Pre-Orthodontic Periodontal Augmentation

Did you know that the human jaw is shrinking in size?  It may sound like no big deal, but it is much more than not just having room for your third molars (wisdom teeth).  Since the actual tooth size hasn’t changed we end up with a discrepancy between the room needed to house the teeth and the bone there is to hold them.  What orthodontists need to do is “expand” the arch in order to treat the crowded teeth.  This leads to recession, as much as eight times more than those who haven’t been treated with orthodontics.  But there is a silver lining: POPA or Pre-Orthodontic Periodontal Augmentation.  In one procedure, we can help to BOTH quicken the orthodontic treatment time AND prevent/treat the post-orthodontic recession.  This treatment needs to be coordinated with an orthodontist who is well educated with these treatment goals and philosophies.  Make an appointment with one of our periodontists to discuss this exciting treatment.