Ask an Orthodontist with Dr Derek Mahony

In Conversation with Professor John Mew - A Legend in Orthodontics

Ask an Orthodontist with Dr Derek Mahony

Show Notes

We are kicking season 2 off with a fantastic conversation between Dr Derek Mahony, and industry great - Professor John Mew.

Here is a run down on just a few of the highlights from this episode…

4:16 what causes crooked teeth?

7:40 are crooked teeth a product of genes or environment?

10:50 how does orthodontic expansion work?

14:45 How did you come up with the idea of ‘Mewing?’

16:45 What is the ‘tooth eruption mechanism’ in layman’s terms?

21:30 What’s the importance of breastfeeding in relation to kids teeth, and how long should babies be breastfed?

24:30 What would you say to orthodontists who don’t follow this school of thought?

You can learn more about Professor Mew and his work here https://johnmeworthotropics.co.uk/

And you can reach Dr Mahony and the Full Face Orthodontics team here https://www.fullfaceorthodontics.com.au/

... and also on Youtube here https://www.youtube.com/user/DerekMahony

More from Ask an Orthodontist with Dr Derek Mahony

Oct 8, 2026

Ask an Orthodontist - with Dr Derek Mahony Dr Caylor is a dentist and mother, who both went on an airway & expansion journey with her own children, and then later with herself. She also treats and expands paediatric patients with airway concerns in her practice. Dr Caylor shares the before and after results with us, of one of her patients whom she treated with expansion at age 3, and we chat with the patient's mother. You can find Dr Caylor's Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/dr.lauracaylor/ And you can find her practice and other info here https://linktr.ee/dr.lauracaylor?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=ebae3626-1005-4532-b054-447ddfc9d657 You can find Full Face Orthodontics' Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/fullfaceorthodontics/ And you can book a consultation with Dr Derek Mahony here https://www.fullfaceorthodontics.com.au

Aug 5, 2026

You can find Dr Sigal's website here https://littlebirddental.ca You can find her self-assessment checklists here https://littlebirddental.ca/airway-centric-health-care/ You can find her Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/dralisonsigal/ You can find her Facebook here www.facebook.com/LittleBirdMilton And you can find her YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AlisonSigal/featured

Jul 15, 2026

Here is the MIST study Courtney referenced; ⁠⁠Intranasal Treatments for Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing: The MIST+ Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network⁠⁠ The MIST (Medical vs Interventional Steroid for Sleep-Disordered Breathing) and MIST+ studies, conducted by researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and Monash University in Australia, investigated simple saline (salt water) nasal sprays as a first-line treatment for children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing. Key Findings Surgery-Sparing Solution: The trials found that nearly one in three (29.5%) children aged 3–12 improved with a saline spray alone, with their snoring and breathing symptoms completely resolving. Saline vs Steroids: The MIST studies discovered that a simple 0.9% saline nasal spray was just as effective as an anti-inflammatory steroid nasal spray in reducing symptoms. Reduced Need for Surgery: After 12 weeks of use, symptoms had resolved in half (50%) of the study cohort, potentially halving the number of children needing tonsil or adenoid removal surgery. Safe for Daily Use: Saline sprays and rinses are a safe, low-cost, and non-pharmacological treatment. Water Safety: If you or your child are preparing your own saline rinses at home (using a Neti pot or squeeze bottle), always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled tap water to prevent dangerous infections. How They WorkSaline nasal sprays and rinses alleviate nasal congestion by mechanically flushing out allergens, irritants, and excess mucus. They also help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and improve the function of the respiratory mucosa. Safety & Recommendations Link to T&A Natural Solutions Toolkit: ⁠⁠Tonsil & Adenoid Toolkit – Natural Relief & Airway Support⁠⁠ Facebook Group for Parents: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LScNKt1V1/⁠⁠ Courtney's practice ⁠⁠https://www.functionalfaceomt.com⁠⁠ Courtney's Facebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/functionalface.omt/⁠⁠ Courtney's Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/functionalface/⁠⁠

Jun 4, 2026

For visual references, you can also watch this episode on our Youtube channel https://youtu.be/ROBbfwrE-T8

May 6, 2026

Girl Jaw has a great YouTube channel on her expansion journey and conversations with associated dental professionals such as this one. Find her channel here And follow Girl Jaw! on Instagram here And while you're there, catch Dr Mahony on YouTube here And follow Full Face Orthodontics on Instagram here

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