Did you know that the human jaw is shrinking in size? It may not sound like a big deal, but it is much more than not just having room for your third molars (wisdom teeth). Since the actual teeth 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. This leads to crowded teeth. What orthodontists need to do is “expand” the arch in order to treat the crowded teeth. This type of treatment has been shown to be eight times more likely to cause recession.
But there is a silver lining: POPA or Pre-Orthodontic Periodontal Augmentation. (Now that’s literally a MOUTHFUL!). Basically, it’s an emerging concept in dentistry to address crowded teeth. In one procedure Drs. Fava and Levine 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.
Do you have a crowded mouth and are anticipating orthodontic treatment? Make an appointment with Dr. Fava or Levine to learn how we can possibly expedite the process and prevent future problems.
