Biomaterial Database

Epigenetic orthodontics: facial and airway development. 2010

Theodore R Belfor

OrthoSmile, Inc., Catskill, NY, USA. Belfor2@MHCable.com

It is the purpose of this article to introduce a functional orthopedic/orthodontic appliance, the Homeoblock (Figure 1), which, when worn at night (3 p.m. to 8 a.m.), alters oral function and produces a gene environmental interaction that results in an epigenetic response, namely, the expression of unexpressed genes in adult patients. The results of the case studies presented are evaluated using state-of-the-art, three-dimensional technologies: cone beam computerized tomography combined with Dolphin and Analyze 10.0 software (Mayo Clinic). The results, in so-called non-growing adult patients, can only be attributed to gene expression.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008445	Maxillofacial Development	The process of growth and differentiation of the jaws and face.	Development, Maxillofacial,Developments, Maxillofacial,Maxillofacial Developments
D009024	Morphogenesis	The development of anatomical structures to create the form of a single- or multi-cell organism. Morphogenesis provides form changes of a part, parts, or the whole organism.
D009969	Orthodontic Wires	Wires of various dimensions and grades made of stainless steel or precious metal. They are used in orthodontic treatment.	Orthodontic Wire,Wire, Orthodontic,Wires, Orthodontic
D009971	Orthodontics, Corrective	The phase of orthodontics concerned with the correction of malocclusion with proper appliances and prevention of its sequelae (Jablonski's Illus. Dictionary of Dentistry).	Corrective Orthodontics
D010155	Palatal Expansion Technique	An orthodontic method used for correcting narrow or collapsed maxillary arches and functional cross-bite. (From Jablonski's Dictionary of Dentistry),	Maxillary Expansion,Palatal Expansion Technic,Expansion, Maxillary,Palatal Expansion Technics,Palatal Expansion Techniques,Technic, Palatal Expansion,Technique, Palatal Expansion
D010614	Pharynx	A funnel-shaped fibromuscular tube that conducts food to the ESOPHAGUS, and air to the LARYNX and LUNGS. It is located posterior to the NASAL CAVITY; ORAL CAVITY; and LARYNX, and extends from the SKULL BASE to the inferior border of the CRICOID CARTILAGE anteriorly and to the inferior border of the C6 vertebra posteriorly. It is divided into the NASOPHARYNX; OROPHARYNX; and HYPOPHARYNX (laryngopharynx).	Throat,Pharynxs,Throats
D004777	Environment	The external elements and conditions which surround, influence, and affect the life and development of an organism or population.	Environmental Impact,Environmental Impacts,Impact, Environmental,Impacts, Environmental,Environments
D005146	Facial Asymmetry	Congenital or acquired asymmetry of the face.	Asymmetries, Facial,Asymmetry, Facial,Facial Asymmetries
D005147	Facial Bones	The facial skeleton, consisting of bones situated between the cranial base and the mandibular region. While some consider the facial bones to comprise the hyoid (HYOID BONE), palatine (HARD PALATE), and zygomatic (ZYGOMA) bones, MANDIBLE, and MAXILLA, others include also the lacrimal and nasal bones, inferior nasal concha, and vomer but exclude the hyoid bone. (Jablonski, Dictionary of Dentistry, 1992, p113)	Bone, Facial,Bones, Facial,Facial Bone