Integrative Orthodontics
What Is Integrative Orthodontics?
With integrative orthodontics, we are treating the underlying causes for crooked teeth, not merely the symptoms. It is a complex practice philosophy where we look at the entirety of your health - not just your teeth. It is sometimes referred to as“airway focused”orthodontics, however, we take it a step further.
The Truth About Crooked Teeth
Most are surprised to find out that there is library of scientific evidence that says that there are no genes for crooked teeth! What is happening is our bodies are reacting to stressors caused by our modern diets, our lifestyles, and from our "industrial" environment. As a result, these adaptive responses have a genetic component to them, which explains why families can still share similar appearances.Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws are signs of significant issues that our brain and bodies are attempting to cope with.
If we evaluate and address the negative changes in the way our faces (and ourselves as a whole) are developing, we can restore balance and eliminate the deficiencies in these areas. So it also allows our teeth to align in the most organic and ideal way possible.
How Can Integrative Orthodontics Help?
Integrative Orthodontics can help patients in many ways besides having straighter teeth. It includes breathing analysis, myofunctional therapy, TMJ, sleep apnea, and a wide range of issues that may be causing you pain or less than optimal health.
How Do I Know If I Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Crooked teeth are only one of the indicators that you or your child may need orthodontic treatment. Other symptoms include fatigue, teeth clenching or grinding, chronic jaw pain or headaches, a sudden drop in academic or athletic performance, or even sleepiness during the day. These are some of the potential indicators that you or your child may need orthodontic treatment.
We take a holistic approach to orthodontics. In our practice we look at, evaluate, and consider you or your childas a whole person, not just someone needing orthodontics. Many factors influenceour health and well-being. Our team addresses aspects of health that most other orthodontics practitioners overlook, such as dietary problems that may contribute to respiratory tract inflammation and more.
Why Choose Integrative Orthodontics Over Traditional Orthodontics
Traditional orthodontics focuses primarily on the aesthetic appearance of a smile. However, that shouldn't be the only goal. Along with achieving that stellar smile, there should also be the understanding that orthodontic treatment can and should be you or your child’s best opportunity for the longest possible, healthy, and pain free life.Thoughtful, in-depth analysis of you or your child’s anatomy, breathing, physiology and neurology is the only way to accurately plan for the best treatment options.Straightening teeth and making a beautiful smile is the easy part and is usually the only thing considered in traditional orthodontic treatment. Musculoskeletal changes that are actually needed are usually not found in most traditional orthodontic treatment. Conventional orthodontic treatment plans do not account forproper breathing, improvements in posture and in the spine, along with the neurological balance and muscle functionthat are necessary to ensure whole body wellness and even unimpaired brain function.
Dr. Johal works closely with patients and their health care providers. She is a mother of two and a general dentist, who resides in Guelph. Dr. Johal believes that optimal wellness is interconnected with our oral care and nutrition. She also advocates that our dental health supports the overall wellness of our body and mind.
Contact Dr. Johal and her team to see how they can help you.
Note: We are a designated essential business in public health services. Our physical dental office location is open under guidance by the government and The Royal College of Dental Surgeons. We meet and exceed safety guidelines. Virtual Office Appointments are also available to serve our community.
Family Dental Centre
1482 Gordon Street, Guelph
519-767-2729
www.familydentalguelph.com