"Real" early orthodontic treatment. From birth to age 8

Abstract

This article will introduce new concepts for earlier orthodontic (teeth) and orthopedic (jaw-bone) diagnosis and treatment from birth to age eight. While early orthodontic treatment around age 8 is getting some attention, age 8 is still too late to orthopedically guide proper jaw and airway growth in some children. By age 8, the jaws (maxilla and mandible) grow 80-90% of their adult size. Research shows that small jaws create small airways and increase the likelihood of life-threatening disorders, for life. Since the upper and lower jaw-bones form the gateway to the human airway, a new earlier orthodontic protocol and standard is warranted. Unique Functional Jaw Orthopedic concepts will help form a new early orthodontic protocol. These new concepts may very well help general dentists, pedodontists and orthodontists move dental care into a future world of medical dentistry which will include airway development, bed-wetting, ear disease, heart disease and longevity.