The Holistic Dentist’s Approach to Orthodontics

The Holistic Dentist’s Approach to Orthodontics:
A Rounded Approach to a Classic Treatment

Orhtodontics Braces

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that has been transforming smiles for decades. With the help of orthodontic treatment, people can correct various dental issues, such as crowded teeth, overbites, and underbites.

Orthodontics can be more than traditional braces and wires, with the latest treatments including clear aligners such as Invisalign, myofunctional trainers such as Myobrace and other great orthopaedic appliances.

At SHDC, we advocate a holistic approach to orthodontics, which aims to improve oral health and overall wellness.

In this introduction, we explore the holistic dentist’s approach to orthodontics.  

Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment or are just curious about the field, it is good to understand how orthodontics can transform your smile and boost your overall health.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics also focuses on correcting crowding or tooth malalignment and the shape and position of the jaws. By doing so, orthodontics can enhance a patient’s appearance and also their oral health as well.

While most people associate orthodontics with traditional metal braces, this field of dentistry has come a long way over the years. The latest orthodontic treatments include clear aligners such as  Invisalign, myofunctional trainers such as Myobrace and other orthopaedic appliances.

Our dentists can help you to:

  • Understand the role orthodontics can provide for oral and general health
  • Gain insights into the holistic dentist’s approach to orthodontics
Dr Andrea Westerhout orthodontics

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Beyond simply straightening teeth, orthodontic treatment has many other advantages for patients. A holistic approach to orthodontic care can enhance a patient’s capacity to maintain healthy teeth and lessen systemic inflammation, breathe better, improve their ability to chew, feel confident, and be emotionally well.  

> Improved Ability to Chew

For efficient chewing performance, proper alignment and occlusion of the dentition is essential. It can be challenging to chew food efficiently if your teeth are crowded or out of alignment. This may also result in jaw pain and other digestive problems. Orthodontic treatment can correct dental and jaw irregularities, enabling patients to correctly chew their food and experience improved digestion.  

> Enhanced Airway  

The airway of a patient can be improved with orthodontic treatment. Malaligned teeth and jaws can lead to breathing issues like snoring, sleep apnoea, and persistent mouth breathing. Orthodontic care can assist to open up the airway and enhance breathing capabilities, which can improve sleep quality and general health.   

> Improved Ability to Clean Teeth 

Effective dental cleaning can be simpler and more effective with proper tooth alignment. It can be challenging to clean between teeth that are crowded or out of place, which can result in plaque and bacteria accumulation. Gum disease and other oral health issues might result from this. Orthodontic treatment can improve tooth and jaw alignment issues, making it simpler to maintain oral health and keep the teeth clean.  

> Better Emotional Health and Self-Confidence 

Your emotional health and sense of self-worth can be greatly improved by having a smile you’re proud of. Malaligned or crowded teeth can make people feel self-conscious. A patient’s smile can look better after orthodontic treatment, which will boost their emotional health and sense of self-worth.   

> Reduced Systemic Inflammation

Poor oral health has been linked to systemic inflammation. If inflammation becomes severe it can contribute to a range of health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The Holistic Dentist’s Approach to Orthodontics

Holistic dentistry focuses on how oral health impacts the body as a whole. Holistic dentists prioritise treatments to encourage a healthy airway, correct form and function of the jaws, and teeth alignment. Holistic dentists will address the underlying causes of orthodontic issues, such as airway obstructions and mouth breathing, myofunctional problems and relapsed dentitions.

A holistic approach to orthodontics may also involve early intervention, before the adult dentition is fully erupted, in an effort to avoid tooth extractions and invasive surgery where possible.

Examples of Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way over the years. While traditional metal braces are still very much a valid and common treatment, patients may also be able to choose from other methods of alignment that may better suit their needs. Examples include clear braces and clear aligners like Invisalign.

Appliances such as headgear, expanders and mandibular advancement appliances may also be recommended. Each treatment has its unique benefits and drawbacks, and patients should work with their doctor to determine which treatment best suits their needs.

Retaining the final position of the teeth is also very important, as most dentitions have a tendency to relapse back to a crowded position. Retainers such as fixed wires or removable plates are strongly recommended to preserve the final position of teeth, as well as the bite.

The Holistic Dentist’s Approach to Orthodontics
Orthodontics bite correction metal braces

Meet Dr Andrea Westerhout

Dr Andrea Westerhout is very excited to have joined the team at Sydney Holistic Dental Centre.

She has been working as a dentist for 11 years, graduating with Honours from the University of Western Australia and has completed a Graduate Diploma in Dentofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics here in Sydney.

She is very passionate about improving the health, function and appearance of teeth. She also has a strong interest in their connection to the rest of the body.

Dr Andrea has assisted many patients using orthodontic treatment to assist with airway issues and correct bite problems.

She uses braces, Invisalign, Myobrace, orthodontic appliances and other cosmetic techniques to help achieve the desired outcome.

The Holistic Dentist’s Approach to Orthodontics

I look forward to meeting you and your family and assisting you with your ongoing holistic approach to dental health and overall well-being.”

~ Dr Andrea Westerhout

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