More than Straight Teeth:
Functional, Holistic Orthodontics

Traditional Orthodontics

Airway Dentistry

Pulling teeth to resolve crowding

Expanding the arch to make room for crowded teeth

Wires, brackets, and bands

Removable nighttime devices

Mouth breathing

Nasal breathing

Jaw tension and grinding

Jaw relaxation

Aesthetics at the expense of function

Beyond the aesthetic, impacting mood, behavior, and mental acuity

Results within years

Results within months

Narrow arches, constricted airways

Big, broad, Texan smiles with ample room to breathe

Fighting against nature

Restoring natural function

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1

Where it can begin . . .

Underdeveloped Mouth and Jaws

  • Underdeveloped upper jaw
  • Underdeveloped lower jaw
  • Nasal dysfunction and structural anomalies
  • Tongue-tie

2

Which can often lead to . . .

Nasal and Dental Abnormalities

  • Narrow palatal dental arch
  • Crowded/crooked teeth
  • Teeth grinding
  • Crossbite
  • TMJ dysfunction
  • Bony growths in oral cavity
  • Nasal resistance and obstruction
  • Swollen tonsils/adenoids
  • Dry mouth
  • Improper tongue position

3

Which can often result in . . .

Breathing and Sleep Disorders

  • Mouth breathing
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Upper airway resistance syndrome

4

Which can often lead to . . .

Many Debilitating and Chronic Comorbities such as the following:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Hypertension
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Bedwetting
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Pain
  • Cancer

Chronic health conditions associated with OSA may ultimately be traced back to improper development of the jaws and oral cavity.

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0 - 1 Year

What to Check

  • White patches on tongue or cheeks
  • Swollen or red gums
  • Early teeth (natal/neonatal teeth)
  • Difficulty feeding or excessive drooling

Which Specialist to See

  • Pediatric Dentist

How to Check

  • Gently lift the lips and inspect gums daily during cleaning
  • Look under the tongue and inside cheeks for patches or lesions
  • Monitor baby's feeding behavior and comfort. Monitor breast tenderness while or after feeding

When to Visit

  • First dental visit within 6 months of first tooth or by 1 year of age, whichever is earlier

1 - 3 Years

What to Check

  • First tooth eruption (usually bottom front)
  • Teething signs: irritability, drooling, biting
  • Brown/white spots near gumline (early decay)
  • Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use

Which Specialist to See

  • Orthodontist, Pediatric Dentist

How to Check

  • Use clean hands to gently run a finger along gumline
  • Lift lips to check the surface of teeth, especially the front and molars
  • Observe for consistent mouth habits like finger sucking

When to Visit

  • Every 6 months for routine checkups; earlier if discoloration, trauma, or feeding difficulty appears

3 - 7 Years

What to Check

  • Complete set of 20 baby teeth
  • Early crowding, deep bite, open bite
  • Teeth grinding, mouth breathing, snoring, speech clarity and tongue thrust
  • Cavities, especially on molars

Which Specialist to See

  • Orthodontist, Pediatric Dentist

How to Check

  • Ask the child to smile and say “ahh” while you inspect alignment
  • Use a child-safe dental mirror at home if possible
  • Observe speech patterns, nasal breathing, snoring while sleeping, teeth grinding while sleeping

When to Visit

  • Every 6 months; earlier if any of the above issues are observed

7 - 12 Years

What to Check

  • Eruption of permanent molars and front teeth
  • Mixed dentition stage and alignment issues
  • Hygiene issues with crowded teeth
  • Signs of early bite problems

Which Specialist to See

  • Orthodontist

How to Check

  • Lift lips and check for new molars and permanent teeth
  • Monitor for crowding or abnormal eruption sequence
  • Ask child about pain when chewing or brushing
  • Use disclosing tablets to evaluate brushing quality

When to Visit

  • Dental visits every 6 months; orthodontic evaluation around age 7 or earlier if bite problems are visible

12 - 19 Years

What to Check

  • Full eruption of permanent teeth and wisdom teeth development
  • Gum health and early signs of gingivitis
  • Braces maintenance if applicable
  • Night grinding, jaw pain, or TMJ issues

Which Specialist to See

  • Orthodontist

How to Check

  • Inspect gumlines for puffiness, redness or bleeding
  • Use mirror to check alignment and occlusion
  • Ask about jaw pain or clicking sounds
  • Note signs of bruxism (wear on teeth)

When to Visit

  • Routine checkups every 6 months; earlier if symptoms or pain occur

30+ Years

What to Check

  • Gum bleeding, recession, or loose teeth
  • Sensitivity to hot/cold
  • Worn teeth or missing teeth
  • Oral lesions or white/red patches (cancer screening)

Which Specialist to See

  • General Dentist, Periodontist, Prosthodontist, Oral Medicine Specialist (if lesions found)

How to Check

  • Check gums regularly for swelling, color change, or bleeding
  • Use a mirror to inspect tongue, cheeks, and floor of mouth
  • Assess chewing comfort and tooth stability

When to Visit

  • Every 6 months or more frequently if periodontal issues present; immediate visit if oral lesions, ulcers, or sharp pain appear

12 Years to 19 Years

What to Check

  • Eruption or impaction of wisdom teeth
  • TMJ symptoms (clicking jaw, stiffness, pain)
  • Tooth discoloration, sensitivity, or wear
  • Gum recession or early periodontal signs

Which Specialist to See

  • General Dentist, Oral Surgeon, TMJ Specialist

How to Check

  • Look for gumline exposure or notches near the neck of teeth
  • Check for sensitivity while brushing or eating cold items
  • Note any discomfort or clicking in the jaw

When to Visit

  • Routine visits every 6 months; immediate visit if pain, TMJ symptoms, or swelling occurs