Functional Orthodontics
Functional Orthodontics vs Traditional Orthodontics
At Associates of Dental Arts, we use both traditional and functional orthodontics to help provide total dental wellness. Traditional orthodontics focus on improving your bite by moving your teeth with braces or retainers. Functional orthodontics involves looking at the alignment of your mouth and jaw as well as your teeth to treat a variety of maladies. For example, with functional orthodontics we are able to look at how the position of the jaw relates to your breathing at night. In some patients, we are able to create an appliance to help their jaw position and reduce or eliminate sleep apnea. Functional orthodontics is more effective than traditional orthodontics with children because it anticipates potential jaw and teeth alignment problems.
Functional Orthodontics for Children
Functional orthodontics is effective in children because it helps guide the growth of the child's mouth to create the perfect smile and bite. Functional orthodontic treatment should be started as early as possible and can benefit patients as young as four. This is why it is important for your children to have regular dental check-ups. At Associates of Dental Arts, we will evaluate your child’s mouth and help create a treatment plan that provides maximum benefits to your child and helps avoid costly and time consuming treatment in the future. For example, the uses of a palate expander will help to create a proper bite and avoid crowding issues without the need for extractions or surgery. It will also shorten the time your child requires braces.
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Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Gregory Kivett, Jr. DDS
Dentist
Dr. Gregory Kivett, Jr. initially discovered his love for dentistry while serving in the United States Air Force as a dental laboratory technician. Following his honorable discharge in 1995, he made the decision to become a dentist. He graduated with honors from Southwest Missouri State University, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry, and was quickly accepted to the School of Dentistry at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He received his DDS in 2005, graduating with honors. That same year, Dr. Kivett also served ...
