Physiologic Orthodontics

If you think you might be a candidate for this orthodontic treatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Suh and his staff. They will use digital x-rays and other images to create a model of your jaw to look for any deficiencies.

Once you are approved for the treatment, the process can begin. Like any natural, non-surgical oral treatment, it doesn’t happen overnight. 

There are two main phases: the Development Phase and the Controlled Braces phase.

In Phase 1, or the Development Phase, the appliance is placed on the nerve that stimulates development. It is cemented to the upper teeth to ensure secure placement, and then bite plates to help you move your mouth are attached to your lower molars.

During this phase, which typically lasts around one year, you will be seen for regular visits to adjust the acrylic since your palate will be growing.

Phase 2 begins with the addition of brackets and wires. The focus will be on the physiologic positioning of the lower jaw to be in its most optimal and functional position. This differs from traditional orthodontics in that we will be focusing on jaw positioning on top of making sure each patient ends up with a large broad smile.

Since you now have a purposely-created gap in your teeth, the braces and archwires are necessary to pull your back teeth forward to fill in those gaps. Alternatively, you can opt for implants in the new gaps. But the braces are adjusted regularly to ensure that your upper and lower teeth remain aligned and properly occluded.

This phase can take up to 2 years to complete.

Phase 1 of Physiologic Orthodontics focuses on forward development, but the use of the controlled arches in Phase 2 provides the necessary stimulus to balance that forward development with sideways development as well. Both phases are necessary to complete the full effect of your new, expanded jaw.