Understanding genetics has changed early pediatric orthodontics.

As a pediatric dentist, you’re used to treating an array of pint-size patients’ dental issues. Have you considered adding orthodontic interventions to that list?

Pediatric dentists can often help identify and consult on orthodontic issues that appear in early childhood. Today, we’re sharing how these two fields intersect and how you can get started with our pediatric orthodontics courses!

Addressing Orthodontic Issues in Early Childhood

Orthodontic issues are most closely associated with teenage and adult patients. However, recent research shows that dental irregularities linked to orthodontic problems can appear much earlier. In fact, it’s often possible to predict their occurrence when a patient is still under pediatric dental care.

Much of this is possible thanks to advancements in genetic analysis. Specifically, there are two main fields of study that are opening new doors for pediatric dentists interested in providing early interventions.

Let’s take a look at each one.

The Role of Genetics in Dental Arch Formation

Genetic variations can occur in an individual’s DNA building blocks. These instances are known as single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs. A SNP (pronounced “snip”) represents a missing piece or mutation in their genetic code.

When a variation presents, it’s detectable in early childhood. It can influence a variety of physical traits, including how a patient’s dental arch forms. Understanding SNPs helps dentists determine how inheritable certain facial traits are, including malocclusions.

Another condition commonly tied to genetics and believed to be hereditary is tongue-tie, a condition present at birth that affects the tongue’s range of motion. Left untreated, it can cause displacement of the individual’s jaw or teeth, impacting their facial growth and structure in a variety of ways.

For instance, tongue-tie can cause airway issues and is known to have an impact on occlusal development. If such genetic variations are discovered early on, administering preventive dental care can help curb the effects of these conditions down the road.

Advancements in Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of how two factors affect the way an individual’s genes work:

• Behaviors
• Environment

Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not affect one’s gene sequence.

Put simply, your genes contain instructions that lead to the creation of certain proteins. When a genetic change occurs due to either of the factors above, it alters which specific proteins those genes make. These epigenetic changes essentially turn certain genes “on” and “off.”

Researchers have discovered that epigenetics can even affect the way one’s facial features form. For instance, there have been several studies showing the effects of certain enzymes on gene expression, which affects craniofacial development.

In terms of behaviors, epigenetic changes are often linked to a child’s breathing pattern and the airway issues that can result if those patterns aren’t favorable. For example, if a child breathes through their mouth with their tongue held low, it can negatively impact their maxillofacial development.

At the same time, there are environmental factors at play. The biggest issue is usually allergens, which can lead to stuffy noses and respiratory issues. When exposed to these allergens, children often breathe through their mouths for comfort, which can impact their craniofacial muscles.

As dentists understand epigenetics better, they can identify behavioral and environmental factors that could affect their patients’ dental development. This helps them pinpoint issues earlier and provide more effective treatment.

What can we learn from these facts?

Why are we sharing all this background on genetics? The research shows that most orthodontic issues don’t simply appear in adolescence. Rather, they’ve usually been forming for years.

Understanding this, we now know these four points:

1. Orthodontic treatment is no longer a “teen-centric” therapy.
2. Consideration for early orthodontic intervention is key.
3. Some orthodontic problems are preventable if addressed early.
4. A good pediatric dentist who offers orthodontic services should understand the value of myofunctional therapies, early interventions, and more.

The Value of Pediatric Orthodontics Courses

For pediatric dentists, these developments in genetics and orthodontics are promising. They allow you to play a bigger role in your patients’ lifelong dental care and intervene before orthodontic problems develop.

Yet this knowledge isn’t typically taught in pediatric dental courses. To understand all of this and much more, you’ll need to learn from someone with knowledge and experience integrating orthodontics into pediatric dentistry.

At Synergy Orthodontic Seminars, we offer two courses centered on pediatric orthodontics, both taught by one of America’s most experienced instructors, Dr. Jay Gerber. These include:

• Comprehensive Pediatric Orthodontics
• Advanced Pediatric Orthodontics

Comprehensive Pediatric Orthodontics Course

In our Comprehensive Pediatric Orthodontics course, you’ll learn techniques that you can implement into your dental practice immediately.

You have the opportunity to learn by both seeing and doing. You’ll view the sequential treatment of dozens of Dr. Jay’s real patients, from diagnosis to retention, as well as their long-term progress. We’ll also provide other resources to supplement your education, including a digital workbook, office forms, and more than 18 patient-education videos.

In this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Integrate orthodontics into your practice successfully
• Determine which dysfunctions and malocclusions to treat
• Develop individual treatment plans
• Diagnose and use integrative models to treat upper airway and craniofacial dysfunctions
• Use various fixed and removable appliances

Advanced Pediatric Orthodontics Course

In addition to our comprehensive course, we also offer an Advanced Pediatric Orthodontics course that covers different treatments and techniques, including straight wire mechanics. We’ll also dive into different types of appliances and applications, including orthopedic facial masks, 3D Wilson Appliances, and more.

Learn more about our pediatric orthodontics courses.

Are you interested in offering orthodontic interventions at your pediatric dental office? If so, start with Synergy Orthodontic Seminars.

As we continue to learn more about the role genetics plays in orthodontic problems, early intervention will become even more important. Through our courses, you’ll learn how to identify and address potential issues and develop effective treatment plans.

To learn more about any of our pediatric orthodontics courses and register for your first seminar, check out our upcoming events!