Orthotropics

Orthotropics is a treatment dealing with correct growth of the face and jaws. The majority of people raised in highly civilised societies have downward growing jaws associated with flat faces, large noses, sloping foreheads and crooked teeth. Orthotropists believe that this is a Disopoly (lifestyle problem) caused by mouth breathing, hanging the mouth open and eating soft foods. This altered muscle function prevents correct growth of the jaws and face. Orthotropics is an alternative to retraction orthodontic mechanics and symptom care and instead of pulling the top jaw back, as some orthodontic procedures do, they encourage the bottom jaw to grow horizontally after the top jaw growth has been corrected. The treatment is focused on preventing further lengthening of an already too long face, due to the maxilla being unsuported, and is based on facial beauty rather than straight teeth alone. (see Biobloc)

References

• Mew,JRC. 2004."The Postural Basis of Malocclusion. A philosophical overview". The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. 126:729-738.
• Mew JRC 2007. Facial Changes in Identical Twins Treated by Different Orthodontic Techniques. The World Journal of Orthodontics 8: 174-188.