Many times, teeth appear too large for a person's jaw. We believe it is not the teeth that are too large; rather it is the jaw that is too small for the teeth. This often results in crowded, or "buck" teeth — something that occurs in about half of all children in New Zealand.

Non-Extraction Orthodontics corrects these crowded (or "protrusive") conditions by developing the jaw to accommodate all permanent teeth, thereby eliminating the need for extractions.

Since 1985 Dr Vernon Kruger has been utilizing functional appliances to develop or to expand the jaw in adults and children, creating sufficient space for straight teeth to grow.

Attractive Smiles
When jaws are developed enough to accommodate all of the permanent teeth, a person's smile is enhanced. It becomes wider and more noticeable...often, far more flattering to a person's face. Many of our patients tell us they feel their smile has now become their best feature!

Less Time Wearing Braces
The longer one wears braces, the greater the chances for cavities or tooth scars. Functional appliances do most of the work in Non-Extraction Orthodontics, minimizing the time needed to wear braces. Often, braces are worn less than a year.

Excellent Retention
Development or expansion of the jawbones is generally considered permanent, as is the growth of any bone. Of course, retainers must be worn regularly, and habits which cause improper dental and jaw development must be eliminated for optimum results.

Four Teeth Can Be Saved
Traditionally, the four bicuspid teeth are removed before the remaining teeth are straightened. In Non-Extraction Orthodontics, these teeth are not removed. Not only is space developed to accommodate the four bicuspids, but often, growth is sufficient in post-molar areas to let the wisdom teeth erupt easily!