The DNA Appliance®: Epigenetic Orthodontics

Epigenetic Orthodontics is the single most exciting advancement in dentistry today.  While we call it epigenetic orthodontics a more accurate name would be epigenetic orthopedics because it actually grows and reshapes and idealizes the bone rather than just move the teeth.  

This new technology allows us to comfortably create big wide healthy looking smiles even in patients with narrow arches.  In an ideal world every patient would naturally have developed big wide healthy arches with resultant large airways and enough room for their lower jaw to grow ideally.  

One very special aspect of utilizing the DNA Appliance and Epigenetic Orthodontics is that the appliances are only worn for 12-14 hours per day.  This is very different that standard orthodontics with brackets and wire or Invisalign®.  Most of the wear can be done in your sleep, watching TV or commuting.  During the day at work or with friends you can be free of the appliance.  This is one of the special features patients love about the DNA Appliance, the convenient fit into your lifestyle.

Getting Older or Getting Better™. THE CHOICE IS YOURS! Come in and find out what is possible.

The time when the appliances are out the teeth move to ideal position as nature and/or genes intended.

Typical orthodontics is a four-step process designed to move teeth through the bone.  The first step is FORCE that creates PRESSURE (1) that compresses the periodontal ligament and puts pressure on the bone.  The second step is INFLAMATION (2) which is associated with pain and discomfort. The third step which is RESORBTION (3)  which is breaking down the bone by osteoclasts to create space.  The fourth step is CONSOLIDATION (4) where new bone is formed.  The process is then repeated after every orthodontic visit when braces are tightened or with each new Invisalign® tray.

My longtime acupuncturist recommended Dr. Ira Shapira as an expert on Sleep Apnea when I shared with her my frustrations with my CPAP. Less than three months later, (and a sleep study to prove it), I am cured of my moderate condition of sleep apnea. Dr. Shapira created an oral appliance that is easy to sleep with and maintain. I am so relieved, feeling much better, significantly fewer headaches and more energy I would recommend Dr. Shapira to anyone. His knowledge of dentistry goes well beyond the norm. Anyone that suffers from TMJ and or sleep disorders should have a consult.

Epigenetic Orthodontics is very different it is a two step process.  The forces are very light and movement is limited to 250 microns approximately every four days.  The light forces are applied and growth and movement occur without inflammation which makes the entire process practically pain free.  If there is any discomfort the adjustments are spaced out further.

Relapse is frequently a problem with orthodontics after orthodontists have used fixed braces to straighten crooked teeth.  Relapse is the teeth moving back to their original position and relapse is why orthodontists make retainers.  The reason for relapse is complex and not well understood.  The hours when the appliance is out let the teeth follow natural eruption processes with far lower risks of relapse.

According to Dr. Dave Singh the Founder of the field of pneumopedics and craniofacial epigenetics which includes epigenetic orthodontics “there is a natural way for the body to remodel the upper airway, reshape bone and move teeth into their correct positions painlessly without the use of surgery, drugs or injections.”

Professor G. Dave Singh DDSc, PhD, BDS states on his website: “However, the entire human genome has now been sequenced, and we now know that certain genes are involved in moving teeth. Teeth are naturally-designed to move, for example, tooth eruption in a normally-growing child. In addition, the teeth in some people erupt in a specific arrangement, producing a beautiful smile. Dr Singh believes that the specific arrangement of teeth is due to certain genes. In fact, a natural process called 'temporo-spatial patterning' is at work. This process is the blueprint or body plan that is encoded by genes. In other words, the right and left sides of the body, the top and bottom of the body as well as the front and back of the entire body is under the control of a genetic body plan, including the teeth. Sometimes, however, the plan gets disturbed, producing crooked teeth and improper orthopedics.”

Dr. Shapira has long had a special interest in developmental processes because of his work with sleep apnea in children and adults. Dr Shapira also has over 30 years experience in treating difficult TMJ Disorders, Migraines, headaches and other Chronic Pain.  When these processes go are disturbed it changes how people breathe and swallow.  Young children are frequently put in expanders to expand their maxilla or upper jaw.  This is needed because of negative epigenetic changes caused by environmental allergies, food allergies or disturbed growth from insufficient breast feeding and bottle feeding. 

Dr. Shapira, has taught classes to hundreds of dentists and their teams on how to treat sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy.  It is one of Dr. Shapira’s students Dr .Martha Cortes who first introduced him to Dr Singh and to this exciting new field.

 Dr Shapira has studied this field extensively and in 2014 gave a lecture in Buenos Aires,  Argentina on the “Common Developmental Pathways of TMJ Disorders and Sleep Apnea.”  These pathways are an example of negative environmental effects on development that can be reversed in adults who were not expanded as children.  Prior to the DNA Appliance only extensive orthognathic surgery was available to widen or move bone.

Faces are different and each and every one of us is unique.  Our appearance and physiology is determined by our DNA or genes.  Genes determine our physiology and everything else about us.  This is a description of Genetics

What many people are not aware of is that the environment and other factors can change how our genes express themselves.  These types of changes are called Epigenetic changes.

Each person has a unique Genotype, these are the genes we inherited from our parents that when combined created a unique and special person.  Identical  twins  actually share a identical DNA .

The Phenotype is how are Genes are expressed, the effects of the environment on us.  These are the epigenetic changes that can be positive or negative in nature.  This can be the difference between a big wide smile that shows all the teeth

What makes the DNA Appliance special is that it uses the patient’s own genes to modify and change not just the position of the teeth but the size, shape and position of the bone that holds the teeth as well as Pneumopedically change the size and shape of the airway.  This 3-D spatial reconfiguring of the teeth and bone can make amazing changes not just in the teeth but in the face as well.  The changes the DNA Appliance stimulates mimic the natural developmental process that occur in an ideal world.  Biomimetic is the term used to describe what the DNA Appliance accomplishes, it mimics through biologic means what an ideal environment would have developed.

Oral appliances are frequently worn as a comfortable alternative to CPAP to manage snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  These appliances often protrude the lower jaw and are needed for life.  Pneumopedics® is a term coined by Dr Singh to describe non-surgical upper airway remodeling is a different approach because instead of merely repositioning the lower jaw during sleep it gently allows allows the body to gently and gradually orthopedically increase the size of the upper jaw and increase the nasal airway.  This has been shown in some clinical cases to create a cure for sleep apnea and snoring.  The FDA-registered Daytime-Nighttime Appliance® system (or DNA appliance®) is worn during the evening and night for a total of 12-14 hours/day

Patients who are CPAP intolerant can utilize the FDA-cleared, patented mandibular Repositioning-Nighttime Appliance® (or mRNA appliance®) which works to maintain an open airway in the fashion of sleep apnea oral while gently re-developing the upper airway and moving the mandible or lower jaw and the teeth into a more natural position. 

The DNA appliance® and mRNA appliance® protocols can effectively address TMD issues and headaches in both adults and children.

ATTTENTION:

DNA APPLIANCE PATIENTS

Dr. Ira L Shapira only accepts new TMJ, DNA and mRNA cases at his office in Highland Park. 

Please contact Dr Shapira at https://www.thinkbetterlife.com.

Dr Shapira founded Delany Dental Care in 1984 and treasures the patients and friends he has seen over the decades. He available for General and Cosmetic Dental patients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Delany Dental Care. 

Dr. Shapira will continue to treat Sleep Apnea and snoring with oral appliances at both offices.

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Delany Dental Care

Delany Dental Care has been providing the residents of Gurnee, IL and all surrounding areas within Lake County, IL and beyond with cosmetic and restorative dental treatments since 1984. When you choose Delany Dental Care, you're choosing a practice that is affiliated with many prestigious organizations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • Chicago Dental Society
  • Illinois Dental Society
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you and your loved ones need high-quality dental care, we invite you to fill out our contact form or call us at (847) 623-5530.

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