Orthotropics - Anyone with knowledge or experience of this?!

[SallyBear]

Has anyone had any experience with a dental teeth straightening procedure called ORTHOTROPICS? It's a plate worn device that seems to have a facial re-shaping aspect to it.

DD has the most appalling teeth. They've erupted in peculiar places along her gum line, she can not bite with her front teeth as her bite is all over the place. Consequently the front teeth have not worn well.

I'm worried about going down the traditional orthodontic route as she's already had a couple of teeth out and now they're proposing more!

Anyone with any experience with this at all??? Thanks.

Hi there. I was treated with orthotropics over 30 years. I never had to have any teeth extracted and people still comment today that I have good bone structure. Both of my children are currently undergoing the same treatment, they are 8 and 10. Neither have had to have any teeth extractions and I am confident the end results will be great. They don't complain about wearing their braces as they are too young to care. Google John Mew and watch the Dispatches program via YouTube. It is a tragedy that this method is not recommended to parents as plenty of children are going through unnecessary surgery and teeth extractions when there is an alternative treatment available. Also I believe the end results leave you with a better shaped face (and nice straight teeth!)

DS1, 9y has an head-gear for extra-oral traction, and the results are amazing. And so quick. Orthotropics works on the shape of jaws and bones, more than teeth. Braces will come later at around 13-14. But it does correct the bite.
How old is you DD? My DS was borderline, as it has to be done quite early I think.

DS1 (age 7yo) has a high palate (caused by a tongue tie) and his facial structure is also affected - his nasal passages are restricted by the palate and he is very flat in the middle section of his face - not that you would notice unless you knew what you were looking for. His face was starting to elongate from mouth breathing and the angle of his jaw is very steep.

Our dentist does preventative work rather and will avoid pulling teeth where it is at all possible. DS1 has a brace to expand his palate to create more room for the teeth, and headgear for nighttime to bring out the flat section of his face. He has had it for about 4 months and already he is breathing more through his nose instead of his mouth.

How old is your DD?

Thank you all for replying. DD is 13. The cut off age is 9 according to the clinic, but we will probably go and see them even if it is just to get an alternative opinion.

A second opinion is always a good thing and I am sure they will be able to give you the best alternatives. They have a different approach.

Hi Folks,
I actually happen to be a dentist and I know this subject either as a professional and a mother of two.
My son was a typical mouth breather with receding chin and my daughter- the opposite sticking her chin forward.
I am not waiting till they are teenagers to see how they are going to look then.
The early treatment is the key.
Orthotropics is about guiding facial growth as it has been intended by nature and looking into causes if various patterns of growth.
If you want to guide facial growth you need to start early not when the growth is complete.
One does not need to be a dentist or orthodontist to diagnose that there is an orthodontic problem even if you can not name it.
Everyone accepts that prevention is better than cure and early treatment is better than late.
SallyBear, I recommend that you have as many treatment opinions as possible bearing in mind that various treatment methods produce different results and the same person may look different ( either with regards to tooth alignment and facial profile)depending what method of treatment they choose.
I strongly recommend you and anyone who is considering, to see Dr Mew for consultation. He is exceptional personality and fun too.
You may learn things that you have never realized before. You may see some of his patients and talk to other parents, and ask their opinion.
It is entirely up to an individual parents to choose what method of treatment suits them so feel under no pressure and take your time.

Both DS had this and DD (7) starts on Tuesday.

The results for both DSs have been amazing

It is the Mews who are treating my children.

Thanks. We have other issues to contend with as DD has had two mandibular distractions and has lost some teeth during these processes. I have been in contact with Mike Mew and once we have seen GOSH's consultant orthodontist we will see what Mike has to say. She is a complex case to say the least.

The impression the Mews have always given me is that they want the best result for the child. They won't do it if they don't think it will work so you can be sure if they agree to treatment that they think it worthwhile.

I'm very unashamedly hijacking this thread as I'd like to get the advice of people on it and hope it'll show up on their ' ThreadsImOn ' rather than starting my own thread unnoticed. So... Apologies.

My 9 yo dd is nearly 4 months into her treatment. We noticed change quickly and for a while her teeth started to look better. However, we are now very much in the ugly duckling phase. It's making me nervous as the gaps/ protrusion are really quite pronounced now. Anyone with experience who would chat to me about this?