Early Interventional Orthodontics at Bloor West Dental. By: Dr. Nishita Ondhia

At Bloor West Dental, Health and Wellness, patients are screened for signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (SDB).  If indicated, early interventional orthodontics is recommended at different stages depending on individual patient needs.

Functional Appliance

This treatment is recommended for patients with signs and symptoms of SDB.  It is conservative and is usually our first line of treatment.  When used with good compliance, the results are excellent. COMPLIANCE IS KEY.  Progress is evaluated at 6 months and next steps are discussed.

Expansion Only

This phase is for patients whose dental age is 6 years and younger.  The nasomaxillary complex and mandible are expanded using rapid palatal expansion.  It is indicated for patients who have signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing or issues with jaw relationships; usually there is a correlation. Two methods may be used, either fixed expanders or Invisalign First.

Jaw Development

This phase is for children over the dental age of 6 but under the dental age of 9 with SDB signs and symptoms, excessive crowding or issues with their bite/jaws.  The maxilla is expanded and the arches are set-up for the front 8 teeth and the molars to be in ideal alignment.  Once this criteria is met, retainers are needed as we wait for all the adult teeth to erupt.

Waiting to start orthodontics later when early intervention is indicated will result in needing to remove teeth for ideal alignment, unideal jaw relationships sometimes needing surgery to correct, unideal occlusion, increase risk for cavities and unideal periodontal health.  The biggest and most foundational concern by treating late is lifelong airway and breathing complications that affects one’s overall health, wellness and longevity.

The above are descriptions, treatment is individual and may vary.

By: Dr. Nishita Ondhia