Functional and Growth Assessment of the Orofacial Complex
What is this assessment?
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An integral first step in a proactive and comprehensive treatment philosophy that goes beyond traditional dentistry and considers teeth, gums, jaws, muscles, and joints as a whole working system. By addressing the orofacial complex as a whole, patients experience not just relief from symptoms but a profound transformation in their overall health and well-being.
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If you’re looking for a quick fix, then we aren’t it. We believe that good treatment takes good planning. Depending on the complexity of your treatment, we may need to meet with you several times to test various components of your oral health and orofacial system. Once we have all the information that we need, we can discuss these findings and your treatment options. And once all your questions have been answered, we can begin treatment!
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How do I know if I need this?
​​​​Signs of Underdeveloped Jaws and Poor Function in Children and Adults​
chewing, swallowing, speech concerns
pediatric OSA, snoring, open mouth posture
no spacing between baby teeth
crowded, crooked permanent teeth
misaligned bite
narrow, asymmetrical arches
gummy smiles
clicking, popping, locking of the TMJ
TMJ pain, headaches
TMJD due to medical problems (ex: idiopathic condylar resorption, rheumatological diagnoses, etc.)
noticeable change or shift in bite
ongoing periodontal and/or restorative problems despite impeccable home care
crowding, spacing, and/or orthodontic relapse
worn teeth due to excessive clenching and grinding
lack of tongue space, tone, and/or function
underdevelopment of upper/lower jaws during childhood
mouth breathing, snoring, or other airway issues
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What happens during the consultation?
Our process begins with an initial consultation and a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of your entire orofacial system.
It is a thorough, 2-hour exam, for a $350 investment (valued at $2000).
What are the possible treatment options?
All findings and diagnoses will be reviewed with you prior to developing your treatment plan. Depending on the diagnoses and dental age of the patient, any of the following options may be recommended.
Children with baby teeth
The doctor will assess your child's current growth and use precisely crafted restorations to redirect and correct any discrepancies and allow for nature to get growth back on track. This includes regular follow-ups until the child's permanent teeth start to come in.
Children with some baby teeth and some permanent teeth
As a child's permanent teeth begin to erupt, it is a critical stage for leveraging their growth potential. The doctor will assess and use early intervention techniques and combine restorative and orthodontic procedures to ensure the child's growth progress.
Adolescent or adult with minimal restorative dental needs
When all permanent teeth are erupted, we still have opportunity to correct any issues due to underdevelopment of the jaws. If there is no previous dental work or wear on the teeth, then there are minimally invasive restorative and orthodontic techniques that can be utilized to achieve a stable and functional, harmonious system.
Adolescent or adult with significant restorative and/or surgical needs
If a patient already has significant dental work, wear, or other dental issues that need reversing or redoing, the doctor will discuss this with them. However, the first phase of treatment to stabilize the function of the system remains the same with orthodontic techniques. A second phase, with restorative and surgical interventions may be needed in more complex cases.
I'm ready to schedule! What's next?
We're excited for your first step towards this journey! Please call us at 281 - 495 - 9300 to schedule your assessment. We will then send you all the details as well as a digital packet of comprehensive pre-consultation paperwork for you to complete prior to your appointment. Call us to schedule!