We know you may have many questions regarding your or your child’s orthodontic care. As we have stated, our goal is to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis and treatment available based on a health model of an optimal natural dentition. It is impossible to separate the relationships of the TMJs (jaw joints), teeth, muscles and bite in orthodontic therapy. A health model includes the position and stability of the jaw joint, the relationship of the teeth and bite to this complex joint, and the function of the teeth when they have their complete unworn natural forms. Below is outlined some questions for you to consider when seeking additional information or a second opinion.
What is your orthodontic professional’s model of health and specific goals for completing treatment? Is it simply tooth alignment for straight teeth or is it bite correction therapy that creates an optimal bite with teeth that protectively chew, function, and look as nature intended?
Q: What are your treatment goals and will it emulate the Biologic Health Model?
The Biologic Health Model
In order to accurately evaluate the relationship of the upper and lower jaws, teeth, and joints, it is essential to utilize an articulator with a facebow recording and mounted models of the teeth.
Q: Will the diagnostic models of my teeth be mounted on a jaw simulator to accurately evaluate the position of my jaw joints and health of my bite?
Facebow Articulator (Jaw Simulator)
Jaw Joint (TMJ) health and position are most critical for long lasting, stable results. The relationship of the teeth to the joints cannot be separated.
Q: How will you determine this relationship before, during, and after my treatment?
By using 3-D digital imaging, called a CBCT, we can evaluate the health of the TMJ’s, the bones of the skull, bone around the teeth, airway, sinuses, and nasal passages to determine if there are any problems present in the soft tissues or skeleton. A complete TMJ, skeletal, chewing, and airway evaluation is a critical part of our diagnosis, as it should be for all orthodontic treatment.
Q: Will you be taking a CBCT to evaluate these important areas for a diagnosis?
Many patients, especially adults, have some tooth wear prior to treatment. Crowded and/or worn teeth do not meet each other in the same fashion as straight biologically aligned teeth. Therefore it is absolutely necessary to confirm proper jaw position and restore tooth form after orthodontic alignment for optimal health. A Bioesthetic trained professional is required to perform such treatment. Dental restorations or tooth additions are not available in the traditional orthodontic office, since their practice is limited to tooth movement only.
Q: What is your plan to add form back to my teeth before finishing my treatment?
Many orthodontic offices see a large number of patients and it is quite common in these offices to have auxiliary personnel providing care, but not in our office. I personally provide all orthodontic care and evaluate the progress and tooth relationships at every appointment. Proper TMJ position will be monitored and maintained before, during and after orthodontic treatment. The ultimate goal is to help you have optimal biologic health and a smile that will last a lifetime.