Identifying the causes of malocclusion
Course Info
- CPD Points:
Dental Board of Australia ( 2.00 points) - Speaker: Dr John Flutter
- Location: Study Clubs
-
Date:
Sep-Dec 2015*
* This date / time will vary depending on your local Study Club.
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Description
The position of the teeth is a reflection of the growth and development of thecranium. Children today have less than ideal growth and development of the cranium leading to what is described as a Craniofacial dystrophy. The cause of this dystrophy is largely postural and the posture of the mandible and the posture of the entire body. For ideal growth and development the child needs to stand up straight, sit up straight and keep the mouth closed. Failure to keep the mouth closed at rest means that the tongue falls from the roof of the mouth where it is ideally positioned. When the tongue is no longer in the roof of the mouth there are several consequences including lack of forward growth of the upper jaw, and difficulty breathing through the nose as the child has become used to open mouth breathing. The correction of this Craniofacial dystrophy is best done while the child is still growing. The treatment is to develop the upper jaw and in consequence the nasal airway and then to train the child to keep the mouth closed. With the mouth closed the tongue rests in the palate and supports the newly developed upper arch and nasal breathing is established. The treatment does require cooperation from the child. The co-operation is best achieved when the child receives the instruction and help in an area where they feel comfortable. This is best obtained when the child is not in a clinical setting. Improvements in the lip, tongue and jaw posture lead to better cranial growth and better aligned teeth and jaws.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- To recognise good oral posture in growing children.
- To recognise the relationship between oral posture and cranial growth and development.
- To recognise the importance of nasal breathing for healthy development of growing children.
Dr John Flutter
Dr. Flutter qualified as a dentist in England in 1971 and has been doing orthodontic treatment from his first day in practice. He now lives and works mostly in Australia where he has developed a dental practice devoted to early
treatment by ...
