Headache and Jaw Therapy
An imperfect bite can affect you in ways that you would normally think were non-dental related.
Headaches are generally classified into the following basic types: sinus, cluster, tension and migraine. You can determine which type you have by discussing it with your physician or dentist. While headaches are typically treated by your physician, improper occlusion (your bite) may play a significant role in the types of headaches.
One type of headache, tension headache is by far the most common – estimated by some to be the cause of as much as 90% of all headaches. If you only experience this type of headache occasionally, they are often controlled with over the counter pain medication. However, if they occur with some regularity or have persisted for a long period of time, it is wise to discuss them with your dentist.
Head and neck pain is a common condition and one that might be resolved very simply or might be very complex and frustrating to treat, depending upon the circumstances. Because the true cause is sometimes very difficult to diagnose, such conditions have customarily been given a variety of non-specific names:
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TMJ (Temporomanibular Joint)
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MPD (Myofascial Pain Dysfunction)
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TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder)
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CMD (Craniomandibular Dysfunction)
The bite can also be a factor in many other types of pain or functional problems because of the inter-relationship of the overall musculoskeletal system.
- Painful clicking or popping of the jaw
- Swallowing problems
- Postural problems
- Excessive snoring or sleep apnea
An imperfect bite often plays a significant role in these conditions and our dentist, who is experienced in treating them may be able to resolve the problem alone. However, diagnosing these problems can be very difficult and may require the collective efforts of other professionals.
How does our dentist treat headaches, sore jaw, neck pain and other related symptoms?
Step One: Dr. Gelfand will create impressions of your teeth. Since these casts duplicate tooth anatomy, they offer a convenient way to study the tooth structure and arrangement of the teeth other than by direct examination.
Step Two: Neuromuscular and orthopedic dental treatment involves relaxing the muscles to their habitual state. We use a TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation), similar to those used in physical therapy practices. The TENS unit is used by delivering gentle electronic stimulation to your muscles. After about 45-60 minutes, this electrically induced ‘excercise’ will allow your muscles to overcome their programming. Once your muscles are relaxed, Dr. Gelfand will confirm and record the relaxed position of your jaw through a process called bite registration. Bite Registration is done by placing a fast setting putty-like material between your teeth, then guiding the jaw to the desired position.
Step Three: Our dentist will then make a custom orthotic to reposition your jaw into a more physiologic resting position. This initial phase is completely reversible and allows us to stabilize your new, more harmonious bite. Once an acceptable comfort level has been reached, a decision on long term options can be made. Your orthotic is removable, but is meant to be worn full time as your muscles become “deprogrammed".
Your Bite & Your New Smile
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses many possible types of treatment. This can range in complexity from simple whitening of the teeth to full-mouth reconstruction.
Muscle forces, even subconscious ones, like teeth grinding can be very harmful. Damage to natural teeth requiring veneers may have resulted from the constant application of these powerful forces. If this was the case, the same forces will be working against the veneers once they are applied to the teeth. For these reasons, Dr. Gelfand studies the status of muscles controlling the jaw, together with other factors affecting your bite. This information is used to plan the jaw position prior to application of the veneer, maximizing protection against damage to the veneers or further damage to the natural teeth.
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