OBI Bioesthetic Dentist Creating Stability in the Chewing System: Part 2

My previous blog regarding bioesthetic dentistry in the Inland Empire gave an overview on the principles of why I am an OBI trained dentist. Diagnosing balance or imbalance in the chewing system is critical for preventing excessive tooth wear, muscle pain, and tempromandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). In this particular blog I am going to discuss how I create stability and harmony in the chewing system with my knowledge from OBI.

The first step in determining whether or not your chewing system is functional is to perform a complete analysis of the current function of your chewing system. The chewing system consists of the teeth, jaw joints, bones, muscles, lips, nerves, tongue, mouth, and face. All of these combine with one another to provide balance in the chewing system.  Thus creating a natural- looking smile, healthy chewing system, and even bite.

The chewing system analysis (occlusal analysis) consists of taking dental impressions to make a device called a “MAGO.”  This device is used temporarily to balance the bite, relax the facial muscles, and to stabilize the tempromandibular joint (TMJ).  This removable appliance helps to prevent further destruction that current clenching/grinding may be causing, as well as, alleviating TMJ discomfort and headaches.

The second step in the analysis is taking another set of dental impressions as study models.  This special mold of the chewing system allows me to measure and record the TMJ jaw joint position along with its rotation in a natural state. I also measure how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the jaw joint (TMJ) is in its proper location.  When mounted on a special jaw simulator device, I can determine what part or parts of the chewing system are imbalanced, thus allowing me to determine how I can correct the problem.

Please contact my Inland Empire Biological and Dental Wellness office located in Riverside, Ca. for a free consultation to determine if bite is imbalanced at (951)686-3666.