Benefits of Orthodontics

Is Orthodontics a Cosmetic Service, A Health Service, or Both?

As I hope you know, our office is strongly focused on achieving proper function of the chewing system, as well as straight, beautiful teeth. You may ask, "So what? Isn't that to be expected, after all, I've heard that orthodontics is supposed to correct the bite?" I'd like to clarify this, but first I need to define the components of the chewing system, and describe how they function when healthy.

How a healthy chewing system functions

Ideally, the muscles will position the ball of the temporomandibular joint all the way up into the socket of the joint. This is the healthiest and most stable joint position. Oftentimes however, the teeth are improperly positioned and get in the way, preventing this from occurring. This " interference" to normal function can cause breakdown and instability of the system, especially in the long run. It is possible, indeed common; to have straight teeth and a beautiful smile without having a properly functioning chewing system.

The teeth are dominant over the joints. The main goal of the brain is to chew food and nourish the body regardless of ill affects to components of the chewing system. So, the nerves and muscles are profoundly programmed to direct the jaw to the best tooth fit, making it extremely difficult (often impossible) to identify any tooth-joint discrepancy by just looking at the bite. Thus, certain instruments and precautions must be used to truly identify (diagnose) and treat the problem.

If chewing system problems are not diagnosed and treated, over time they can cause many problems and injury to the components. However, with few exceptions, orthodontic schools focus solely on cosmetics and do not teach the principles of chewing system function - much less how to recognize and treat dysfunction. Many leaders in orthodontics do not believe function is important, for example a well-known department chairman at a major U.S. university has said, "Orthodontics is purely a cosmetic service."

For an orthodontist to learn the function of the system, and how to deal with it in clinical work, he/she must take a special, post-graduate course. Though many have attended this course, most in the profession have not.

I wanted to explain this so you might better understand why we do some things that your friend's orthodontist may not do. For example, we mount study molds on an instrument called an articulator that is a critical tool in identifying the relationship between the teeth and jaw joints, and we may take joint x-rays (tomograms) so I can study joint health and integrity. Indeed, the entire practice of orthodontics is different if one is treating for function as well as cosmetics.

As you've no doubt surmised, I feel very strongly that orthodontics is both a cosmetic and a health service.

Tooth Esthetics - Tooth shape, height to width proportions, color, size and contours.

Smile Esthetics - Width of smile, fullness of smile, proper amount of gum tissue as well as position of gum tissue when smiling, curve of upper teeth with lower lip.

Facial Esthetics - Facial harmony created by optimal positioning of the lips, upper and lower jaws and chin.

Health of Chewing System - Developed by optimal position of the jaw joint in relation to the position of the teeth to each other when biting. This promotes stability in the jaw joint, supporting chewing muscles, and long-term health of tooth structure and periodontal tissues.

Long Term Stability For all the above key factors. when these 5 key factors have been utilized in the development of an optimal comprehensive treatment plan for my patients, success is predictable and my team and I can be proud to have created a healthy and happy smile that will last a lifetime.

If you have questions regarding what I have said here, please don't hesitate to ask myself, or any of my staff members. Thanks for being part of our "orthodontic family." - Dr. Bryon Kozak

"Thank you, Dr. Kozak, For making my children's smiles so fantastic. For fixing there teeth so that they are no longer self-conscious of there smiles. This is the first time in a long time that I've truly felt that "I've gotten my money's worth--and more". Dr. Kozak and his colleagues at Kozak Orthodontics exceeded my expectations 10 fold, while being a perfectionist with the eye of an artist and a stickler for detail my children's teeth are more beautiful than I could ever have expected . The team at Kozak Orthodontics takes the time to get to know there patients and develop a comfortable relationships with them. Visits are friendly and quick. Kozak Orthodontics offers incentives and rewards for good Orthodontic care. They also initiate fun contests for there patients throughout the year. And what more can you say about Dr. Kozaks staff. They make you feel that they are there for you and you leave feeling that you have known them for years even after the very first visit. Kozaks staff is more than just a team but as a group of good friends working together to make BIGGER SMILES!!!! After 9 years and two sets of braces I have one thing to say THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU ALL!!!"

David Blanchard

To the Team at Kozak Ortho, I'd first like to say, over the past 8 years, with my oldest daughter and now the past 2 years with my youngest daughter, your staff has been nothing but professional and it's been a pleasure to have you Dr. Kozak , and your wonderful staff to assist in creating unbelievable smiles for both of my daughters. The path with our oldest, has been long and trying and after 3 sets of braces and double madibular jaw surgery by your referred surgeon, the results have been remarkably worth it all! And to this day, Kayla still loves coming to see you all !! As far as my youngest, she wouldn't ever let the dentist near her, and then she found her oldest sisters ortho, and from the beginning was nothing but comfortable and anxious to get to her appointments and to get her "Kozak cash" for doing a good job! She just got her braces off in August 2011, and her smile is beautiful! For anyone who's hesitant about not knowing the Kozak team, I give you my word, there is no one I'd rather have spent all these years with. They have all become like family to us. Thank You, soo very much for all your care you have given my girls and I !

The Milliken Family

"My daughter was there earlier this week and had a great conversation with Casey, her technician. A few days later she received a card in the mail from her wishing her a great school year. Not only that but there were mentions of some of the personal topics they talked about. It really meant a lot to her and she was so excited!!! Thanks so much to Casey!!!!"

Robin R.

Is Orthodontics a Cosmetic Service, A Health Service, or Both?

The Chewing System

How a healthy chewing system functions

Benefits
of Orthodontics