Fig. 4 Fig.4: The image on the left shows the occlusion of the same patient as in Fig. 3 above prior to the insertion of an epigenetic orthodontic appliance. The image on the right shows the change in the occlusion of the same patient after wearing the epigenetic orthodontic appliance for twelve (12) weeks.Note the change in the overbite without the use of brackets or elastics. Functional Correction Functional correction occurs either indirectly or sometimes directly in association with Foundational correc-tion (Fig. 2), as described above. It is posited here that by providing developmental decompensation of the maxilla (e.g. through a DNA appliance procedure, which is a foundational correction based on the formation of bone) the spatial matrix is changed to one that aligns more closely with the temporo-spatial pattern encoded at the genetic level. This change in maxillo-mandibular spatial relations then permits optimal mandibular develop-ment, in accord with the genome of the particular patient (Fig. 3). In certain cases, orthodontic clinicians will report ‘spontaneous correction’ of the mandible, for example (Fig. 4). Note that due to heterogeneity, not all patients are able to respond in this way. In other words, addi-tional gene-environmental interac-tions are required for these patients. Thus, functional corrections, allied with the foundational corrections described above, may produce stable results in terms of both function and esthetics. These clinical protocols rely upon the natural process of sutural homeostasis, through which an enhanced level of craniofacial homeostasis can be achieved (Fig. 5). Fig. 5 Fig.5: The image on the left shows the facial features of a 57 year-old patient prior to the insertion of an epigenetic orthodontic appliance. The image on the right shows the facial changes of the same patient after wearing the epigenetic orthodontic appliance for four (4) weeks. Note the change in the eyes without the use of any surgery, drugs or injections. www.orthodontics.com November/December 2010 25
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society November-December 2010: Page 25
