Orthodontics without extraction

Gone are the days when the only way a person with crowded teeth could have a straight smile was by undergoing an extraction. Thanks to the inventors Dr. Darick Nordstrom and laboratory technician Heather Ashton, there is a way to straighten teeth without extraction or braces!

 

They created the Advanced Lightwire Functionals (ALF) appliance that is custom designed to help correct improper development and growth that resulted in crooked teeth or cranial distortions.  Dr Anthony Ancell uses this method of treatment in Woollahra Dental Practice. Being a holistic dentist, he looks beyond just the teeth and gums to understand why and how the entire body is functioning the way that it is.  

When it comes to orthodontics, Dr Ancell evaluates body posture, the TM joint, the craniofacial structure and even does muscle testing before proceeding with a treatment plan. The use of ALF often is more beneficial than traditional braces as it puts a light force on the teeth from the inside of the mouth. This allows the muscles and bones in the jaw along with the cranial structure to expand creating space for teeth to move into alignment instead of forcing them to be straight. ALF treatment makes powerful corrections in not only the aesthetics of the teeth but also of facial features such as; creating higher cheek bones or bringing the chin forward.  Unlike traditional braces this appliance doesn’t hinder speech and isn’t painful during adjustments.

This treatment can be done at any age. The younger a patient is when treatment is commenced the more rapid the results will be. If you or your child require orthodontic treatment call Woollahra Dental Practice 9363 5690 to make an appointment for a consultation on how you can have a beautiful long lasting straight smile.

Is your dentist addressing the real reason your child’s teeth are crooked?

As a parent it is important to help your child grow and develop in the best way possible. This should apply to your Dentist too. It’s important for you to understand WHY a dental treatment is being recommended and if it really is the best method for your child.

Too often dentists treat children with “traditional orthodontics” (metal braces on the outside of teeth) or Invisalign with disregard to the reason WHY teeth are not aligned in the first place.  Teeth grow and move into place based on the structure of the bones and muscles around them. They also move due to how the tongue is positioned in the mouth.

It’s important for your dentist to evaluate if your child’s teeth are crooked due to an improper development. There are several indicators that your child may have an improper development and growth in their jaw, teeth, and or muscles of the skull:

·         Lack of spacing in baby teeth
·         Difficulty nursing
·         Cross-bite
·         Under-bite
·         Forward head posture
·         Speech issues
·         Asthma
·         Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
·         Recurrent ear infections

If these factors are overlooked, the use of traditional braces being used can restrict your child’s genetic potential, as it can “pull” teeth into a tight position causing bones to become narrow.  As your child grows up they may experience headaches, neck and back pain, jaw joint pain, and or difficulty breathing.

Luckily, Dr Anthony Ancell and his team at Woollahra Dental Practice have a holistic approach to dentistry. During a consultation these indicators are evaluated before commencing any treatment. In these cases the use of Advanced Lightwire Functionals ( ALF ) is used to help your child develop to their full potential and create a beautiful smile. ALF promotes growth and alignment of the teeth without the use of braces.  If you are concerned your current dentist’s doesn’t have your child’s growth and development in your best interest be sure to call  9363 5690 for a consultation with Dr Ancell. His team is happy to see how they can help your child. 

 

www.woollahradental.com

 

 

 

Align your child’s teeth without braces!

It is possible to improve the aesthetics and function of your child’s smile without braces via the use of ALF. ALF is short for Advanced Lightwire Functionals, known to be a self-healing appliance.  The use of this appliance being worn incorporates a method of orthopaedic and orthodontic treatment.  From an orthopaedic perspective this appliance aides in aligning the bones in the jaw and cranium aka cranial osteopathy. Additionally, the ALF improves craniofacial muscle function. This is very important in creating a long lasting straight smile.

 

Teeth can be moved into a straight position but, over time may revert back to their “natural” (original) position if the bones in the jaw and skull aren’t first adapted into the correct position. This is why many people who have undergone treatment such as Invisalign require a permanently fixed metal bracket behind their teeth or a night guard.

The benefits from an orthodontic perspective is the appliance is far more comfortable than braces and it’s barely noticeable when smiling. Instead of traditional orthodontics where metal is placed on the outside of the teeth to create movement, the ALF creates space for teeth to align by being placed on the inside of the mouth. The placement of the appliance in the mouth has also been known to calm the nervous system, improve the airway, and enhance facial growth and development in children.

This treatment requires a high skill set and a holistic view to which Dr Anthony Ancell and his team at Woollahra Dental provide. If you believe your child would require braces, call Woollahra Dental 9363 5690 to make an appointment for a consultation. Dr Anthony Ancell is happy to see children as young as ages 3-5 when this treatment can be the most beneficial.


www.woollahradental.com

Ortho-postural Dentistry: A Broader View of Oral Health | Dr Anthony Ancell

At Woollahra Dental we would like to share a podcast from The Good Doctors / Health Podcast. The podcast is called: Ortho-postural Dentistry: A Broader View of Oral Health | Dr Anthony Ancell.

If you thought oral health was only about brushing and flossing this will open your eyes (and your mouth) to a much bigger picture. A must for anybody with a mouth and interested in their health, and yet may never have fully connected the two.

Visit the Good Doctors Blog to hear the podcast 

Dr. Anthony Ancell joins us today to discuss ortho-postural dentistry. Anthony is not only a dentist in a private practice in Sydney, but he is also a world-leader in the concept of ortho-postural dentistry; how the shape and health of your mouth impacts your ability to breathe well, sleep well, your posture and much, much more.

About Dr Anthony Ancell

Dr Anthony Ancell is an Australian-based health professional. Anthony is trained as a Dentist and a pioneer of ortho-postural dentistry. Anthony has practice located in Woollahra.

To make an appointment…

in Woollahra, please call 02 9363 5690 - www.woollahradental.com


SOURCES:

The Good Doctors / Health Podcast
Links mentioned in this episode:
Weston A Price website
A website on Buteyko breathing