A GP's Perspective on the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment (w/Dr. Ben Miraglia) [Ep.56]

The DOC Podcast

Get ready for an amazing conversation with Dr. Ben Miraglia where he explains his journey into the world of early orthodontic treatment, especially as it pertains to airway and breathing. We discuss:

· How Ben got involved in airway orthodontics and the primary reasons why GPs and pediatric dentists do ortho.

· How the studies demonstrating that early/interceptive ortho treatment makes no difference got it wrong.

· The validity of mandibular arch expansion in the orthodontic literature and in clinical practice.

· How anthropological research, diet, and muscle function can tell us a lot about the etiology of malocclusion.

· The way correctly executed early treatment makes a second phase easy and, in many cases, unnecessary.

· The level of resistance that is normal in nasal breathing.

· Why focusing on OSA is a fool’s errand and missing the underlying pathology.

· What the analysis of 7000 patients has taught Ben about breathing problems in patients ages 3-12 years old.

· What we can learn from Dr. E.A. Bogue’s research from the early 1900’s.

· How our early soft diets play a role in the development of the jaws, malocclusion, and sleep-disordered breathing.

· Why it’s necessary to expand upper AND lower arches in patients with a transverse deficiency, especially in the absence of posterior crossbite.

· When, where, and why malocclusion began to emerge over time.

· The role of myofunctional therapy in helping mandibular growth.

· The 2017 ADA Position Statement calling on all dentists to screen for Sleep Related Breathing Disorders.

· The role that mouth breathing plays in tooth decay in pediatric patients.

· How early expansion can lead to successful eruption of third molars in the future.

· Why the orthodontic profession still focuses more on being “tooth straighteners” than on helping younger patients grow and develop properly.

· The reason GPs and pediatric dentists are more open to early treatment than orthodontists.

· Why many patients who had upper only expansion in Phase I need extractions in Phase II.

LINKS:

-VISIT OUR EPISODE SPONSOR – Retainers for Life! Visit www.AfterOrthoRevenue.com and use code ‘DOC2024’ to get $2500 off your enrollment fee!

-Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire: https://images.app.goo.gl/ipKUowiPmbeV2my4A

-Contact Dr. Miraglia: www.AirwayHealthSolutions.com

-Subscribe to the DOC YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@delukeorthodonticcoaching

-Contact Dr. Mike: [e-mail]