Orthodontics West Kelowna

west kelowna orthodontics
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Our physiologic approach with orthodontic treatment can correct the size, shape, and position of the teeth. Our treatments strive for optimal TMJ, airway, cervical posture, and facial beauty, leaving plenty of room for beautifully straight teeth.

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More than regular orthodontics

What is a physiologic approach to orthodontics in West Kelowna?

A physiologic approach to dentistry is a philosophy and methodology built around the theory that 90% of pain in the human body is from muscle. Therefore, if we can make muscles comfortable, we can reduce pain.

We use ultralow frequency (ULF) trans cutaneous electro-neural stimulation (TENS) therapy to relax the muscles that control the resting position of our jaw and neck. We also use a myomonitor (EMG) to verify the level activity of these muscles so we know when they are relaxed.

By placing the muscles in this relaxed position when they are at rest and in function, we decrease the amount of overall muscle tension which decreases the level of pain and sensitivity in the muscles and takes the pressure off of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Less tension in these muscles results in a less lactic acid buildup in the muscles of the head and neck which decreases the frequency and severity of headaches.

This physiologic approach with orthopedic treatment can correct the size, shape, and position of the jaws for optimal TMJ, airway, cervical posture, facial beauty, leaving plenty of room for beautifully straight teeth.

Dentist West Kelowna

Dr. Shauna Palmer

We believe that holistic dentistry should be clear, simple, and effective.

28+ Years Experience

Smart Certified Dentist

1500+ Healthy Patients

HEALTH & BEAUTY DENTISTRY • EVERYONE DESERVES BOTH

MEET DR. SHAUNA PALMER

Why should you consider a physiologic approach to dentistry?

A physiologic approach to dentistry could work when you suffer from:

Headaches/Migraines
Clenching/Grinding
Facial Pain
Jaw Joint Pain
Back, Neck & Cervical Pain
Postural Problems
“Locked Jaw”
Ear pain, hearing loss, eye pain, sinus pain
Inability to open wide or move from side to side comfortably
Vertigo

How is a physiologic approach to orthodontics different from traditional orthodontics?

Physiologically based orthodontics starts with what we call the “big three.” The big three are nasal breathing, lip seal and proper tongue posture. When those three things are not in place during the growth and development of the jaws, disharmonies and imbalances in the craniofacial structure can result.

Dr. Shauna Palmer utilizes an orthodontic technique called physiologic orthodontics or jaw development orthodontics that can correct some of those disharmonies that form during growth and development when the big three are interrupted.

When those big three were interrupted during growth and development, we commonly see patients with a top jaw that is too small, (underdeveloped upper jaw) a bottom jaw (underdeveloped bottom jaw) that is too small or maybe a top jaw that’s set back, a bottom jaw that’s overgrown; common terms for these things are underbites and overbites.

Our physiologic approach allows us to develop or remodel the top jaw to the proper size, and that frees up our ability to get the bottom jaw in a really nice relaxed physiologic bite positions

To learn more about physiologic based orthodontics and Dr. Shauna Palmer’s non-surgical treatment modalities, please contact us today or please send us a brief email and we’ll be in touch very soon.

3 simple steps to get started

1.
Discover Health &
Beauty Dentistry

2.
Experience a
Holistic approach

3.
Feel Good.
Look Great!

Patient 1: Case Study

Image 1: Patient with severe crowding and missing an upper lateral tooth. Other orthodontic consultations recommended removal of the lower front tooth that was "tucked back" and leaving the missing tooth in the upper jaw out of the picture and just doing cosmetic veneers after to "hide" the missing tooth.

This patient opted to do physiologic jaw development orthodontics with us instead. This patient has build-ups on the lower molars temporarily to balance and align the jaws in a physiologic position and the upper jaw remodeling appliance is in place

Image 2: Upper jaw remodeling appliance has finished its work and created room

Image 3 & 4: The braces going on

Image 4, 5 & 6: Mid treatment with the jaws developing a nice shape, a temporary false tooth is placed in the upper right missing lateral space and the front tooth is now in the proper position- no teeth lost, proper spacing, and esthetics

This patient will require some gum treatment and cosmetic restorations on the upper front teeth after the orthodontics are complete.

Patient 2: Case Study

Image 1: The patient came in with severe TMD ( temporomandibular disorder ) symptoms including migraines and severe vertigo.

Image 2: Patient put into a physiologic fixed orthotic to treat the TMD symptoms (which were resolved) through alignment of the jaws

Image 3: Patient elected to go into phase 2 treatment of jaw development physiologic orthodontics. This was the first appliance to remodel the upper jaw bone.

Image 4: Once the upper jaw bone was developed, the braces went on to further develop the upper jaw

Image 5: The lower jaw was further developed with the braces while maintaining the lower jaw in a physiologic position with the upper using the lower molar bonded pads

Image 6: We are nearing completion of the physiologic jaw development orthodontics and the patient still is symptom-free. We will have to treat that front tooth with a veneer or crown for esthetics due to discoloration once the orthodontics is complete.

NOTE: These are examples only and do not imply any certainty of a result of a procedure, and all outcomes are subject to the circumstances of the individual patient.

Dr. Palmer is a general dentist trained in physiologicly based orthodontics and is not a certified orthodontic specialist.

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Orthodontics West Kelowna

west kelowna orthodontics
make an appointment today

More than regular orthodontics