Any orthodontic intervention, which is aimed at changing the bite and correction of the dentition, affects masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The occurrence of symptoms of musculo-articular dysfunction is associated with improper treatment which is primarily targeted at achieving a perfect aesthetic effect. Meanwhile, functional aspects often fall through the cracks. The likelihood of such symptoms is high enough.
Gnathological orthodontics is one of the main trends in modern dentistry, the aim of which is to study the interaction of human dentofacial system with the organism as a whole.
DEFINITION OF TMJ – WHAT IS IT AND WHY DOES IT POSE DIFFICULTIES?
The system consists of two divisions, one of which is the lower jaw, attached with its articular head to the glenoid fossa of the skull. TMJ is responsible for the productivity of mandibular division, a person’s ability to open and close the mouth and chew food. The slightest change in this part of the dental-maxilla apparatus leads to the development of pain in the occipital, cervical spine and face. All of these may be followed by buzzing in ears, crunch in joints.
Malfunction factors of the temporomandibular joint:
This results in teeth loosening and abrasion, joint dislocation, pinched nerve and blood vessels. This entails the development of pain, especially while chewing food.
WHEN DO PATIENTS NEED HELP OF A DENTIST-GNATHOLOGIST?
Using special diagnostic technology, gnathologists of the clinic define the root causes and the extent of changes in dental system functions and according to the results find the best option to solve this problem. Gnathologist’s help is needed even at an early stage of dysfunction, even more so, in the advanced stage, when evidently you won’t do without surgical intervention.
The first symptoms which point to the necessity to turn to a dentist-gnathologist:
Toothache in angles area of the lower jaw, excluding caries, is the main symptom which is associated with TMJ. For the diagnostics of TMJ and dental-maxilla apparatus malfunction dentists use modern equipment which helps define the work of muscles, joints, location and teeth overcrowding.
METHODS OF ELIMINATING MALFUNCTIONS IN WORK OF DENTAL SYSTEM
To relieve tension and restore muscle function after attaching orthodontic systems and orthodontic treatment specialists of the clinic prescribe wearing cap and trainers. Such systems can short-cut the treatment process and avoid problems with teeth overcrowding and divergence and prevent the development of pathological curvatures.
Myogymnastics is another way to restore muscles of dentofacial system. This technique helps stimulate the formation of a correct bite and prevent relapses after orthodontic treatment.
Occlusal correction is dental procedure which is performed to normalize the interproximal contacts. Its essence is to change the shape of certain parts of the occlusal surface of the teeth. The procedure consists of slicing of separate teeth surfaces and is carried out by medical prescription of the orthodontist after a thorough examination and it is absolutely safe.