Orthotropics

Orthotropics is a type of treatment for the irregularities in the alignment and occlusion of teeth/jaws. It is not to be confused with the more mainstream Orthodontics, as the two fields have very key, fundamental differences in their philosophy. Orthodontics is a treatment in which the central belief is that this malocclusion is caused by evolutionary reasons, where human jaws have evolved to become small and improperly shaped, causing difficulty in proper tooth eruption. However, evolutionary biologists have vehemently denied this due to the fact that the evidence shows that this cannot be true. Orthotropics is a philosophy that believes that orthodontics only treats the symptoms of a problem, not the underlying cause - which is an enormous change in processed diet, improper head posture, and improper tongue posture among children. Orthodontics treats patients using extractions and braces, while Orthotropics uses a palatal expander appliance fitted into the mouth. While Orthodontics treats a problem after it has occurred, Orthotropics aims to prevent the problem at a young age by guiding proper facial development to avoid craniofacial dystrophy. The advantages of Orthotropics is that is doesn't just correct the tooth alignment, but also the growth and development of the jaw and face, provides a better result, and avoids unnecessary tooth extractions. Orthotropics is more effective but only works on children.