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If you suffer from constant headaches, living life to the fullest can be challenging! These and other symptoms of jaw-related dysfunction are sources of considerable stress and anxiety and can even affect the people around you.
South Lakewood Dental supports the overall health and well-being of individuals across our corner in the middle of eastern Colorado with therapies like DTR Bite Adjustment. This computer-guided therapy uses digital technology, the T-Scan™ by Tekscan, to collect measurements that provide insights into the relationship between the teeth and jaws and the overall function of these tissues.
“Malocclusion” refers to problems with how the opposing teeth in the upper and lower jaws touch each other when you close your mouth, also known as your “bite.” Malocclusion can stress the joints and interconnected soft and hard tissues. These imbalances may be responsible for chronic headaches, migraines, earaches, and pain in the face, neck, back, shoulder, and jaw.
Additionally, occlusal disharmony is associated with functional problems, for instance, jaw stiffness or “locking” when opening and closing your mouth and difficult and painful chewing.
Dr. Scott Stewart and the team at South Lakewood Dental can restore your comfort and quality of life by getting to the root of your pain and other often debilitating symptoms.
T-Scan™ differs from earlier-generation technologies, which only show positioning (“where” the opposing teeth touch). T-Scan™ takes such technologies one big leap further, as it assesses bite force as well as timing. So, we can see how much pressure a tooth places on the opposing tooth. The T-Scan™ system renders and allows us to view a “map” or model of your teeth on a monitor. This model clearly isolates and illustrates the location and extent of imbalances, which can damage the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues.
Depending on what Dr. Stewart finds, he may recommend specific treatments and adjustments to protect natural teeth and dental work from further damage caused by high forces. DTR depends on T-Scan™ and EMG (electromyography) as a potential therapy. This combination of capabilities measures the health of both the muscles and the nerve cells responsible for controlling them (motor neurons).
“Disclusion” itself refers to a lack of contact when the jaw is open; notably, separation associated with the back teeth as the jaw slides forward due to how the front teeth are aligned. The idea is to slightly and precisely adjust bite forces and improve occlusion. In doing so, the muscles relax, and symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) are alleviated. We can pinpoint the time it takes for the back teeth to “disengage” during jaw movements. By fully understanding the source of your pain and other troubles, we can resolve it!
Our patients at South Lakewood Dental appreciate that the T-Scan™-powered DTR therapy is:
As experts in oral and maxillofacial anatomy and function, you can trust Dr. Stewart and our talented team. Such expertise is combined with state-of-the-art diagnostics and computer-guided therapies.
Call (855) 233-0023 to schedule your appointment at the “home” of South Lakewood Dental in Lakewood, CO.