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Dr. Steven Lind, DMD
PH. 503-566-7000
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The Science behind the Bite
A misaligned bite (malocclusion) can cause a wide range of dental problems. If left untreated, malocclusion can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which in turn can lead to many painful, debilitating conditions that can affect your general health as well as your psychological health.
Many individuals have some degree of malocclusion. Even those who have had braces or have used other orthodontic appliances in the past may still develop a misaligned bite. In the majority of cases, malocclusion develops very gradually. Many patients do not notice until a considerable amount of tooth damage has already occurred. Here are a few symptoms of a misaligned bite:
- Broken or loosened crowns or fillings
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Excessive, or uneven tooth wear
- Receding gums
- Tooth loss
- TMD symptoms – please visit our TMD page for complete information
Diagnosis and treatment of bite problems
Most telltale signs of bite problems can be detected by the naked eye of a trained neuromuscular dentist. This is not always the case, however. Subtle bite problems may require the use of MRI and K6 technologies. MRI technology provides a 3-dimensional image and analysis of your jaw structure while K6 technology can be used to measure and analyze jaw movements to an accuracy of .1 millimeters. Electromyograph (EMG) and sonograph technologies are also useful tools to aid in diagnosis. Which of these technologies will be necessary for you will depend on the extent of your malocclusion.
Treatment methods for bite problems range from stress management/relaxation therapy, hot/cold packs, diet and lifestyle changes, to more involved procedures such as braces, orthodontic appliances, even surgery. TMD treatments can get very involved depending on the severity of the problem.
If you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, you may have a bite problem. As with any disorder, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. Small bite problems can rapidly develop into very serious ones. Only an experienced, qualified neuromuscular dentist has the tools and expertise to diagnose and effectively treat your malocclusion. If you live in the Portland area, please contact The Art of Smile Making today to arrange a complimentary consultation.
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