San Antonio, Texas
Occlusion Connections, located in Las Vegas, Nevada is the leading post-graduate dental teaching center for TMJ / TMD.
Why Is the Bite So Important? Why Do I Train with Occlusion Connections?
Here is a quote from Dr Chan himself (founder of Occlusion Connections):
New knowledge and understanding of the influences of occlusal proprioception on the human body requires intimate awareness of the histological, anatomic and physiologic reality of the neuromuscular complex. The dentist should not only be the caretakers of the dentition, but of the health of all the structures innervated by and/or associated to the trigeminal nerve. Neuromuscular principles of occlusion are not new to the profession, but rather they further build on past gnathological concepts on which our present dental profession is based on. Instrumentation has been used to objectively quantify and validate physiologic discoveries to occlusion. This knowledge and training confirmed with technology allows the restoration of pathologic dentitions to a stable & healthy dentition, previously unattainable for function, self preservation and aesthetics.
In other words: Sometimes, patients discover that TMD, the underlying cause of their worn or unattractive smile, is also the reason behind chronic headaches and incessant jaw pain.
By rejuvenating your smile with effective techniques taught at Occlusion Connections, Dr. Brian Hale’s patients receive the best of both worlds; a beautiful smile and pain-free chewing & jaw function.
TMD Treatment Options
Once you have been diagnosed with TMD, you and Dr. Hale will discuss treatment options that will best meet your needs. In general, TMD treatment follows three basic steps:
- Relieve muscle spasms and pain
The primary concern is to alleviate your pain. This can be done immediately using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). This is a way to relax your muscles through gentle massage. There is a rhythmic pulsing that encourages relaxation by increasing your blood flow and pumping out waste products in your jaw and surrounding area. TENS also helps to relieve pain because it stimulates your body’s production of endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals. - Stabilize your bite
During this step, you will typically wear a temporary device, called an orthotic, over your teeth. This device allows Dr. Hale and his team to alter the plastic without adjusting your teeth until your bite has been stabilized. Once this happens and your painful symptoms are alleviated, we can move on to long-term management of your bite in this ideal position. - Long-term management
Permanent solutions to manage your new bite vary from patient to patient. Here are three of the most common approaches: - Coronoplasty: this consists of smoothing and reshaping your tooth enamel to permanently realign your bite. This simple procedure only works if your bite is slightly misaligned, and does not require the use of anesthesia.
- Restorations: this consists of using dental restorations such as inlays, onlays to maintain your optimum bite position.
- Reconstruction: this involves increasing the height of your teeth through the use of dental crowns. This method also maintains your ideal bite while providing support for your jaw bone and muscles.
- Orthodontics: this method is ideal for healthy teeth and involves moving them into their correct position using braces.
Serving the San Antonio area, Dr. Brian Hale is an experienced gneuromuscular dentist* who can help alleviate your TMJ pain and help you achieve a comfortable bite and picture-perfect smile. If you live in the San Antonio area, please schedule a consultation with our office today.
Describe Your TMJ
Printable Form (PDF)
To help us better understand your specific pain points and determine the ideal treatment, please print this form. Circle all symptoms that apply to you and bring it to your TMJ consultation.
