Most people think of orthodontics as traditional braces and headgear, but holistic dentist Dr. Lewis Gross approaches the topic much differently. Read on to learn more about the holistic approach to orthodontic treatment.

What is Holistic Orthodontics?

To define holistic orthodontics, let’s break it down; “holistic” refers to a dental practice that takes into account the effect of dental treatment and materials on the overall health of the individual, and “orthodontics” is a branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw, face, and bite irregularities.

Just like traditional orthodontics, holistic orthodontics can help you have a healthy and straight smile while helping you reach your goal of total body health.

Who Can Benefit from Holistic Orthodontics?

Anyone with a bite or jaw dysfunction, also know as a malocclusion, is a candidate for holistic orthodontics. Typically, Dr. Lewis Gross treats the following malocclusions with holistic orthodontic treatment:

• Overcrowding: In an overcrowded mouth, there is not enough space for all of the adult teeth to fit in an aligned fashion. Over time, overcrowding can lead to displaced, rotated, or completely misaligned teeth.
• Overbite: An overbite occurs when the upper jaw extends too far over the lower jaw, giving the smile a “toothy” appearance and causing the chin to look receded. Over time, an overbite can lead to excessive wear on the bottom teeth.
• Underbite: An underbite occurs when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. As one of the more severe dental and bite conditions, and underbite can cause excessive wear on the teeth, a misaligned bite, and serious TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.

How Does Dr. Lewis Gross Treat Orthodontic Problems?

Once he has diagnosed your orthodontic condition through a series of dental X-rays, bite impressions, and traditional exams, Dr. Lewis Gross will partner with you to determine the best course of treatment.

To holistically correct your orthodontic condition, Dr. Lewis Gross will employ one or more of the following treatments:

• Fixed dental braces: These braces, made of metal of ceramic, are fixed to each tooth and connected by an archwire. They can be used to gradually move even the most severely misaligned teeth to the desired position.
• Removable appliances (headgear, retainers, expanders, etc.): To combat a number of orthodontic conditions, including overcrowding, underbites, and overbites, Dr. Lewis Gross may prescribe a removable or temporarily permanent orthodontic appliance.
• Invisalign: Invisalign orthodontic treatment consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually move the teeth to the desired position while maintaining the integrity of an otherwise attractive smile. For image-conscious individuals with only minor orthodontic woes, Invisalign may be the clear choice for a straight smile.

The goal of holistic dentistry is to keep your natural teeth healthy and functional for as long as possible, and that’s a goal Dr. Lewis Gross strives to meet with holistic orthodontics. To reserve an appointment at Holistic Dentists, located in Tribeca, New York, call (212) 732-2200.