What are the common causes of jaw misalignment. How can chronic jaw pain be relieved without surgery. What are the signs of temporomandibular joint disorders. When should you seek professional help for jaw alignment problems.

Understanding Jaw Alignment and Occlusion

Jaw alignment plays a crucial role in our overall oral health and comfort. Dentists use the term “occlusion” to describe how teeth meet during the opening and closing of the jaw. Several factors contribute to proper occlusion:

• Health of the temporomandibular (TM) joint
• Condition of jaw muscles
• Tooth surfaces and their alignment
• Presence of tooth wear or flattening
• Pain during biting
• Tooth stability

A misaligned jaw can lead to various issues, including chronic pain and difficulty in everyday activities like eating and speaking. It’s essential to understand the intricacies of jaw alignment to address potential problems effectively.

Common Causes of Jaw Misalignment

Jaw misalignment can stem from various factors, ranging from congenital issues to acquired conditions. Some common causes include:

1. Genetics and developmental abnormalities
2. Injury or trauma to the jaw
3. Teeth grinding (bruxism)
4. Improper dental work
5. Arthritis in the TM joint
6. Tumors or cysts in the jaw area

Is jaw misalignment always visible? Not necessarily. While severe cases may be noticeable, minor misalignments can often go undetected without professional examination.

Recognizing Symptoms of Jaw Alignment Issues

Identifying jaw alignment problems early can prevent more serious complications. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty in opening or closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
• Uneven bite or teeth not meshing properly
• Headaches, particularly in the temple area
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears

Can jaw misalignment cause ear problems? Indeed, due to the proximity of the jaw joint to the ear, misalignment can sometimes lead to ear discomfort or tinnitus.

Case Study: Stephanie’s Jaw Collapse

Stephanie from Missouri reported a severe case of jaw misalignment, where her teeth were approximately 2 inches apart, accompanied by a massive overbite. Her dentist diagnosed a jaw collapse, a condition where the jaw structure has deteriorated significantly. This extreme case highlights the importance of early intervention in jaw alignment issues.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Jaw Alignment Problems

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of jaw alignment issues. The process typically involves:

1. Comprehensive dental examination
2. X-rays of teeth and TM joint
3. Bite analysis
4. Evaluation of jaw muscle health
5. Assessment of jaw movement and range of motion

Why are X-rays important in diagnosing jaw alignment problems? X-rays provide detailed images of the jaw structure, teeth positioning, and TM joint, allowing dentists to identify issues that may not be visible during a regular oral examination.

Treatment Options for Jaw Misalignment

Depending on the severity and cause of jaw misalignment, various treatment options are available:

• Orthodontic therapy with braces or clear aligners
• Occlusal or bite appliances
• Orthognathic surgery for severe cases
• Bite adjustments
• Behavioral and relaxation therapy

Are there non-surgical options for treating jaw misalignment? Yes, many cases can be addressed through orthodontic treatment, bite appliances, and other non-invasive methods. Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases or when conservative treatments have been unsuccessful.

Orthodontic Treatment for Jaw Alignment

Orthodontic therapy is often the first line of treatment for many jaw alignment issues. This approach uses braces or clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth and improve bite alignment. The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the misalignment, but it typically ranges from 18 to 24 months.

Managing Chronic Jaw Pain

Chronic jaw pain can significantly impact quality of life. While addressing the underlying alignment issue is crucial, there are several strategies to manage pain:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Hot and cold therapy
• Gentle jaw exercises and stretches
• Stress reduction techniques
• Avoiding hard or chewy foods

Can lifestyle changes help alleviate jaw pain? Absolutely. Simple adjustments like improving posture, avoiding excessive gum chewing, and practicing relaxation techniques can often provide significant relief.

The Role of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Jaw Alignment

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can significantly impact jaw alignment and function. These disorders affect the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull and can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Pain in the jaw, face, and neck
• Difficulty in jaw movement
• Locking of the jaw joint
• Changes in bite alignment

How do TMJ disorders relate to jaw misalignment? TMJ disorders can both cause and result from jaw misalignment, creating a complex interplay that often requires comprehensive treatment approaches.

Case Study: Nikki’s Side-Lying Jaw Pain

Nikki from Texas reported experiencing intense jaw pain and pressure on her upper left first molar when lying on her side. This case illustrates the potential complexity of jaw-related issues, as the pain could stem from various sources, including:

• Dental problems like cavities or the need for root canal therapy
• Grinding and clenching (bruxism)
• Sinus infections
• Neuralgia or nerve pain

This scenario underscores the importance of professional evaluation to determine the exact cause of jaw-related pain.

Pediatric Jaw Alignment Concerns

Jaw alignment issues can also affect children and adolescents, often becoming apparent during orthodontic treatment. The case of Melissa’s daughter, who experienced jaw pain and apparent bone protrusion after getting braces, highlights the need for careful monitoring during orthodontic interventions.

Can orthodontic treatment cause temporary jaw alignment issues? While orthodontic treatment aims to improve alignment, it can sometimes cause temporary discomfort or changes in jaw position as teeth are shifted. Regular check-ups with the orthodontist are crucial to address any concerns promptly.

The Importance of Professional Dental Care in Jaw Alignment

Addressing jaw alignment issues requires the expertise of dental professionals specializing in occlusion and oral joint problems. When seeking treatment, consider the following:

• Look for dentists with specific experience in jaw alignment and TMJ disorders
• Ensure comprehensive examinations, including X-rays, are performed
• Don’t hesitate to seek second opinions for complex cases
• Explore treatment options at dental schools or hospitals for potentially more affordable care

Why is early intervention crucial for jaw alignment problems? Addressing jaw misalignment early can prevent the progression of symptoms, reduce the risk of chronic pain, and potentially avoid the need for more invasive treatments in the future.

Navigating Insurance Coverage for Jaw Alignment Treatment

Insurance coverage for jaw alignment treatments can be complex. While some procedures may be covered, others might be considered cosmetic and therefore not eligible for insurance benefits. To navigate this:

1. Review your dental insurance policy carefully
2. Consult directly with your insurance provider about coverage for specific treatments
3. Discuss payment options and potential coverage with your dental care provider
4. Consider seeking treatment at dental schools or hospitals for more affordable options

Are there ways to appeal insurance decisions for jaw alignment treatments? Yes, in some cases, you may be able to appeal insurance decisions, especially if you can demonstrate medical necessity. Working closely with your dentist to provide comprehensive documentation can be helpful in this process.

Preventive Measures and Long-term Management of Jaw Alignment

While some jaw alignment issues are unavoidable due to genetic factors, there are steps you can take to maintain good jaw health and prevent exacerbation of alignment problems:

• Practice good oral hygiene to prevent dental issues that can affect bite
• Wear protective mouthguards during sports activities
• Address teeth grinding or clenching with night guards if necessary
• Maintain good posture to reduce strain on jaw muscles
• Avoid excessive gum chewing or nail biting

How often should you have your jaw alignment checked? It’s advisable to have your jaw alignment evaluated during regular dental check-ups, typically every six months. However, if you experience persistent jaw pain or notice changes in your bite, seek professional evaluation promptly.

Emerging Technologies in Jaw Alignment Treatment

The field of dentistry continues to evolve, bringing new technologies and techniques for addressing jaw alignment issues. Some exciting developments include:

1. 3D imaging and printing for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning
2. Computer-guided surgical techniques for improved accuracy in orthognathic surgery
3. Advanced materials for more comfortable and effective orthodontic appliances
4. Neuromuscular dentistry approaches for holistic jaw alignment treatment

How are these technologies improving treatment outcomes? These advancements allow for more personalized treatment plans, potentially shorter treatment times, and improved long-term results in jaw alignment correction.

The Psychological Impact of Jaw Misalignment

Jaw alignment issues can have significant psychological effects, impacting self-esteem and quality of life. Common psychological concerns include:

• Self-consciousness about appearance
• Anxiety about eating or speaking in public
• Depression related to chronic pain
• Stress from ongoing treatment processes

How can patients cope with the emotional aspects of jaw alignment treatment? Support groups, counseling, and open communication with healthcare providers can be valuable in managing the psychological impact of jaw alignment issues and treatment.

Holistic Approaches to Jaw Alignment

While traditional dental and orthodontic treatments are crucial, some patients find benefit in complementary holistic approaches to jaw alignment and pain management:

• Acupuncture for pain relief and muscle relaxation
• Chiropractic care for overall skeletal alignment
• Massage therapy to alleviate jaw muscle tension
• Mindfulness and meditation for stress reduction
• Nutritional support for joint health

Can holistic treatments replace traditional dental care for jaw alignment? While holistic approaches can complement traditional treatments, they should not replace professional dental care. Always consult with your dentist or orthodontist before incorporating alternative therapies.

The Future of Jaw Alignment Treatment

As research in dentistry and orthodontics progresses, the future of jaw alignment treatment looks promising. Emerging areas of focus include:

1. Gene therapy for addressing congenital jaw alignment issues
2. Stem cell treatments for jaw joint regeneration
3. Artificial intelligence in treatment planning and progress monitoring
4. Personalized medicine approaches for more targeted treatments

How might these advancements change the landscape of jaw alignment treatment? These developments could lead to more efficient, less invasive, and more personalized treatment options, potentially improving outcomes and reducing treatment times for patients with jaw alignment issues.

Coping with a Misaligned Jaw Pain

Q. 1 My jaw is out of alignment and my teeth do not mesh; in fact, they’re maybe 2 inches apart. I have a massive overbite. I went to my dentist and he said I need a jaw realignment. Are there any alternatives? He also said my jaw has collapsed. What does that mean? He said my insurance won’t pay for the kind of surgery I need to have. How can I go about relieving the chronic pain? I’ve had it for quite a long time now.

— Stephanie, Missouri

Dentists refer to a patient’s bite using the term “occlusion.” Occlusion means how the teeth meet during the opening and closing of the jaw. There are a number of factors that relate to occlusion, which include:

• Your temporomandibular (TM) joint and whether it is healthy
• The health of the musculature around your jaw that works to open and close the lower jaw. Also important to consider is whether the muscles are in spasm or not.
• The binding surfaces of your teeth and how well they’re able to simultaneously meet when you bite down
• Whether there is wear or flattening of the cusps of your teeth
• Whether there is pain when you bite down
• Whether the teeth are loose

These are many of the factors your dentist will consider, but I am sure there are more that relate to your occlusion. It is critical that you see a dentist who is very knowledgeable about occlusion and one who can take proper X-rays of your teeth and possibly your TM joint so you get a solid, definitive diagnosis before you begin treatment. If your teeth are not meshing and they are 2 inches apart, then you do have a serious problem that must be addressed by a dentist, whether that means seeing someone in private practice or at a dental school or hospital, which may be more affordable. Your overbite is a sign that things are not right, and of course having your teeth 2 inches apart is a big factor.

There are many treatments available to you once you receive a proper diagnosis and get a full evaluation with X-rays. Some possible treatment options include:

• Orthodontic therapy to realign your teeth with braces. This can help bring your teeth back into the proper positions in the arches of the upper and lower jaws.
• Wearing occlusal or bite appliances to try to relax the muscles and joint so you can reestablish your bite at the right levels
• Special surgery to cut the jaws and realign them back into place
• Bite adjustments that help your teeth to simultaneously meet at as many contact points as possible
• Behavioral therapy and relaxation therapy to try to relax the muscles around your joints

A misaligned jaw is something that should not be postponed as far as treatment is concerned. You must see a very competent dentist or dental specialist who understands occlusion and oral joint issues. You should be sure to get a full diagnosis with proper examination and X-rays, asking questions of the dentist if he or she is unclear. If this is not the type of care you’ve received so far, please seek out someone in your area at either a dental school or hospital who understands and treats patients like yourself. And although your dentist said this treatment would not be covered by insurance, you should also check directly with your insurance provider to make sure you understand the terms of your dental insurance policy.

Q. 2 When I lie down on my side, I often feel immense jaw pain and pressure on my teeth, especially on the upper left first molar. What could be the problem?

— Nikki, Texas

The easiest way to find out what’s causing the jaw pain and pressure is to see your dentist and get a full set of X-rays, an examination, and a diagnosis. A very large cavity could be pressing on the nerve in your first molar, or that molar might need root canal therapy because the nerve has died. These problems would be most obvious on an X-ray.

The problem could also be caused by grinding and clenching if you have a crown or filling on that tooth and the bite is not quite right. Grinding and clenching on a high spot could cause pain in the tooth. A sinus infection can also cause pain in a tooth because the sinuses are very close to the top of the roots of the upper molars. There may be neuralgia, or nerve pain similar to that of muscle spasms, in the area as well. Because there are so many possibilities, it is hard to know, without seeing you in person, exactly what’s causing your jaw pain. A competent dentist can determine whether the jaw pain has a dental origin or not. If not, then you must consult a physician to see what other kinds of problems might be causing the pain.

Q. 3 My daughter just got braces. Last night her jaw started hurting and felt “weird. ” She had me take a look, and it seemed as if the jawbone was sticking out of her mouth. The orthodontist says she had a muscle spasm. Could that be right?

— Melissa, Kansas

Obviously, it’s hard to say exactly what is going on without seeing your daughter. An important factor to consider is how recently the braces were placed in her mouth (and/or how recently they may have been tightened). It’s very common to experience pain for at least one to three days after having new braces inserted or after having braces tightened. A muscle spasm is definitely a possibility because pain can bring on many reactions. If it was indeed a muscle spasm, it would have had to occur in the muscles surrounding the upper and lower jaw and neck, and could have resulted from the pain of the tightening of the wires or from clenching or grinding as the teeth shift.

Once teeth are moved in the mouth as the braces do their work, the bite is thrown off and the tops of the teeth do not interdigitate with each other. A muscle spasm is clearly a possible result of this, but I would certainly check with the orthodontist involved and have him or her examine your daughter.

Q. 4 What are some ways to reduce or prevent jaw clenching?

Jaw clenching often occurs because of the following:

1. Anxiety
2. Stress response
3. Anger
4. Weightlifting
5. Gum chewing

Some people are aware that they are clenching their teeth, while others realize only later that their teeth ache or that the muscles around their upper and lower jaws are tight.

One can reduce jaw clenching by seeing a dentist to determine the underlying cause and develop the right treatment plan. This treatment can include:

1. Psychological counseling
2. Night or day appliances to relax muscles or keep teeth apart
3. Anti-anxiety medications
4. Meditation or yoga
5. Evaluation of the occlusion (bite)

As I always advise, it is important to seek out a dentist who is knowledgeable in the area of the bite, or occlusion. You may need to see an orthodontist in conjunction with your regular dentist, or even a therapist.

Q. 5 I had a lower jaw tooth pulled several weeks ago and I have been in constant pain ever since. My dentist says I have a dry socket, which he packed with some type of medicine. That helped for a while, but now the pain is almost unbearable again. What can I do to speed up the healing? How long do I have to suffer with this pain?

– Daisy, California

On average, caps (dentists call them crowns) last about ten years. Many last a lot longer but 25 years would be considered excellent longevity. If crowns do last this long, it is a tribute to a top-rate dentist. Today, new caps or crowns are made with thinner, stronger, and more cosmetic porcelain material. Some crowns are still appropriately made with a metal/gold foundation. Your dentist’s recommendation to replace crowns is a judgment call based on decay, fracture of the old crown, poor cosmetic look, or loose teeth that need splinting or joining together. In your case, there may be other reasons to replace them of which I’m not aware.

If you don’t trust your dentist, then go for a second opinion from a highly regarded dentist. Let the new dentist give you a fresh opinion without bias from the previous dental plan. Removing crowns is routine work for dentists. Your dentist will drill them off and make temporary crowns immediately while giving you a local anesthesia for your comfort. Impressions are taken and a color shade is picked to match your other teeth; the impression is then sent to a dental lab, where the crowns are made to order. In a short period of time, your dentist will see you for a follow up visit to permanently cement them in place.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Dental Health Center.

The Misaligned Jaw: Symptoms and Treatment

Misaligned Jaw Symptoms and the Shape of Your Face

Almost everyone has a crooked or uneven jaw that affects the shape of their faces. Additionally, the symptoms can compromise how we feel and how we look. The good news is that realigning your jaw is no longer painful, does not require surgery or have the dentist drill down your healthy teeth, and it can be done in about a month using JawTrac® Alignment and VENLAY® Restorations.

Where did my upper teeth go? They did not go anywhere; they just wore down as the overbite got deeper, aggravating jaw misalignment, resulting in health problems and premature facial aging.

A Perfectly Aligned Jaw

A perfectly aligned jaw is one where the teeth and the jaw work harmoniously together without stress on either the temporomandibular joint or uneven pressure on the bite, allowing you to chew, yawn, talk, breath and sleep without any clicks, pops, or discomfort.

A misaligned jaw may be triggered by a multitude of reasons, often caused by simple wear-and-tear. Inevitably, as we age, the teeth start wearing down, or we may lose teeth due to injury or neglect. Any preexisting and untreated bite conditions, such as an overbite or underbite, would cause undue wear on tooth enamel and accelerate the misalignment. As the TMJ tries to cope with ongoing changes in the bite, it no longer functions as intended, resulting in lower jaw pain, headaches, and even posture problems. Mildly stated, we probably all have misaligned jaws as none of us can escape aging.

Lower Jaw Pain and Jaw Muscle Pain

Lower jaw pain is usually the result of clenching and grinding. Jaw muscle pain is a secondary part of the problem with the bite not functioning in harmony with the TMJ. Head, neck and jaw pain contribute to the overall stress on the body, and over time it can decrease the quality of life. Misaligned jaw correction can be accomplished without drugs, surgery and without drilling away your teeth because:

Fixing a misaligned jaw with my JawTrac^® Jaw Position Technology is a mechanical solution for a mechanical problem: no drugs, no surgery, no drilling or grinding your teeth.

Dr. Sam Muslin

Jaw Misalignment

This patient’s lips look thin, his lower face is not supported, his chin and his skull are not in alignment, and neither is his bite. The Face Lift Dentistry® Method is about “optimizing” the jaw position to your facial structures.

Worn down teeth and a jaw that is out of place will have a negative affect on the entire face.

Aging Face and Misaligned Jaw

A misaligned bite is a leading reason for faces to look older, especially when the teeth wear down. The face lost support from the right jaw position which is also getting pushed towards the patient’s ears. The jaw gets pushed back by the deep overbite, the face gets shorter from the tooth wear and, now the entire face looks older. This premature aging process is reversed with anti-aging Face Lift Dentistry®.

Jaw Misalignment and Sleeping Problems

One of the reasons that a patient is not sleeping well is because they have lost room for their tongues. Why? The teeth have worn down to such a degree that their jaw closes too far and the jaw is pushed back towards the patient’s ears when they close their teeth together. The teeth are too short for the structure of the jaw and the TMJ position, so the patients face gets shorter, they don’t sleep very well, they are not as energized and you cannot see their upper teeth when they talk.

Tooth Wear, Small Chin, and Shorter Face

The deep overbite causes the chin to look small, and the tooth wear causes the face to be too short. The best way to solve all three problems is to replace the lost wear to the teeth, correct the deep overbite and use JawTrac® to get the jaw in the right position for your facial features to be maximized.

Jaw Misalignment Treatment Options

Smile Dentistry and Veneers are Just a Band-Aid – Smile dentistry is just a bandage because the bite is the problem and it never gets corrected. Instead, the patient gets porcelain veneers that cause the lower teeth to wear even faster, and the veneers make the bite deeper. The most important reason that veneers are just a Band-Aid is that they don’t correct the bite and they don’t improve the jawline or the shape of the patient’s face. VENLAY® restorations do it by improving the shapes and biting surfaces of your teeth to align the jaw and the TMJ.

Orthodontics – Braces are designed to straighten the teeth. Wearing orthodontic braces three times does not get the lower jaw aligned with the TMJ. How would the dentist know were to place the jaw? Dr. Muslin uses JawTrac®, and this has made his results far more predictable. He has the patient test the new jaw position so the patient can see and experience the new shape to their faces. He can see the new jaw position with JawTrac® which greatly improves the predictability of his care. On your first appointment, you will see the shape of your new face.

Replacing Lost Tooth Enamel with Porcelain Crowns –
When you lose the enamel on your teeth by grinding at night, most dentists will recommend porcelain crowns as a way to replace lost tooth enamel. They will grind down your short tooth in order to make it longer. This is not a good idea anymore, but this is the only method being taught.

Neuromuscular Dentistry – The dentist uses computers and electronics to try to find the jaw location that would be optimal for the patient. This is not a cosmetic method; it is a trial and error method with multiple sittings with electrodes on the muscles with the neuromuscular dentist trying to find the ideal jaw alignment from a purely functional perspective.

Straight Teeth Does Not Mean an Aligned Jaw

“I wore orthodontic braces three times.” Braces or clear aligners can straighten teeth, but cannot address worn down teeth. In the Before-Photo on the left, it is evident that the top teeth are badly worn down, which is the primary reason for his lower jaw being pushed back, making his chin look small.

When a patient has straight teeth and still has jaw problems most of the time the subsequent jaw position is not aligned with the TMJ. There is a physical conflict between the jaw position and the TMJ. The teeth are straight, but the bite is misaligned. Patients with an uneven jaw tend to clench and grind their teeth more often. The solution is to get your jaw aligned without drugs, surgery, trauma and get it aligned quickly.

The Ultimate Jaw and Bite Correction Treatment

The best way to get a misaligned jaw corrected is for the dentist to have the knowledge, rather than just guess, the position of the lower jaw. Most of the time, the dentist really does not know where the jaw should be located; he or she simply try temporary teeth, or night guards or a smile guide. As one patient said, “it was tap, tap, tap,… and then the dentist would grind on the temporary teeth hoping I would find some comfort”.

JawTrac®, VENLAY® Restorations and Face Lift Dentistry®

By using JawTrac® to locate the correct jaw position and VENLAY® Restorations to restore the teeth, his bite is now corrected and his facial features optimized.

This method of treatment relies on Dr. Sam Muslin’s propriety JawTrac® technology to locate the most comfortable jaw alignment. The patient will get to experience a correctly aligned jaw before bite correction and tooth restoration starts, using VENLAY® restorations. Treatment is typically completed within 2 to 3 weeks at Dr. Muslin’s office in Santa Monica, California.

Reviews and Testimonials

All photos on this website show the outcome of Dr. Muslin’s work. Featured patients willingly, without compensation, agreed to have their pictures shown to help you discover the best treatments. Dr. Muslin and his team are eternally grateful to these people. Visit us on YELP to read additional reviews.

The TMJ Connection: How Your Jaw Alignment Affects the Whole Body (with Infographic)

The Whole Body Connection Includes Your Mouth

The human body is a complex series of interconnected systems. As more research proves the connectedness of each system, such as the oral-systemic link or mind-body connection, societal conversations and medical practices reflect this.

So how does this relate to your body and quality of life? For temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder sufferers, this connection can have a big impact. Why? Because misalignment of the jaw has far-reaching effects. Just ask anyone with TMJ disorder.

How do you know if your jaw is misaligned? If you suffer from frequent headaches, jaw pain, and even ear ringing, you could be one of the more than 10 million Americans who suffers from TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder is defined as a problem with the muscles and joints in the face that cause these symptoms.

What causes TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder is a complex problem that requires a full understanding of the whole picture of jaw function to properly determine the cause. A good analogy to understand how this works is to relate the TMJ to other muscle systems in the body.

Efficient movement and functionof the human body require muscle balance and strength. When muscles are balanced, normal amounts of opposing force between opposing muscles keep the bones centered in the joint during motion. When muscles become imbalanced due to poor posture, stress, repetitive movement or injury, the body compensates by making one muscle more dominant. When your muscles are unbalanced, your entire kinetic chain is disrupted and this affects all movement patterns and can lead to pain and injury.

The same is true for your jaw.

Misalignment

An imbalance in your temporomandibular joint can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, teeth grinding, limited jaw movement, muscle soreness and can change the alignment of your jaw. When your jaw alignment is off, the effects ripple through your entire body. These problems result in the symptoms of TMJ disorder (TMD) and can even negatively affect your posture. Conversely, poor posture can negatively affect your temporomandibular joint by placing unnecessary pressure on the area.

It’s unknown if poor posture is the cause or result of TMJ disorder, but there’s no question there is a close relationship, therefore, the entire craniomandibular system must be evaluated for thorough treatment. The craniomandibular system is comprised of the head, neck, and shoulder girdle. So that means this system includes your temporomandibular joint, facial and neck muscles, ligaments and nerves.

Dysfunction or trauma in one area can lead to problems in another. A comprehensive approach to treatment is necessary to provide relief.

Neuromuscular dentistry is a treatment philosophy intended to correct misalignment of the jaw at the temporomandibular joint to produce a balanced bite and body. In this practice, teeth, muscles, nerves, and the joint are all taken into consideration in how they function alone and together. Just like a personal trainer or physical therapist would assess and correct any muscle imbalances by looking at the entire picture to determine root cause, Dr. Alhadef will provide a comprehensive evaluation to identify the cause of your jaw imbalance.

Preventing Jaw Misalignment

Another interesting consideration is that research shows there is an association between malocclusion (misaligned teeth) and oral habits and craniofacial structure. Malocclusion can begin in early childhood due to oral habits such as non-nutritive sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing. While some of these things are a result of the craniofacial structure at birth due to genetics, others can be mitigated by parental influence, such as limiting or eliminating pacifier use past infancy. Malocclusion can impact the position of the jaw which has a ripple effect throughout the entire body. Some of these effects may not be noticeable until adulthood when most TMJ disorder symptoms arise, although some people have symptoms in the teenage years.

Treating TMJ Disorder with a Whole Body Approach

In summary, misaligned teeth can negatively affect the placement of your jaw which can cause pain in your face, neck, and shoulders. Common treatments for TMD include pain medications, stress-reducing techniques like acupuncture, massage, relaxation, oral appliances and splints or surgery.

How great would it be to experience relief without medication or surgery? Dr. Alhadef can help you with that. He will find your proper bite by using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (or TENS) unit to relax the muscles. He can then locate where your bite is most relaxed and design a custom fit orthotic for you. Dr. Alhadef will let you know how many hours per day (or night) you will need to wear the appliance to correct the issue, as well as other treatment to resolve the problem long-term.

Finding the best position for your jaw is imperative to the rest of your body functioning properly.

Decoding Your Symptoms

Muscle Overcompensation or Decompensation

A misaligned jaw increases muscle strain in your face, neck, head, and shoulders. This is what causes common TMD symptoms like headaches, backaches, ear ringing and soreness around the jaw.

Neurological Symptoms from TMJ

Tight and strained muscles can put pressure on the nerves which lead to numbness or tingling in the face and throughout the upper body. These can be especially frightening symptoms that should always be checked immediately because these are also symptoms for other life-threatening illnesses.

Make your aappointment with Dr. Alhadef to have your symptoms evaluated.

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Fixing Jaw Alignment With Braces | Las Vegas

Fix your uncomfortable jaw alignment issues with affordable braces from Nevada Dentistry & Braces in Las Vegas. Why deal with the pain and other complications associated with a misaligned jaw, when we can bring you relief with a customized orthodontic treatment plan?

Why Jaw Alignment Is Important

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint, is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Misalignment of this joint can cause pain and discomfort. Your dental health, physical health, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing can all suffer as a result.

Your jaw and teeth work best when they are in the correct alignment. Your top teeth should sit slightly outside of your bottom teeth when biting down.

Overbite Vs. Underbite

Incorrect jaw alignment is when the top and bottom teeth do not fit together correctly. A misaligned jaw usually results either in an overbite (upper teeth that protrude too far) or an underbite (bottom teeth that sit in front of the top teeth).

Symptoms Of Misaligned Jaw

You may not even realize that many of the symptoms and problems that you’re experiencing are the result of a misaligned bite. If you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms, an appointment in our office will diagnose whether or not your jaw is the problem.

• Pain / Stiffness When Chewing
• Face / Jaw Pain (Even When The Jaw Is Still)
• Breathing Issues (e.g. Mouth Breathing Without Nasal Congestion)
• Speech Issues – Pain when speaking or an inability to make certain sounds.
• Sleep Issues – Pain/breathing problems when lying on your stomach or side.

Benefits Of Bite Correction

Our orthodontists are trained to recognize an improper bite. If problems do exist, we will know and can provide you with the best options for correcting the issue. Braces, for example, may help you look and feel your best.

There are countless benefits for correcting a misaligned jaw.

• Decreased Pain
• Easier To Eat
• Improved Speech
• Easier To Breathe
• Improved Appearance & Confidence
• Improved Quality Of Sleep
• Better Overall Oral Health

Handling All Of Your Orthodontic & Dental Needs

If you are ready to begin correcting your bite, at Nevada Dentistry & Braces, we are ready to help you. With over 20 years of experience, we are one of the most trusted dental practices in Las Vegas. You get the best of family dental, cosmetic, and orthodontic services for all ages in one, convenient location.

We also offer affordable prices for our orthodontic services, including braces for jaw alignment correction. We accept most insurance plans, all major credit cards, and offer zero down, zero-interest payment plans with affordable monthly payments.

Schedule Your Consultation For Braces In Las Vegas

Contact us at Nevada Dentistry & Braces today. We look forward to helping you with bite correction and other jaw alignment problems. Schedule your appointment to uncover the best options for you or your child.

How A Misaligned Jaw Affects Your Overall Health

Manual Muscle Therapy for TMJ

Most people don’t think about their jaw joint, also known as the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), until something goes wrong with the way it works. Problems with the jaw’s alignment can cause seriously painful side effects such as headaches, tinnitus, as well as facial and ear pain.  These painful symptoms are often associated with the condition known as TMD, or temporomandibular dysfunction. Non-surgical treatment for pain related to a misaligned jaw is possible with TruDenta! Keep reading to learn more about the condition and TMJ therapy available in New Albany OH at Shirck Orthodontics.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

People often refer to TMD as simply “TMJ.” No matter what you call this dysfunction of the jaw joint, it’s a painful condition that affects some 10 million Americans. TMJ/TMD is signified by the following:

• Difficulty using the jaw
• A popping, clicking, or grinding sound in the jaw
• Pain upon opening and closing the mouth
• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Facial, neck, or ear pain
• Nighttime teeth grinding

These are some of the most common side effects of TMD. The condition may also be accompanied by swelling in the face, toothaches, shoulder pain, tingling extremities, and more.

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

Most common in women and people between the ages 20 to 40, TMD may be caused by stress, an injury (like head trauma or a blow to the face), or a dental misalignment. When one of these factors affects the alignment of the jaw, pressure is placed on the TMJ with every bite, yawn, and word spoken. Over time, that pressure adds up to a lot of stress on the jaw — and the painful symptoms of TMD are not far behind.

TMJ Disorder and Your Overall Health

The symptoms associated with a misaligned jaw can greatly affect an otherwise healthy person. Chronic headaches or migraines, difficulty sleeping, and abnormal tooth wear are common. Left untreated, the toll taken by TMJ disorder increases. Vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are common in sufferers.

Treating Jaw Misalignment with TruDenta

Finding a non-surgical treatment for pain related to TMD is important, as the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research discourages the use of surgery to correct TMD. This is why at Shirck Orthodontics, Dr. Shirck doesn’t just treat your symptoms. Instead, he offers a long term solution that can give you your life back! But you don’t have to take our word for it — we will gladly provide you the names and contacts of patients that have gone through treatment with TruDenta at Shirck Orthodontics and can attest to the results.  We will also provide a free treatment session so you can see for yourself the relief you can feel after just one session.

Bite force analysis helps us treat TMJ

When you come for a complimentary evaluation for headache/TMJ treatment, Dr. Shirck will conduct a series of tests to determine the course of treatment.  These tests include:

• Trigger point evaluation
• Bite force analysis,
• Range of motion assessment.

Upon completion of the evaluation, Dr. Shirck will determine if a course of treatments with TruDenta is right for you. During treatment, Dr. Shirck takes a whole-body approach that uses state-of-the-art technology (including ultrasound, cold laser, microcurrent, and trigger point manipulation techniques) to treat TMJ and migraine disorders. The treatment reduces pain and inflammation from the very first session, with the ultimate goal of providing long-lasting relief from the symptoms of TMJ disorder.

Get Started Today!

If you’re suffering from the painful effects of a misaligned jaw, get in touch with Shirck Orthodontics to learn more about how TruDenta can provide the relief you’ve been seeking! Request your appointment for TMJ therapy in our New Albany OH location today.

by: Dr. Jeffrey Shirck at August 25, 2021.

Can Braces Help Align My Jaws? {LATEST FACTS}

Every joint in the human body is designed to move in a specific way, and the jaw joint is no exception. As such, you will experience discomfort, pain and other issues when a joint fails to move as it should. Since the TMJ (jaw joint) is one of the most complex and hardest working joints in the human body, a misaligned jaw is usually a major cause for concern. Incorrect jaw alignment is when the top and bottom teeth are not aligned. The result of which they do not meet comfortably. Besides being uncomfortable and extremely painful in some cases, misaligned jaws can have adverse effects on your dental health.

Symptoms of Misaligned Jaws

Our teeth work best when aligned correctly, which helps ensure proper, painless and optimal jaw function. As much as the perfect bite is when your upper and lower teeth meet without placing too much pressure in any given area, your top teeth should sit slightly outside of your bottom teeth when biting down. Overbite and under-bite are the most conspicuous types of jaw misalignment.

• Overbite is characterized by protruding upper teeth
• Under-bite is characterized by bottom teeth that sit in front of the top teeth.

Jaw misalignment symptoms are not always easy to identify. Although mismatched jaw sizes can create problems, some people will function without discomfort even when their bottom jaws are larger than their upper jaws or when their upper teeth overlap their lower teeth excessively. As a result, many people who have a misaligned jaw don’t know that they do.

The following could indicate a misaligned jaw:

• Pain in the face or jaw, even when you are not moving the jaw.
• Breathing problems such as breathing through the mouth excessively, even when your nose is not congested.
• Stiffness and pain when chewing.
• Speech-related issues like pain while talking or inability to enunciate certain sounds because of pain or stiffness.
• Trouble sleeping due to the amount of pressure exerted on the jaw when you lie on your stomach or side, or pain in the jaw.

People also Ask

• Do braces align your jaw?
• Can braces cause jaw misalignment?
• Is my jaw misaligned?
• Can Invisalign fix jaw alignment?

Reasons to Correct

Issues can have both physical and emotional effects. Aside from causing chronic pain and discomfort even when the jaw is motionless, severely misaligned teeth can interfere with your ability to breathe, talk, sleep and eat. Additionally, crooked teeth and misaligned bites can cause oral health concerns and self-consciousness. Both of which can have more of a negative impact on people’s confidence, self-respect, and overall well-being.

Dissatisfaction with the appearance of one’s teeth and smile is one of the leading reasons why people seek orthodontic care. From our willingness to go out on dates and choose a mate to how well we compete in extracurricular activities and interview for jobs, satisfaction with our appearance has a significant effect on how successful we are in life. The same applies to our children.

Besides cosmetics, a significant number of patients will want their misaligned jaws corrected to help stave off potentially serious oral health problems like gingivitis, some of which can be fatal or life-limiting at the very least.

Treatment

For starters, it’s worth noting that some jaw alignment issues don’t need treating. Secondly, there’s a range of treatment options available, including cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic work and surgery. Orthodontic work is, however, the least invasive treatment option for jaw misalignment.

The highly individualized treatment offered by orthodontists is usually dependent upon a patient’s personal situation. Your treatment recommendations will, therefore, depend on the symptoms experienced, the severity of the condition, and your dental health history. Professional orthodontists will often recommend one of the following modes of treatment:

• Stress-management, behavioral, and muscle-relaxation therapies to help the TMJ joint realign naturally.
• Reverse pull face masks and other special bite appliances to help the TMJ muscles adjust.
• Palate expanders or braces to align teeth correctly.
• Surgery for severe cases that have not responded to the therapies mentioned above.
• Herbst or Carrier device to move jaws into alignment.

The Process

Your first visit to the Orthodontist will be a consultation. This is where you can ask questions and share your dental health history. Apart from involving you and your family in the entire process, from diagnosis to the crafting of a treatment plan, your orthodontist will ensure you understand the risks involved before moving forward.

Orthodontists usually encourage their patients to pursue non-invasive treatment options first. Besides being one of the most conservative options, braces can help fix overcrowded or crooked teeth, malocclusions, and misaligned jaws, making them the go-to treatment for jaw alignment issues. In this procedure, brackets are cemented to the teeth and connected with a wire that is tightened after a specific period. This will gradually move the misaligned jaw and teeth back into position. In general, it can take a year or more to correct a misaligned jaw. Early in the process, your orthodontist might take x-ray scans. Then develop molds to determine the best brackets for your teeth.

When the misalignment is too advanced for this mode of treatment, orthodontists can use headgear-braces to achieve satisfactory results. The protraction headgear is used to move the upper jaw forward while the retraction headgear is used to move it backward. In addition to external and internal wires, both types come fitted with straps that go over the head and neck. Patients are required to wear these headgears for around 12-14 hours daily.

A Science Video

A Personal Video

Oral Care During Treatment

For many patients, reaching around an orthodontic device to clean their teeth might prove challenging. However, your chances of attaining healthy, cavity-free teeth after treatment will be much higher if you use a fluoride-based toothpaste, brush twice daily, and floss once a day. While it can be a serious condition, jaw misalignment can be treated permanently. With the availability of so many treatment options, straight, beautiful teeth and a properly aligned jaw are easy to regain.

A FREE Consultation Awaits

As professional orthodontists, Dr. King ensures you find long-term relief from your symptoms and maintain the best dental health. We are dedicated to all our patients and strive to provide answers to their questions. So if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or think you have a misaligned jaw, feel free to contact us for an evaluation.

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Can Braces Help Align My Jaws? {LATEST FACTS}

I love orthodontics. I love the challenge of creating healthy and beautiful smiles. I love the people I get to meet and interact with on a daily basis. I love taking care of my patients and giving them a smile they can be proud about.

When to treat jaw alignment issues in children « Smiles by White

When it comes to jaw alignment issues, I tell parents that treatment is not always necessary at a young age, but it is important to get evaluated early.
A common problem I see in teenagers and adults is that their upper and lower jaws do not line up properly, from front to back, side to side, and, to some degree, up and down. Most of the skeletal structures are well established by the time you are a teenager, so if the jaw is in the wrong position you have to decide if you want to correct the jaw-to-jaw relationship—often through surgery—or camouflage it. However, if the jaw alignment is evaluated at a young age, I can recommend different types of preventative treatments before the jaw is, so to say, “set in stone” to the altered position.
The most common problem is when the upper jaw is too narrow, and since the lower teeth cannot sit inside the arch of the upper jaw, they tend to slide to one side. This issue can be treated with an expander to address the resultant asymmetry before it happens. In other cases, where not only is the chin off center but one side of the face is taller than the other, it is very complex to treat later in life. However, in a young child we can position the jaw symmetrically and hold it in that place, similar to how curved spines are treated in children with scoliosis.
Depending on each case, I use either dental appliances that are removable or some that are glued in to hold the jaw in the correct position.
Other jaw alignment problems are the result of breathing issues due to tonsils and adenoids, so if that is the case I refer them to a specialist in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat). If you cannot breathe through your nose, you tend to drop your jaw down to open up the airway or push it forward, which can cause open bites and underbites.
By screening for these problems when a child is three to six years old, you can correct the underlying problems and avoid more issues later in life.

Ways of fixing external braces – orthodontist will tell

Indirect attachment of vestibular structures

Glued devices contain information about the position of the tooth in three planes of space. It is realized when several conditions are combined:

• The arc that goes into the bracket groove fills it completely.
• The power is sufficient to realize the information contained in the orthodontic device.
• The teeth have the ability to move in a given direction.
• The structure is fixed in the correct position.

The first three points and their implementation – the field of theoretical orthodontics, associated with geometry, metallurgy, strength of materials. It takes into account various factors of the human body – the structure and characteristics of teeth, bones, cell division, genetic control of protein synthesis, hormonal regulation of cell metabolism, as well as many processes, the influence of which is not fully understood.

The last point – the correct place of fixation of the device on the tooth – is the basis for its correct alignment. Therefore, the accuracy of gluing structures is of particular importance.

Choosing and fixing braces is a complex creative process. There should be no rush or stress in it, but a good mood, concentration, patience are required. At the dawn of orthodontics, special rings with braces soldered to them were used to eliminate dentoalveolar anomalies. Installing them was a tedious and multi-step process for both the doctor and the patient.Then the structures were directly glued to the enamel of the teeth. This method is still used today. It is called “direct fixation” and is good because there are no preliminary preparations, which saves the doctor’s time. The method also has disadvantages:

• Significant emotional and physical stress, especially for novice doctors.
• Experienced specialists also have difficulties. The emerging confidence does not compensate for the limited vision: the orthodontist mostly sits to the side of the patient and it is difficult for him to look at all the teeth from the correct angles, and therefore positioning errors often occur.Inaccurately positioned constructions can cause side effects such as opening of the bite, the formation of gaps between the teeth, as well as deterioration of their initial correct position.

An alternative to direct fixation – the so-called indirect installation, in which the braces are first fixed to the plaster model, and then, through a special mouthguard, they are simultaneously glued to the teeth. The method is widespread in the West, but in Russia, doctors are only now beginning to understand all its positive qualities.It is the indirect fixation that we have chosen and introduced into our practice. It has become part of a philosophy that combines quality, reliability and comfort.

In our clinic, during orthodontic diagnostics, we receive complete information about the condition of teeth, gums, bones. The patient is examined by a periodontist, a dentist-therapist, a 3D computer examination is carried out, a series of photographs are taken in all projections, and plaster models of teeth and jaws are made. Information from various specialists is summarized and summarized, analyzed by the orthodontist and gives him the necessary information to create an individual treatment plan.

After determining the strategy for eliminating dentoalveolar anomalies, the doctor chooses braces, taking into account the individual characteristics of each person and the mechanical errors of the system. Then, the coordinates of the position of future structures are applied to the plaster model, which are found by analyzing the smile and closing the teeth, taking into account the state of the bone tissue, gums, soft tissues of the oral cavity.

Indirect fixation of braces eliminates most of the stress. During installation on a sample, you can actively use diagnostic information.All this makes this method as accurate and competent as possible.

The most modern systems installed with the help of a computer – Incognito, Orapix, Insignia – are created first in the laboratory, and then they are fixed on the teeth through a mouthguard. The braces made in these systems are highly accurate and completely individual.

There is an indirect fixation and a minus – the extra time required for the doctor to install devices on the model and create a mouthguard. However, the method also has significant advantages:

1. Less time the patient spent in the chair during fixation.
2. Shorter treatment times due to reduced need for bending and re-bonding of braces.
3. Fewer “surprises” during treatment.
4. More stable result.
5. Greater comfort during treatment.

Commentary of the leading orthodontist of the GoodOrtho center of the Ormco company A.V. Tikhonov:

“Any specialist will agree that the most important for the success of treatment is its correct planning after adequate diagnosis.In our work, we use the most modern tools and software. This fascinating process is shown in more detail in the video clip.

The second most important stage is the installation of braces. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of correct fixation of structures for obtaining even teeth, a beautiful smile and correct bite. The more precisely the fixtures are glued, the better the end result will be and the easier the process of obtaining it. Since 2006, we have only used the indirect commit described in this article.Having conducted many training seminars and workshops on installing braces for orthodontists, I became convinced of one very important fact. The vast majority of specialists, starting to fix devices on a plaster model, having the opportunity to make all preliminary markings and carefully examine the teeth from all angles, are 100% convinced that they could not provide such an attentive approach using a traditional direct installation.

Of course, the technology is more laborious for the clinic and the doctor, but we do not charge an additional fee for this stage, since the most accurate fixation of the braces will save our time and labor and will eventually pay for itself.Moreover, our price list is arranged according to the “All inclusive” system, that is, the fee is taken not for visits, but for the final result. For more information about the payment system for orthodontic treatment, see the article “How Much Does a Beautiful Smile Cost”.

In connection with the active development of 3D-technologies, indirect installation in recent years has evolved into a technique for computer-mediated positioning of braces. Their general essence lies in the fact that diagnostic plaster models or directly the patient’s teeth are scanned in such a way that information about their anatomy and location is digitized.Three-dimensional virtual models of the patient’s oral cavity are obtained. Then the final result of the treatment is modeled, after which the so-called setup models appear. On them, virtually braces are installed in the most accurate positions. Then this information is translated by means of computer prototyping technologies into physical portable mouth guards, with the help of which the structures are installed by the doctor on the patient’s teeth.

We are increasingly using in our practice one of the best of such technologies from the world leader – Ormco, which is called Insignia.It is a fully personalized digital orthodontic fitting system with tangible benefits.

Come and we will do our best to make your smile beautiful!

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90,000 Orthodontics (teeth straightening, occlusion correction)

Olga Ivanovna Arsenina – orthodontist of the highest category, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Leading Researcher, Head of the Orthodontic Department of the Central Scientific Research Institute of Dentistry (St.Moscow, st. T. Frunze, 16).

– Olga Ivanovna, at what age can braces be put on?

– Bracket -systems are recommended to be installed from 11-12 years of age and throughout life. The most important thing is that there are indications for orthodontic treatment, the teeth and the surrounding soft tissues of the periodontium are prepared for the start of treatment. Many people think that bite can be corrected only in childhood or adolescence. In fact, this is not the case, and age is not an obstacle.In modern society, a wide, beautiful smile determines the image of an accomplished, prosperous person leading a healthy lifestyle.

More than 80% of the world’s population have dental anomalies (crooked teeth, malocclusion). The unattractive appearance of the teeth and face has an adverse effect on the psychological formation of any person, contributes to the emergence of an inferiority complex, deep mental trauma, limits the possibilities of social adaptation, and prevents a good career.The presence of not only healthy, but also beautiful teeth, their preservation until a ripe old age is a sign of a high quality of life. So in Sweden, for example, orthodontists demonstrate cases of orthodontic treatment of patients 70-90 years old! It should be borne in mind that the treatment of adults is longer, it is necessary to use light physiological loads on the teeth (the growth and formation of the dentoalveolar system is completed, age-related changes and general diseases of the body). Until the age of 12, we do not recommend installing a bracket system for the simple reason that at such a young age the enamel of permanent teeth has not yet fully formed, and if careful oral hygiene is not observed, the teeth are at an increased risk of diseases, including caries.And imagine what will happen if braces are fixed on not strengthened teeth, the use of which requires responsible and special care.

Braces

– What is braces , everyone knows. But how they align their teeth remains a mystery to many!

– Braces began to be used 200 years ago, their task is to change the shape and size of the dentition, align the teeth. These are devices that are fixed on the surface of the teeth, and a metal arch, which is held in the grooves (of these devices) using ligatures (metal wires).The most important thing in the bracket system is the arch, which is given a certain shape, ideal for the dentition of a particular person. It is fixed in braces and, willy-nilly, acquires the curves of crooked teeth. But, since the arc is made of special materials – shape memory alloys, it tends to take its original position, while moving each tooth in a given direction. The arc, unfolding the teeth, aligns and normalizes their position.

Now the new generation of ligature-free braces has begun to be used, this is a modern approach to the treatment of patients with dental problems and bite anomalies .The arc is not tied to them, but is closed with special plates. At the same time, the arc is freely located in the groove, there is no strong attraction of the arc to the groove, there is no large friction force, the force of impact on the tooth decreases, the teeth and surrounding tissues of the jaw are less injured, pain reactions disappear, the risk of various complications decreases, such as, for example, resorption of bone tissue. At the same time, high-tech elastic arches move teeth in three planes at once. Thus, it is possible to correct the position of the teeth, align the dentition, and improve the profile of the face.But if the patient has a skeletal form of pathology – too small, or, on the contrary, the jaw is too large, braces alone will not help here, and orthodontist together with the surgeon must develop a joint comprehensive treatment program.

Poor nipples lead to jaw abnormalities

– What could be the reason for such violations?

– Orthodontics , as an integral part of dentistry, becomes important for the normalization of the growth and development of teeth and jaws from childhood to the end of the growth of the maxillofacial complex, the prevention of dentoalveolar anomalies, for the normalization of the position of teeth and occlusion in adult patients.Curvature of the teeth is most often associated with an incorrect bite. The child is born with infantile lower retrognathy (displacement of the lower jaw back). This is determined by human physiology, which facilitates the passage of the fetus through the birth canal of the mother. And improper artificial feeding with the use of round nipples inhibits the development of the jaw and training of the masticatory muscles, which in the future may lead to an incorrect bite , and as a result – curvature, crowding of teeth, underdevelopment of the jaw, violation of facial aesthetics.Therefore, in our institute, orthodontists carry out early prevention of dental anomalies, we advise young mothers which nipples are best for their baby … I would recommend the NUK nipples (Germany), which have an ergonomic shape, the use of which contributes to muscle training, the development of the jaws and the formation of the correct act of sucking and bite in the child. Many mothers do not pay attention to the fact that the baby has incorrect posture, or he often sucks his finger, or has the bad habit of holding his tongue between his teeth, or there is no free nasal breathing due to diseases of the ENT organs (adenoids, etc.).etc.). So all these factors, in addition to hereditary ones, can also lead to the pathology of the dentition.

– Do I need additional examination to put braces?

– Required! If the patient wants to correct the crooked position of the teeth and put himself a bracket system, first of all, he must come to the dentist’s office and check the condition of the teeth and oral cavity. And only after all possible problems have been eliminated, the patient comes to us. First, a comprehensive examination is carried out by a doctor – orthodontist , which includes a clinical examination, X-ray examination, manufacturing, calculation and analysis of diagnostic models of the jaws, drawing up a treatment plan.

Facial aesthetics comes first

– Olga Ivanovna, tell me, what’s new in the treatment?

– The technical potential of modern orthodontic appliances is extremely high. Modern materials offer improved physical characteristics, aesthetics, and methods provide for the treatment of malocclusion with inconspicuous devices. An inevitable result is an increase in the number of adult patients.

Treatment priorities have changed today.Earlier, 20 years ago, treatment with the removal of several teeth and alignment of the dentition was very common. But at the same time, the aesthetics of the face often improved: the profile of the face became concave and ugly, the lower or upper lip could sink inward, and the face as a whole became unattractive and looked several years older. Today, the main task of an orthodontist is not only to align the position of the teeth, but also to improve the aesthetics of the face, normalization of bite , and a beautiful smile.
The aim of modern orthodontic dentistry is: improvement of facial aesthetics, dental aesthetics, functional occlusion and position of the lower jaw, stability of treatment results, healthy periodontium. Correcting the position of the teeth significantly improves the hygienic state of the oral cavity, reduces the risk of caries and periodontitis.

Often young people come to our Institute who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment with the extraction of several teeth, even dentition, but with asymmetric, ugly facial proportions.Such patients require complex treatment – orthodontic and surgical. Together with the surgeon, we are developing an algorithm for an integrated approach that is most effective for skeletal deformities of the jaws, facial asymmetry, congenital malformations of the face and jaws (cleft lip and palate – “cleft lip and cleft palate”, syndromes, etc.)

It so happens that the patient is not satisfied not with the position of the teeth or dentition, but with the profile of the face (oblique chin, “bird’s face”, “adenoid type of face”). We have our own patent invention – a functional non-removable telescopic device made of titanium alloy, a modification of the Herbst apparatus, with the help of which the lower jaw can be orthodontically extended forward and the overall profile of the face can be improved, keeping in this position constantly while maintaining all the functions of the patient (opening the mouth, speaking , chewing).With this device, which maintains the normalized position of the lower jaw, together with the use of braces that align the teeth, we have cured many patients without surgery. At the same time, the duration of orthodontic treatment does not increase.

– How long does it take to wear braces?

– Orthodontics plays a leading role in ensuring the normal functioning of the dentition, taking into account the occlusion (bite), the state of the temporomandibular joint and the psychoemotional status of the patient.Success depends on the severity of the pathology of the dentition, the correct treatment tactics, the logical thinking of the orthodontist, and the use of adequate technical means. On average, the duration of active treatment with the use of braces is one and a half to two years. But with the wrong diagnosis and treatment, this process can take up to several years. I was approached by people who went with braces for four and seven years! The pathology of bite is not only an aesthetic problem, it also leads to aggravation of diseases of the temporomandibular joint, headaches, and to a violation of the general psychoemotional state of a person.
When carrying out orthodontic treatment, cooperation between the doctor and the patient is important (compliance with the recommendations of the orthodontist, the mode of using the apparatus, careful oral hygiene). After the completion of active treatment, when the doctor removes the braces, a special retention device must be worn to consolidate the result. Its use time is at least two times the wearing time of the braces. And if the patient has periodontal disease, osteoporosis and other general diseases, then in order to maintain the achieved results of orthodontic treatment, I recommend using the retention device regularly.They are of two types – non-removable, which are installed by a doctor, and removable, made of silicone or other materials and intended for use while sleeping.

Braces are available in gold and sapphire

– There are so many braces now available that you can get confused. Please tell me which ones are the best?

– There are metal braces, ceramic, gold, sapphire … I cannot give an unequivocal answer, because treatment can be carried out using any braces.On the one hand, metal braces are more hygienic, more reliable, and there are fewer complications such as separation or detachment of the bracket. Ceramic and sapphire braces are more fragile, but, as many patients believe, they look more aesthetically pleasing due to their transparency. But at the same time, the arcs still remain noticeable, since they are metal like the ligatures tied around the braces.

People of public professions – TV presenters, showmen and others, due to the duty of their work, cannot always wear conventional vestibular (fixed on the outer surface of the teeth) braces, and prefer lingual braces that are attached from the inside and therefore do not pay attention to themselves in any way.Although, you know, every orthodontist believes that braces can only decorate, and wearing them is prestigious! This is a social factor in the modern culture of people.

Smile in a million

– So lingual braces are the most comfortable?

– I would not say that. Lingual braces have the advantage of not being visible, but from a therapeutic point of view, this is a more time-consuming and complex process. And, if it is not important for the patient which braces to fix, I will recommend to him the new generation braces – Damon 3 – System.They are quite aesthetic, because the half of the bracket is transparent, and there is no ligature, reduced size of the bracket, low friction forces in the system, a slight less traumatic effect on the moving teeth and surrounding tissues, which greatly reduces the duration of treatment, less pain, more comfort for the patient. which, in general, improves the quality and effectiveness of treatment. Nowadays, modern technologies appear that make it possible to use – a lingual system, made for each patient individually in a special laboratory.

– But it probably costs much more?

– More expensive or cheaper – the concepts are very vague. Everyone decides for himself. If parents are trying to cure their child, to give him a beautiful smile for life, they do not save, but, on the contrary, invest in their child, in his comfort, in his future. Otherwise, a notorious person may grow up, hesitating to say a word, hiding his smile … A beautiful smile is both a psychoemotional factor, a health factor, and a social factor.Investing in orthodontic treatment is the best investment for a lifetime, health, beauty, image, individuality. The leading role in the external appearance of a person belongs to the face, and on the face – to the smile. If it is believed that the eyes are the mirror of the soul, then a smile is a reflection of the heart.

Back

Installation of the Herbst apparatus in St. Petersburg

Distal bite is characterized by a pronounced posterior position of the lower jaw.Sometimes, this position is due to her underdevelopment or excessive growth of the upper jaw. Outwardly, this manifests itself even in the lines of the patient’s profile – the chin is small, has a deep sublabial fossa, the jaws look disproportionate. Braces may not be enough to correct this malocclusion. In such cases, Herbst’s fixed orthodontic apparatus comes to the rescue.

What is a Herbst apparatus?

Herbst apparatus is a fixed orthodontic apparatus used to treat difficult cases of distal occlusion.Such an apparatus is made according to the patient’s impressions from inert medical steel or titanium alloys, if the patient has an intolerance to other metals.

The design consists of 2 telescopic mechanisms (beams), fastened with articulated joints, which are attached to crowns or orthodontic rings, fixed on the teeth or directly to the arches of the bracket system.

There are 3 types of fixing the Herbst apparatus in the oral cavity:

1. Classic , for metal crowns on the patient’s teeth.The 6th tooth on the upper jaw and the 4th tooth on the lower jaw are used as supporting ones.
2. Fixation on orthodontic bows braces and orthodontic rings.
3. Placement on plastic gingival base . Such fixation of the device is used to correct the position of the jaws in case of partial or complete absence of teeth in the patient.

How Herbst Apparatus Works

The Herbst apparatus is a non-removable orthodontic apparatus that the patient wears constantly, for 3 to 12 months.

Its use allows you to restrain the growth of the upper jaw, correct the position and size of the lower jaw, rebuild the work of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles of the dentoalveolar system. Under the influence of the apparatus, the lower jaw takes the required position. With constant exposure, the apparatus leads to the fact that the ligaments are stretched, the muscles get used to working in a new mode, which corresponds to the correct position of the jaws.

Therefore, treatment with the Herbst apparatus always gives an accurate, predictable result and allows you to shorten the time for correcting the distal occlusion.

For patients under 13-15 years old, the use of the Herbst apparatus during orthodontic treatment is an opportunity to avoid surgical intervention, which is much more difficult for patients to tolerate than using an additional apparatus.

When is it recommended to use the Herbst apparatus for bite correction?

The Herbst apparatus is used only in the treatment of distal disorders in adolescents and adults.

The main indications for installation are:

1. Difficult distal occlusion with and without sagittal fissure, with normal or deep overlap.
2. Discrepancy between the sizes of the upper and lower jaws. Underdevelopment of the lower jaw, or vice versa, excessive growth of the upper.
3. As a stage in the treatment of some orthopedic problems as part of complex therapy.

It is possible to use the Herbst apparatus both in conjunction with treatment with a bracket system, or independently.

It should be understood that the patient should only wear the device for a certain period. As a rule, this occurs at the second stage of orthodontic treatment, when the teeth themselves and dental arches are already aligned, and the bite correction begins – i.e.e. correction of the position of the jaws.

After the treatment with the device has reached its goal, it is removed, and the orthodontic treatment continues further – the establishment of precise interdental contacts begins.

What are the alternatives to using the Herbst apparatus?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is an alternative to the Herbst apparatus to correct severe distal malocclusion.

Advantages of using the Herbst apparatus in the treatment of distal occlusion

1. Ability to accurately predict the outcome of orthodontic treatment using the device.
2. The speed of treatment, because the device acts on the dentition constantly – 24/7.
3. The device is hidden in the oral cavity, because installed on the back teeth.
4. The device does not interfere with talking, smiling, eating.
5. The device is relatively small, has a smooth shape, the pistons repeat all articulation movements, so it is relatively easy for the patient to get used to it.
6. Serious breakdowns are practically excluded.
7. The Herbst apparatus can be used both independently and together with braces.
8. The device has a therapeutic effect in case of breathing disorders – oral and shortness of breath.
9. The Herbst apparatus can be installed even with problems with enamel.
10. The device does not pose any particular obstacle to hygiene.
11. The device can replace the surgical stage of treatment.

What awaits the patient during treatment using the Gebst apparatus

The entire treatment regimen for a particular patient is created stage by stage by the orthodontist while drawing up the orthodontic treatment plan, after the patient undergoes orthodontic diagnostics.This treatment plan is discussed with the patient and finally approved before the orthodontic treatment begins. Therefore, our patients fully and completely understand what awaits them in the course of treatment and at what stage one or another additional orthodontic equipment, including the Herbst apparatus, will be used.

Treatment of each patient is absolutely unique, but if we talk about the general, most frequently used scheme, then orthodontic treatment of distal occlusion using the Herbst apparatus will look like this.

1. Preparatory phase . This stage includes:

• MANDATORY installation of a fixed retainer is recommended.
• It is desirable to combine the presence of a non-removable retainer with the wearing of a removable retention device – a removable elasto-positioner splint.
• The recommended duration of the retention period is at least 2 years.

Advice for patients undergoing treatment for distal occlusion using the Herbst apparatus.

We have formulated some simple rules that will make life easier for patients with the Herbst apparatus.

1. The patient can brush his teeth as usual – the rules for caring for the oral cavity are the same as for any orthodontic treatment. Additionally, it is necessary to more thoroughly clean the distant teeth on which the apparatus and the structure itself are fixed. You may have to visit your hygienist more often for occupational hygiene while the period of treatment with the device lasts.
2. Patients with the Herbst apparatus do not need to completely change their diet – the apparatus is not clogged with food, but it is advisable to exclude very hard and too sticky foods.
3. Do not put too much power on the device – it is not intended for this and may break.
4. Observe the integrity of the apparatus, inspect it regularly and carefully. The patient should be alerted to the looseness of the parts, the curvature of some element. If you find such defects, you need to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible, because the apparatus may malfunction and you will not be able to move your jaw. Particularly dangerous is the breakdown of telescopic parts, which can injure the oral cavity and larynx.

Examples of orthodontic treatment of distal occlusion in our patients using the Herbst apparatus

Fixed plate for expansion of the upper jaw (apparatus of Dr. Marco Rosa)

We took off the device for expansion recently, and everything is in order, we visited the pediatric dentist, no damage appeared during wearing. Although the child coped with the hygiene himself, about once a week we monitored how everything was going, helped her to clean with an electric brush.At the first stages, every evening she herself cleaned the apparatus with an irrigator, the doctor warned us that food could get stuck there and because of this, inflammation could arise. But, apparently, everything was so tightly fitted there that there was no inflammation, everything went without any trouble. And when everything had already expanded a little, she began to feel when the food was stuck, and she herself controlled it. Initially, we came for a completely different device – for removable plates. First, they are half the price, and we only had to put them on top.And secondly, we simply did not know about such a device. But Dr. Bekasov offered us a device for expansion, and I never regretted that we took it! During these 9 months we had no scandals, tears, discomfort. They put it on – that’s it, it’s worth it and you don’t forget to put on anything. Before that we wore records and we know what it is. She didn’t put on the record for a day, started spinning, and again slides back. Naturally, we did not meet the deadline for wearing. So if we went for the cheaper option, then in 9 months we would not have received the result that we see now.Although earlier we were simply not offered such an option, we were treated in another clinic, apparently, there were no such technologies there. Initially, we agreed that we twist the device for three months and after the last twist we wear the device for another six months in order to fix the result. Expectations completely coincided with reality. The child did not complain of pain even when twisting, I was surprised. Again, comparing with a removable plate, in order to twist it, it must be removed. Naturally, it becomes wider, and the child needs to put it on again, but she does not get up, the child is in pain.Therefore, it was necessary to turn not a full turn, but half, and, accordingly, this also affects the duration of treatment, not to mention that it is discomfort for the whole family. And then it’s all in your mouth! When we twisted, the child did not have any questions. Whether the apparatus itself was so designed, she felt that she was getting tighter, but that it was painful – no. Everything was fine with Dr. Bekasov. Before the next visit, the child said “let’s go to my favorite doctor.” And when we arrived, the doctor looked, said that everything was in order, we continued to tighten up, we were not doing anything else.That is, the examination lasted straight for a few minutes, the daughter began to say that it was not fair, and she needed to see more :))) In general, the contact was excellent. The doctor always smiled, answered all questions. Even while we were choosing the plate and the moment when to put it specifically, the doctor spent about an hour, probably only for discussion. That is, not that I showed you everything, and you go there and think. He also got into a situation where we did not have the opportunity to carefully monitor the hygiene in the country in the summer, and we agreed to postpone everything until autumn.It was also very pleasant that the doctor got into the position and offered an acceptable option for us. A very attentive attitude – not something that should be set, but then whatever you want. We discussed how best to proceed, how critical what we have now is, and what options we have. When making a decision, there were a lot of nuances, and all of them were successfully sorted out by the doctor. The doctor is very attentive. About the device, advice to other parents – do not even hesitate. This is so much better than removable designs, I can say for sure, we had the experience of wearing both.

DENTAL FANTASY TEAM: thank you very much for such a detailed story! This is an invaluable help to those parents who decide on orthodontic treatment. Dr. Bekasov is a top-class professional and finds contact with his patients, we completely agree with you. It is so good that you are satisfied with the result of the treatment! we wish you to smile more often 🙂

Dental Fantasy Answer:

Natalia, thank you for such a pleasant and detailed review! 🙂 We are glad we were able to help you! We wish you good health!

Bite aligners: beautiful smile without discomfort

Bite aligners: beautiful smile without discomfort

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Curvature of the teeth, noticeable gaps between the teeth – all these defects make a smile ugly, make a person feel shy and smile less often when communicating with other people.The situation can be corrected by special orthodontic constructions – braces, which are successfully used to correct bite anomalies of varying complexity. But not all patients are ready to wear noticeable and rather uncomfortable braces, the process of adaptation to which takes a long time.

In these circumstances, the orthodontist can offer a modern alternative to braces – alignment guards. About what orthodontic aligners are and how they can help solve the problem with an incorrect bite, and crooked teeth, we will talk in detail below, in the following sections of the article.

Orthodontic aligners: description

Mouthguards in dentistry are used not only for bite correction. These products are successfully used in home bleaching systems, with their help, treatment of bruxism (involuntary nocturnal squeaking of teeth) is carried out. But in orthodontics, bite correction tips (aligners) have been used relatively recently. What is an orthodontic mouth guard?

Orthodontic aligners are absolutely transparent tips for teeth, which can be made from different materials, but always hypoallergenic and safe for human health.For the treatment of bite anomalies, mouth guards are made according to an individual impression of the patient’s teeth – on two jaws at once or on one (depending on the characteristics of the clinical case).

The product is modeled using specialized computer programs, which allows you to obtain the most accurate distribution of the load that will be applied to the dental units, as well as to predict the process of their movement in advance to achieve a quick positive effect.

Bite aligners are invisible, compact, lightweight and therefore do not cause any discomfort to the patient.The process of adaptation to them occurs in the shortest possible time – after a couple of hours of wearing, the nozzles cease to be felt in the oral cavity. They do not cause diction disorders, do not cause painful and unpleasant sensations, do not interfere with conversation, laughter. The fixation of the products is strong, you do not have to worry that the mouthguard will fall out of the oral cavity during an overly active dialogue.

Take a short test and calculate the cost of treatment!

• Jaw selection
• Availability of snapshot
• Bracket system selection
• Treatment date
• Cost Calculation

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Manukyan Artavazd Henrikovich

Chief physician of the clinic

Indications for use cap

Orthodontic aligners have certain indications for use, including:

• The presence of noticeable gaps between dental units;
• Overcrowding;
• Lower jaw prominently protruding;
• Curvature of individual dental units.

The tips can help in the correction of deep and cross bite, but only if the defect is not severe. In case of significant malocclusion in the correction procedure, braces are used.

Mouthguards and braces: what’s the difference?

Mouthguards for bite correction and braces differ significantly from each other and not only in terms of design. The main differences between aligners and braces are in the following characteristics and qualities:

• Mouth guards are not used for the correction of significant malocclusion, with a strong curvature of the dental units.In such circumstances, only braces can help;
• The patient can take off and put on the mouthguards on their own, if necessary or for hygiene procedures. It is impossible to remove the installed braces without the help of a doctor;
• Mouthguards are suitable for use in adult patients, that is, after the process of formation of the jaw and bite is completely completed. Orthodontic treatment with braces can be performed at any age;
• For the course of correction of malocclusion, several sets of mouth guards are made – usually up to 40 copies.Kits are changed after a certain period of time. For treatment with braces, only one orthodontic construction is made and from time to time the degree of its fixation on the dental surfaces changes.

When wearing caps and braces, you will need to visit a specialist’s office every month to assess the results of treatment. Upon completion of the general course of correction, the orthodontist may recommend to the patient to wear the aligners for some time. This is necessary to consolidate the achieved positive result.

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Types of mouth guards for leveling the bite

Aligners for bite correction have their own classification. They are graded into different types according to production technology, wearing time and manufacturer. Below we will consider the different types of mouthguards and give a brief description of their unique characteristics.According to the production technology, mouth guards are divided into two types: thermoplastic and individual.

Thermoplastic mouthguards

Attractive budget cost option. How effective thermoplastic aligners will be in aligning the occlusion – the answer to this question can only be given to the patient by the orthodontist, after the examination and diagnostic measures. The peculiarity of this type of cap is in the unique properties of the material of their manufacture: at certain temperature indicators, it becomes soft and elastic, due to which it adheres tightly to the dental surfaces and ideally repeats the natural shape of the teeth.When making a mouth guard, a thermoplastic is applied to the patient’s teeth and so an impression is taken, which is further modified if necessary.

The whole process is carried out in the patient’s mouth. The patient wears the finished mouthguard in accordance with the recommendations of the orthodontist.

Individual mouthguards

Individual mouthguards have a fundamentally different production technology. The patient comes to the specialist’s office and the doctor takes an impression from his teeth. The impression is transferred to a specialized laboratory, where, using computer technology, individual tips will be made for the entire course of treatment.Individual mouthguards are more comfortable to wear, the process of adaptation to them is faster, and, accordingly, the price for them is higher than for constructions made of thermoplastic.

Types of aligners by wearing time

By the time of wearing, there are two types of caps – round-the-clock and night. Round-the-clock products are used to correct the bite and are worn, without removing, almost 24 hours a day. It is allowed to take off the trays for no more than two hours, for hygienic procedures and rinsing and cleaning the structure itself.If this rule is violated, the effectiveness of the correction decreases, and the overall duration of treatment with mouth guards increases.

Night trays are used to consolidate the achieved positive result.

The tips are put on at night and can be used both after treatment with orthodontic round-the-clock mouth guards, and after a course of correction with braces.

Mouthguards from different manufacturers

Aligners from different manufacturers differ in their characteristics and quality.The choice of the manufacturer’s brand is carried out jointly with the doctor, based on the characteristics of the clinical case, the patient’s preferences and his financial capabilities. Let’s briefly consider the features of mouthguards from the most popular manufacturers.

OrthoSnap

A well-known American brand that supplies mouthguards of the highest quality level to the dental market. The products of the brand are made of materials that are biocompatible with the tissues of the human body, do not cause discomfort during everyday use, and are distinguished by aesthetics and invisibility in the oral cavity.

Invisalign

One of the most famous and popular brands of orthodontic braces. A unique feature of the tips is the fixation method, which reduces the overall treatment time. The use of Invisalign aligners allows you to achieve a positive correction result in an average of 1.5 years of constant wearing of the structure. About 30 sets of caps are made for the course of treatment.

ClearCorrect

The course of correction with mouthguards of this manufacturer can last up to two years.The products are used primarily for the treatment of mild bite defects. About twelve replacement kits are made for the course. The mouthguards of the brand are appreciated for their low risks of allergic reactions and a high level of wearing comfort.

Pros and cons of using mouth guards for leveling the bite

The use of aligners to straighten the bite has its pros and cons, which should be considered before starting treatment with them. The advantages of using mouth guards in leveling the bite include: 90 360

• Mouthguards are made of transparent material and are therefore completely invisible;
• Wearing a mouthguard to level the bite is not accompanied by impaired diction;
• When using the products, the patient is not disturbed by pain;
• Mouthguards do not injure the soft tissues of the oral cavity and do not irritate the mucous membranes;
• The alignment course can be combined with the home whitening procedure;
• There are practically no contraindications to orthodontic treatment with mouth guards.

The disadvantages of using aligners for alignment include their uselessness in the treatment of severe occlusion anomalies, rather high cost, the need for specialized care of the structure. Mouth guards are made longer than braces – after all, it is required to produce a number of sets for the entire course of treatment at once.

Manufacturing process of alignment cap

The decision on the advisability of wearing mouth guards to align the bite is always made by the doctor, after examining the patient and performing a number of diagnostic measures.The specialist will establish the complexity of the defect, take into account the structural features of the patient’s jaws, and if no contraindications to the use of caps are identified, an impression is taken from the patient’s teeth.

The taken impression is transferred to the laboratory, where it is used for modeling the future design. According to the model, sets of mouth guards will be produced, which the patient will change during the course of treatment. When the mouthguards are ready, the patient comes to the clinic again, where the fitting of the structure is carried out and the specialist gives detailed advice on how to wear and care for the mouthguards correctly.

How to wear and care for bite aligners

There is nothing difficult in caring for aligners for teeth straightening, but you should definitely follow all the recommendations given by the doctor. During meals, the trays are removed, and before putting them on again, you need to thoroughly and efficiently clean the dental surfaces, and rinse the pad itself with running water. For the time when the mouthguard is not used, it is put into a special container for storage.

In no case should you skip the date of changing one set of caps to another.The mode of wearing and changing aligners should be drawn up by the orthodontist conducting your treatment. If for some reason the mouthguard breaks or you have lost it, you should use the backup option, which is manufactured together with the main set of mouthguards.

When wearing mouth guards to straighten teeth, it is recommended to refrain from smoking, as nicotine can provoke discoloration of the onlay, as well as from the habit of chewing gum. Using chewing gum is the most common cause of mouthguard breakage.

Another important tip – do not remove the mouthguards too often and unnecessarily. The more often you take off the product, the longer the treatment will take!

Price cap for alignment

The price of alignment caps will consist of a number of factors: the type of product, the manufacturer, the number of sets that will be required to complete the full course of orthodontic treatment. Diagnostic measures, a container for storing mouth guards, procedures for eliminating dental diseases identified during the initial examination are paid separately.

Want to know more about aligners? Sign up for a consultation with the orthodontists of our clinic Aesthetica in Moscow. To do this, just dial the contact phone number of our dentistry and choose a branch of the clinic convenient for you: at the Kurskaya metro station or at the Chistye Prudy metro station.

Take a short test and calculate the cost of treatment!

• Jaw selection
• Availability of snapshot
• Bracket system selection
• Treatment date
• Cost Calculation

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Manukyan Artavazd Henrikovich

Chief physician of the clinic

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Correction of occlusion – methods, indications, preparation

Correction of occlusion, thanks to the effectiveness of modern methods, is suitable not only for a child, but also for an adult.

Why do you need to correct the bite?

Correct bite is a guarantee of maximum contact between the teeth of the jaws, which ensures the normal development of the muscles of the facial skeleton. Aligning individual teeth without correcting occlusion can disrupt the work of the facial muscles and lead to negative consequences: a change in profile, periodontal and digestive system diseases, functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint.

In addition, the malocclusion must be corrected for the following reasons:

• preservation of space for permanent teeth in case of early loss of milk teeth;
• prevention of diction disorders;
• Elimination of breathing problems.

Methods for aligning the dentition

Methods of dealing with malocclusion:

• correction with braces;
• fix without braces.

Each group includes various correction options that differ in the period of treatment, effectiveness and cost. The bite correction technique is selected for patients individually, depending on the degree of anomaly, age, contraindications and other factors.

Correction of occlusion with braces

Restoration of correct occlusion with braces is by far the most popular and effective option, which allows you to achieve successful results even in the most difficult cases without involving surgical intervention.

This method involves the installation of braces on a problematic dentition, consisting of locks and a power arch connecting them. The correction arch in the bracket system has a “memory” effect, thanks to which it tries to regain the shape set during manufacture, and thereby exerting a uniform effect on the teeth, returning them to the anatomically correct position.To fix and regulate the tension force of the arc in the braces, ligatures are used, which can be either elastic or metal. Recently, ligature-free systems are becoming more and more popular, where the arc simply snaps into the locks.

Braces placement technology

Installation of braces always begins with professional cleaning of the dentition, after which the procedure is performed in compliance with certain steps:

1. Washing and drying the surface of the teeth.
2. Etching and drying the enamel for better adhesion to the adhesive.
3. Primer and spot adhesive.
4. Alternate fixation of braces.
5. Removal of excess adhesive formed on the enamel due to the pressure of the braces.
6. Light cure for fast curing of the adhesive.
7. Locking the arc.

Braces installation can take up to 1.5 hours, but the manipulations are absolutely painless and without discomfort.

Types of braces

There are two types of braces according to the type of installation:

• vestibular – fixed on the visible part of the teeth;
• lingual – invisible to the eye braces installed on the palatal surface of the teeth.

According to the material of manufacture, there are:

• metal – the most common option, characterized by a high strength of the system;
• sapphire – monocrystalline type of braces, absolutely transparent;
• ceramic – are distinguished by high aesthetic properties, close to the enamel of a natural tooth;
• plastic – the cheapest option, in terms of strength and appearance, it is significantly inferior to other types of braces.

How long does the treatment with braces take?

The period of occlusion correction by this method is from 6 months to 3 years. The specific period will depend on the complexity of the pathology and the individual characteristics of each patient. But, on average, with uncomplicated occlusion anomalies, treatment takes about 1.5 years.

During this period, the patient needs to visit the dentist regularly and on time to change the ligatures and correct the system. Evasion from the timely implementation of these procedures will reduce the effectiveness of the impact and increase the treatment time.

Correction of bite without braces

In addition to correcting malocclusion with braces, other methods are widely used in dentistry that involve the use of removable structures or surgery.

Removable bite correction

The most effective and easy-to-use removable structures designed for teeth straightening are:

• Mouthguard – is a specially shaped orthodontic appliance made of a flexible transparent polymer.The mouthguard is made on the basis of the patient’s impressions, does not cause discomfort and fits snugly on the teeth. For the entire course of treatment, as a rule, several caps are used, which must be changed in a timely manner.
• Orthodontic plates – a multi-piece device consisting of two palatine plastic plates connected by screws or springs and equipped with hooks that are attached to the teeth. The alignment of the teeth with this device is carried out by adjusting the plates.

Both devices can be removed during meals and hygiene procedures, which makes them as convenient as possible.But the period of treatment when using them differs little from correction with braces and is on average 1.5 years.

Surgical correction

Bite correction with the help of surgical intervention is used in the most difficult cases, when hardware treatment is impossible or has not brought a positive result. In the case of using this technique, the orthodontist corrects the occlusion by incising the bone tissue. The surgical procedure is performed only under general anesthesia and provides for a rehabilitation period of up to 3 weeks.

BITE CORRECTION WITH ELINERS

Aligners are removable transparent invisible aligners that are placed on the teeth to align them. Thanks to modern technology and the development of plastic aligners, it has become possible to correct the bite with maximum comfort and completely invisible to other people.

Removable aligners are a worthy alternative to conventional fixed bracket systems. They also apply forceful pressure on the dentition and gradually correct the incorrect position of the teeth, but very delicately and beautifully.

What can be treated with aligners?

Installation of aligners is indicated for children and adults who wish to quietly correct a dental anomaly. Observing all the recommendations of the orthodontist, treatment with aligners is always successful and according to the plan.

Removable devices are installed when there are defects such as:

• Gaps between teeth. The gap between adjacent teeth is called three. The appearance of gaps between adjacent front teeth is called diastema.Tremas and diastemas lead to an increased risk of gum disease and periodontal disease.
• Crowded teeth. Formed when there is not enough space. The tight position causes the teeth to move relative to each other and they can rotate around their axis.
• Mesial bite. This malocclusion is characterized by a protruding lower jaw. From the side, it looks like a slightly protruding chin and a slightly concave profile of the face.
• Cross bite.The teeth of the upper row are located both outside and inside the lower one. Usually the incisors are in close contact with each other.
• Deep bite. The incisors of the upper dentition almost completely overlap the lower ones.

Benefits of aligners for aligning teeth

Compared to non-removable devices, transparent aligners also favorably differ and have:

• Aesthetic appearance – aligners are thin, transparent and completely invisible to others;
• Reliable fixation on the jaw – mouthguards are made individually for you, fit tightly on the teeth and do not fall out during communication;
• Ease of wearing – the habituation process takes place as soon as possible and the plastic device does not damage the mucous membrane;
• Ease of maintenance.Special attention and care of aligners is not required, so there is no need to learn specific cleaning techniques. It is enough to clean the system with a regular toothbrush from plaque and rinse in water;
• Reduced treatment time;
• The material of the removable device is safe for health;
• It is possible to use aligners for teeth whitening, it is enough to apply a special compound on the inner surface of the aligners.

Treatment with removable devices is the simplest and most comfortable.It is only important not to forget to regularly monitor the cleanliness of your own teeth.

Stages of bite correction with aligners

Orthodontic treatment involves placing aligners only on healthy teeth. All treatment takes place in 4 stages:

1. Bite data collection . The doctor takes a photo of the face, takes plaster casts from the jaw. This stage takes place in the orthodontist’s office.
2. Computer simulation . Impressions of the jaws with the rest of the collected data on the state of the oral cavity are sent to the manufacturing plant, where a computer 3D model is made using them.The model calculates the movement of teeth and the time required for this.
3. Manufacturing cap . Based on the simulation, individual aligners are created. They usually require about 30 sets for the entire treatment. Their number depends on the defect of the teeth.
4. Wearing aligners . The duration of wearing is known in advance and is calculated using a computer model. The patient is given a set of mouth guards with instructions for their use. When the teeth are moved, the old set of mouthguards is changed to the next one.

The average time to correct a malocclusion with mouth guards is about a year. It is recommended to remove them only for hygienic cleaning and during meals.

Innovative technology for correcting bite without braces using 3D modeling discreetly and delicately straightens the teeth.

Aligners price

We offer treatment with aligners Invisalign, Star Smile, AIR ALIGN. You have the opportunity to pay the cost of the entire treatment at once and receive a bonus from us or choose an installment plan.

Star Smile treatment price:

1. Manufacturing of the Star Smile system – 100000.00

2.