ADHD and Orthodontics: Three Things Parents Should Know - An Interview With Dr. Derek Mahony

[@karinamack]

Yes, get the structures correct, then manage what issues are left, if any. My 16 yr old son was recently diagnosed with ADHD-Inattentive as well as anxiety and depression. I wish I'd known about this type of issue and treatment earlier on in his life. Now, I hope there is something we can do.

[@psz90]

Great video. Id add that utilizing orthotropic devices in young children with jaw growth issues is the most important part of the treatment process because if the tongue isn't trained to rest in the palate, the palate widening process won't be effective in the long run.

[@derekmahony4334]

agreed

[@joannaherbasz6136]

Thank you dr Mahony for the important informations about early treatment!

[@irangzeb]

Amazing, Thankyou for sharing your knowledge.

[@TrangNguyen-em2dm]

thank for sharing a great information!

[@Cara-vd7yf]

Thank you Sarah!

[@gopal7089]

im really really glad that i im on the right path thanks Sarah way to go!!! btw awesome video with loads of information

[@Sariine436]

I had a narrow palate small jaw and tongue down ! I got orthodontist work done and had my 4 PREMOLARS EXTRACTed and got TMJ and a lot of headaches! Should we ban this because it narrows the air way ! I don't know what to do!!!! Will my wisdom teeth help!

[@stevennaumovski8477]

Great video Sarah

[@baraniumapathy9493]

Dear Doctor, Misconception from Teachers is biggest worry the parents carry.

[@erickajen]

this just reaffirms and builds on what i know which is EXCELLENT, but still i dont know of a single provider that will take my insurance that will deal with this. :( my daughter suffers so greatly... our whole family really but my daughter at the moment is the worst... my older son is also struggling with behavior thats probably exhaustion related... i mean... im just so discouraged. :( we cant afford all the work that needs to be done, and no one who takes our insurance even has a clue.

[@psz90]

I'm very sorry to hear that but at least you're aware of the issues. There's a lot you can do on your own! How old is your daughter? You can do myofunctional exercises, promote tough chewing etc. Here's a website with a lot of good info. I'm happy to share more if you like. My name on Facebook is Patrick Zwally. I study this stuff intently because I have severe jaw joint issues. www.debugyourhealth.com/orthodontics-and-cranial-structure/

[@erickajen]

Patrick Zwally thank you I will check it out!!

[@erickajen]

oh, and shes 5. she had a frenectomy and attempt at revision last year when she was 6... the revision failed because she either panicked or she really could feel something. i was pretty pleased with the original frenectomy, and i literally watched the tissue drop back and reveal more tie. i almost wish they had scissors the 2nd time, it would have been much faster than trying laser when she was kinda panicking.

[@psz90]

@@erickajen yes that procedure is difficult but important. You need the right physician cutting it and then proper after care with tongue stretching and strengthening to prevent relapse. An orthotropic device such as biobloc would be the last peice of the puzzle because that will widen the arches, and train the tongue to stay up in the palate all day and night. Combine that with chewing tough food /gum regularly and she will have a very healthy, functional face. Her adult teeth will come in straight naturally since her jaws will grow forward thanks to the tongue!

[@erickajen]

right? first of all, the closest people who even understand and perform frenectomies are 4 hours away. one way. she wanted us to go to 2 weeks of work previous to anyone else's ties getting treated, and of course my daughter too, but again, 4 hours away, one way. PLUS having to pay for each appointment because insurance will cover NONE of this. for 5 people. i DID find sarah, so i know that the opportunity for work before and after can be done at home via skype. but again, insurance covers NONE of it, so its all out of pocket. and if you arent a millionaire and dont want to go into more debt (which i dont even think we could get more credit right now).... who can afford it? i know, the practitioners deserve to be paid for their work, im not expecting anything for free. but it causes a bit of dispair because i wish we could do all this stuff, but wishing is all we can do :( its completely overwhelming too.

[@ImCheckingitouthere]

Myofunctional exercises that put stuff between the front upper teeth and front upper lip worry me. Can lengthen the philtrum prematurely. Usually drops 1 mm every 10 years.

[@derekmahony4334]

Correct oral posture Most children start out with attractive faces, but if they leave their mouths open, their faces will grow vertically and they are likely to develop into unattractive teenagers with long faces, flat cheeks, prominent noses, and protruding front teeth. Alternatively they may have the common habit of resting the tongue between the teeth and sucking against them when swallowing. This will cause the teeth to tilt inwards and crowd, making the middle of the face look concave.Many types of treatment will straighten teeth, but most tend to pull them back, necessitating extractions and further reducing room for the tongue. Orthotropists believe that this is detrimental to facial development and that ideal facial growth, together with permanent straightening of all the teeth, can only be achieved if room is provided for the tongue and the patient is taught to keep his/her mouth closed and swallow correctly.

[@PeytonRosenthal]

What's the best course of treatment once an adult? Because I am 28 and currently suffering from the above mentioned conditions. I had braces at 13-14.5 years old and the orthodontist was solely focused on straight teeth. As a thumb sucker I believe my arch was already compromised even when I stopped prior to braces. I experienced an extreme amount of stress last year and it finally triggered probably dormant TMJD issues (the joint pops out everytime I open my mouth and clicks), daytime and nighttime bruxism, cervical dystonia, insomnia etc. I am diagnosed with ADHD. Right now I'm dealing with rapidly receding gums because of the bruxism and tongue thrust. My arch is also too small for my tongue which has caused scallop tongue and scar tissue in my inner cheeks from biting them constantly. What is the best course of treatment? Because I definitely have an underdeveloped top and lower jaw and surgery is not an option. Would you suggest a DNA or mDNA appliance in addition to myofunctional therapy?

[@cryptontwenty4473]

My kids are 11 and 12. Is it too late for them to improve airway and have more foward growth in their jaw?

[@derekmahony4334]

no this is still possible, just harder work