Occlusal Equilibration (Bite Adjustment) for TMJD
As much as 65-85 percent of the United States population will experience some signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders (TMJD) within their lifetime. Approximately 35 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems. TMJD refers to a complex set of conditions that can cause pain in the area of the jaw joint and associated muscles and/or problems using the jaw. Both or just one of the Temporomandibular joints may be affected. TMJDs can affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe.
There are multiple causes of TMJD and several treatment options. One of the simplest, and least invasive, ways is to perform an occlusal equilibration (bite adjustment). This procedure will, in 2 or 3 visits usually, even out and improve the relationship of the upper and lower teeth, therefore improve the health of the Temporomandibular joints and the muscles associated with them.
Identifying Your Perfect Bite
We always look forward to introducing you to the latest dental innovations. Our practice has just acquired the T-Scan II - a grid based sensor technology for computerized digital occlusal (bite) imaging.
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T-Scan Grid mode allows for more flexibility in comparing a series of movies |
Measuring your bite used to involve clumsy tools like carbon paper, waxes, and paste. With T-Scan II, you need only bite down on an ultra-thin sensor while the computer analyzes and displays the data. Computer graphics allow both of us to see the balance of your bite, and let us make accurate adjustments more easily. Data can be printed for our records or for insurance documentation.
The most dramatic benefit of this amazing new technology is its prevention potential. With it, we can not only diagnose existing problems, but help you to avoid bite and jaw joint disorders, implant failure, unstable dentures, porcelain fractures, or other bite-related problems!
Ask us about T-Scan II the next time you're in the office.
