients
We can guide you through payment options and any applicable health fund claims
Our Practice
Warrnambool Dental
“Quality is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”
Causes
Bad jaw development, poor facial attractiveness, and crooked teeth can be caused by habits such as inappropriate swallowing, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, and mouth breathing.
When a child’s teeth and jaws are not developing correctly, their facial growth is likely inaccurate. Health issues, including allergies, asthma, poor posture, and diet, affect the face and dental development.
The manner a youngster swallows impacts whether their teeth will be properly aligned or crowded.
These issues should be assessed and corrected while the child is still growing, much before the typical age for braces.
Early intervention can prevent orthodontic treatment with permanent tooth extraction.
Early Treatment
Early correction of these behaviours and jaw development can improve the appearance of the face and help prevent braces and extractions.. Early diagnosis at a child’s age of 4 or older is the key to those mentioned above.
Orthopaedics, or expanding the jaws, is typically used during treatment between the ages of 4 and 10 to prevent the need for orthodontics or, if necessary, to use it just temporarily.
How Does Functional Jaw Orthopaedics Treatment Work?
Appliances for functional jaw orthopaedics encourage the teeth and jaws to migrate into the proper position by applying light pressure. The two phases of functional jaw orthopaedics are typical.
In the first phase, you continually wear the appliance save when you eat and brush your teeth. This stage typically lasts for six months or so. Only at night is the device worn during the second phase.
Benefits of Functional Jaw Orthopaedics
They can address a wide range of typical dental issues, including:
- Crowding
- Bad bites
- Deep bites
- Underbites
- Incorrect swallowing habits
- Spacing
- Teeth grinding
- Tongue thrusts
- Speech difficulties
- Mouth respiration
- Thumb-sucking
- Ear issues
- Headaches
- Narrow jaws and a smile
- TMJ problems
Fewer headaches may result from improved jaw positioning following FJO treatment.
Dark bags under the eyes, dry lips, and an open mouth posture are typical symptoms of restricted nasal breathing that can be lessened or eliminated by widening the palate with an expansion device.
A better jaw can alter how the tonsils and nasal septums develop, enhancing sleep and preventing sleep apnoea in the future.
A better quality of life and increased concentration in work, education, and other activities are common among those with greater jaw function.
Although FJO therapy is not a requirement for many orthodontists, we provide early treatment programmes for all of our patients, a growing need.
We are here to help you answer these & more questions thoroughly.
Call Warrnambool Dental.
A smile can open doors and change lives.
(03) 5562 4433
Frequently Asked Questions
About Functional Jaw Orthopaedics
Why is Functional Jaw Orthopaedics important?
Functional jaw orthopaedics can aid in avoiding more severe issues like TMJ. TMJ is a disorder where the jaw’s bones are out of alignment, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
It can also make popping and clicking noises when you move your jaw. Sleep disorders like sleep apnoea, which can be exceedingly harmful, can result from TMJ.
Functional jaw orthopaedics can assist delay the onset of these issues or, at the very least, help reduce their severity.
Is Functional Jaw Orthopaedics the same as regular orthodontics?
No, they are different. As defined by Wikipedia, orthodontics is “the branch of dentistry concerned with the prevention and repair of improperly positioned or aligned teeth.”
Although it may use some orthodontic treatments, functional jaw orthopaedics deals with preventing and correcting improperly positioned or aligned jaws.
At what age is functional jaw orthopaedics most effective?
Since the jaws and teeth are still growing, this procedure works best in early childhood, usually between the ages of 4 and 10.
Can functional jaw orthopaedics prevent the need for braces?
Early intervention can reduce or eliminate the need for braces or permanent tooth extractions by addressing early jaw and teeth alignment issues.
How long does functional jaw orthopaedics treatment take?
Treatment typically occurs in two phases. The first phase requires wearing the appliance continuously for about six months, while the second phase involves wearing it only at night.
What conditions can functional jaw orthopaedics treat?
Several issues can be addressed by this treatment, such as:
- Crowded teeth
- Bad bites (overbites, underbites, etc.)
- Incorrect swallowing habits
- Tongue thrusting
- TMJ problems
- Speech difficulties
- Mouth breathing and nasal breathing restrictions
Does functional jaw orthopaedics improve breathing?
Yes, functional jaw orthopaedics can improve breathing by widening the palate, which may reduce symptoms of restricted nasal breathing, such as dark bags under the eyes, dry lips, and open mouth posture.
Are there any additional benefits of functional jaw orthopaedics?
In addition to improving jaw alignment, this treatment can enhance sleep quality, reduce the risk of future sleep apnoea, alleviate headaches, and improve overall facial aesthetics and quality of life.
Is functional jaw orthopaedics painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort as the appliances apply gentle pressure to guide the jaws and teeth into proper alignment.
Can adults undergo functional jaw orthopaedics?
While the treatment is most effective in children, orthopaedic interventions can benefit adults in specific cases, though the process may take longer and involve additional measures.
How can I tell if my child needs functional jaw orthopaedics?
Signs include mouth breathing, thumb-sucking, speech difficulties, crowded teeth, or an incorrect bite. It’s best to consult a dentist for an evaluation if you notice these issues.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Nishant Hurria
Dr Nishant Hurria is an Australian-based health professional and the principal dentist of Warrnambool Dental with a special interest in Crowns & Bridges and Dental Implants.