What is the biggest difference between straightening your teeth with epigenetic orthodontics versus wearing traditional braces?
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have a better looking facial profile then you might’ve come across a unique type of braces called Epigenetic orthodontics.
Also known as full face orthodontics, this orthodontic specialty focuses on the development and alignment of your whole mid-face and jaw, not just your teeth.
You see, traditional braces use retraction which means that they pull the teeth backwards to close spaces and straighten teeth.
Although your smile might be straight, your jaw is likely to be in the incorrect position (meaning the likelihood of TMD) and crooked teeth are really just a symptom of poor facial development—and that won’t be corrected with traditional braces.
Epigenetic orthodontics is typically combined with a growth appliance and this makes all the difference.
Myofunctional – The Natural Way to a Beautiful Smile
75% of kids today are already showing signs of teeth misalignment, crowded teeth, and incorrect facial development.
Why does this happen: Mouth breathing, incorrect tongue position, and incorrect swallowing activity.
Early treatment can prevent the need for braces later on or relapse after braces. 70% of the growth of your child’s face and jaw occurs between ages 2-5 years. Don’t wait until they are 12-14 years old. We can screen them now and prevent bad habits from developing such as thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, bottle feeding, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing. These habits cause the jaws to incorrectly develop which leads to crowding of the teeth, TMJ pain, and possible sleep apnea.
The Vivos Appliance System can correct these bad habits. By correcting these habits, we may be able to prevent TMJ and Sleep Apnea.
Recessed facial growth vs. Forward facial growth
The face is mostly made of the maxilla and mandible, and if as a child you were exposed to an environment that stunted the proper growth, or you developed poor habits (like breathing through your mouth) there’s a good chance that your face did not grow the way that it should.
When this is the case, you will find that you have a recessed chin, flat cheek line, thinner lips, and a short & obscure jaw line.
However, a face that did develop properly with forward facial growth, it will have a cheek line that slants forward, fuller lips, and a jawline that is defined.
As a face grows forward, it not only increases the space that is available for your teeth, but also the airway and tongue. And improved breathing means improved energy levels & quality sleep!
Beauty Benefits of Forward Facial Growth
Straightening your teeth alone just gives you a pretty smile, but if you’re after full facial beauty, then correcting under-developed facial structure & jawbones will dramatically improve your appearance.
Improved facial bone structure and a correctly proportioned jaw can balance out the following:
• Nose
• Lips
• Cheekbones
• Weak or recessed jaw
• Under-eye bags
• Sloping forehead
The final result? With Epigenetic orthodontics, you can have the benefits of cosmetic surgery without needing any surgery at all. And THAT can feel priceless! Dr.Mercedes Del Valle is the best cosmetic dentist in Eugene giving perfect smile to its patients in Eugene, Oregon.
Creating forward facial growth
Ok, by now you’re probably thinking that you’re totally on-board because who wouldn’t want improved facial aesthetics without injections, jaw surgery, or chin implants?! And as an adult (who is done “growing”) you might’ve thought those things were your only options.
Luckily, us dentists also want to help patients avoid surgery.
Let’s break down the treatments we offer at Integrated Family Dentistry to improve your smile, bite, facial beauty, and breathing:
VIVOS DNA APPLIANCE®
Our Exceptional Dentistry team is the only dental office in Eugene, Oregon that treats our patients with the Daytime-Nighttime Appliance® (DNA Appliance®) and VIVOS Guides thanks to our dentist, Dr. Mercedes Del Valle’s unique approach to dentistry that addresses root causes along with your symptoms).
The DNA Appliance works like a retainer that guides your teeth, jaw, and facial structure, and treats bad bites to place them in their optimal position. It does this by addressing your sleep apnea and TMJ disorder to give you the relief you need while improving the look of your smile and facial structure.
While it might look like a wired retainer, it’s actually a bone growth appliance that expands the upper arch of your jaw. By stimulating growth in your upper jaw, it lets your lower jaw move forward.
As this growth takes place, it creates room for crowded teeth, opens up and enlarges your airway and move your face forward. Whew, that’s a lot of goals accomplished just by wearing a dental appliance!
Epigenetic Orthodontics
Epigenetic orthodontics not only creates straighter teeth, it also opens the airway and increases your ease of breathing.
By focusing on your whole face instead of just your teeth, your smile and your face (shape & structure) are improved, along with the jaw alignment, and jaw size. This is accomplished with the help of a specialized growth appliance that looks pretty much like a retainer. It works by stimulating your jaw without resorting to surgery to re-develop and remodel where straight, healthy teeth can thrive.
After that growth is accomplished, Epigenetic orthodontics uses protraction (bringing the teeth forward) to straighten out those pearly whites, while keeping the integrity of your optimal bite position.
Essentially, the approach used with Epigenetic orthodontics is to treat the jaw alignment first and then align the teeth to give them the spacious foundation they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “alternatives to traditional orthodontics” really mean?
Alternatives focus on improving more than just crooked teeth. While traditional braces primarily move teeth into alignment, approaches like epigenetic orthodontics evaluate jaw development, facial balance, airway space, and muscle habits. At Integrated Family Dentistry in Eugene, OR, Dr. Mercedes Del Valle looks at the entire facial structure—not just the smile line.
How is facial development connected to crooked teeth?
Crowding and misalignment are often symptoms of limited jaw space. When the upper or lower jaw does not develop forward properly, there may not be enough room for permanent teeth. Addressing jaw growth and oral habits early can reduce the need for extractions and extensive correction later.
What role does breathing play in facial growth?
Chronic mouth breathing can influence jaw positioning, tongue posture, and facial development in children. When the tongue rests low rather than against the palate, the upper arch may not fully expand. Encouraging nasal breathing and proper tongue posture can support healthier jaw formation and potentially reduce orthodontic complications.
What is the VIVOS DNA Appliance® designed to do?
The DNA Appliance® is a removable device intended to guide jaw and facial development gently. It works by stimulating natural bone remodeling to create additional space in the upper arch. As the upper jaw expands, the lower jaw may move into a more forward position, supporting improved bite alignment and airway function.
Can these approaches help with TMJ discomfort?
In some cases, yes. Jaw misalignment can contribute to tension, clicking, or discomfort in the temporomandibular joint. By focusing on jaw positioning and facial balance rather than simply straightening teeth, treatment may reduce strain on the joint. A comprehensive evaluation determines whether jaw development is contributing to symptoms.
Is this type of orthodontic care only for children?
Early intervention is often ideal because growth is still occurring. However, certain growth-guidance appliances can also be used in adults. While adult bone remodeling differs from childhood growth, improvements in airway space, bite function, and facial balance may still be possible under proper supervision.
How is epigenetic orthodontics different from cosmetic orthodontics?
Cosmetic orthodontics primarily focuses on visible alignment. Epigenetic approaches aim to create structural harmony first—supporting jaw growth and facial balance—before final tooth positioning. The idea is to give teeth a properly developed foundation rather than forcing them into a limited space.
Can forward facial development affect sleep quality?
The airway space is closely tied to jaw position. When the upper jaw is narrow or recessed, the airway may also be restricted. Expanding the arch can potentially improve airflow and breathing patterns, which may influence sleep quality and daytime energy levels. Each case must be evaluated individually.
What happens during an evaluation for these alternatives?
Dr. Del Valle performs a detailed exam that may include digital imaging, airway assessment, bite analysis, and an oral habits review. The goal is to identify underlying developmental patterns rather than just surface-level crowding. A customized plan is then created based on your facial structure and health priorities.
How do I know if this approach is right for my child or me?
If you’re concerned about crowded teeth, a recessed jaw appearance, breathing challenges, or jaw discomfort, it may be worth exploring alternatives to traditional braces. A consultation at Integrated Family Dentistry in Eugene, OR, can clarify whether growth-focused orthodontic care aligns with your goals and long-term health needs.
Enjoy the benefits of forward facial growth with epigenetic orthodontics
As you can see, there are many benefits to combining treatment so that your face can achieve the proper growth & positioning.
Find out how Epigenetic Orthodontics can improve your life, call us at (541) 204-3939 or schedule online with Dr. Mercedes Del Valle and our Integrated Family Dentistry team in Eugene, OR.
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Dr. Mercedes Del Valle please call Integrated Family Dentistry at (541) 204-3939!
