|
Posture Analysis
ANABOLIC & PATHOLOGIC
For many years dental research has studied the relation of posture to the individuals bite. A clinical diagnosis of whether the unique bite of each person is normal or abnormal is currently impossible. Dentistry has no standard that is agreed upon to evaluate the patient's bite condition as normal or abnormal. However if one focuses on the fact the occlusal plane and the unique posture of each person are correlated, it becomes clear that observation of posture is probably an objective indicator of the bite state.
Each person's unique bite is a plane determined by the Y-axis of the trunk of the body and position of the head. This concept is defined as ideal occlusion, which is geometrically expressed in Figure 1 series 5 ( C.M. Guzay 1977 ).
|
Figure 1, series 5
|
Figure 1, series 6
|
If the bite is overclosed for some reason, the bite surpasses the X- axis plane and takes place above the X-axis.This clarifies the fact that the bite forces acts at this time on the A-teeth, B-temporomandibular joint and C- cervical vertebrae and becomes a latent cause for temporomandibular joint disease and cervical problems. This condition is defined as being in a state of pathological occlusion which is geometrically expressed in Figure 1 series 6.
This is where moire topography comes into practice. The posture photo is taken to evaluate each individual's Y-axis of the trunk of their body and position of their head. If the posture is correct we can project the objective indicator of the bite is normal as discussed earlier in ideal occlusion. If on the other hand the posture is not correct we can define the bite as abnormal.
The treatment for abnormal occlusion or posture imbalances involves a bite elevation device called a template(splint). The template is balanced for each patient over time until the posture is corrected and clinical signs reduced. The clinical results of template insertion are correction of improper posture, analgesic effect including headache relief,correction of the arrangement of cervical vertebrae, improvement of cerebrovascular circulation, correction of TMD and improvement in athletics by increasing motor ability such as muscle strength level and athletic performance and decreasing concussions especially in contact sports.
In conclusion, we are able to evaluate our patient's bite through a moire topograghical picture and base our treatment on the results. We are now able to help many postural concerns by understanding the close relationship between the axis of the trunk of the body and position of the head.
Facial Physiognomy
Facial evaluation in the human species has developed an attribute that is uncommon in all other forms of creation.
The human face has the potential to portray emotion and inner feelings by facial expression. Alterations of the face are able to be read by other members of the human race.
These changes are caused by involuntary muscle reactions that reflect themselves in the dermal layer. The change of musculature and overlying skin can depict happiness in a smile, anger in a scowl, fear or surprise in the over opened eyes, and embarrassment in the involuntary blush of skin.
Facial alterations not only show emotional reactions, but they are also demonstrative of deficiencies in the skeletal formation of its composition. Deviation which is embedded in the bony structure of the mandible and maxilla must be considered a part of the skeletal structure. As such, within the limitations of dental development, it gives support to the external tissue arrangement. The degree of support, or lack of it, has a reflection on the facial contour and is recognizable to the observing trained mind.
The loss of tissue tonus, or the development of a maxillo-mandibular eccentricity can be viewed as an occlusal fault. Analyzing the manifestation in the facial derangement, we can with reasonable certainty, determine the underlying cause of the fault and organize a program for correction.
Muscle tonus, to maintain a vibrant and normal condition, must neither be tensed nor contracted between the loci of attachment. When an occlusal deficiency exists, the muscles required to develop occlusion must over contract. This condition, if it prevails, will cause a bunching of the musculature involved, thereby shortening it. A spasmatic condition may then exist with the muscular potential for rebound becoming less and less. A manifestation of the structural deviation as well as a sagging of dermal layer may become evident.
TMJ
AN INTRODUCTION TO TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS:
From: Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders and Craniofacial Pain
By: Stephen David Smith D.M.D.
Introduction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction has been called “the great impostor” because its symptoms mimic and parallel so many other diseases. Patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) may complain about pain in and around the ear. They may also have a muscle-contraction headache pattern arising from the base of the skull, with pain radiating toward the top of the head and forward to the temple area. The affects of a malpositioned tempromandibular joint and mismatched, maloccluded jaw have been extensively detailed in the dental and medical literature. Stress-related jaw bruxism/clenching patterns and their effects in developing muscle-contraction pain cycles (myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome, MPD) have also been noted.
The prevalence of disorders of the temporomandibular joint apparatus is quite extensive. Statistical studies vary from a conservative 20% to a high 70% of the United States population having various degrees of this dysfunction. Keeping even the most conservative statistic in mind, a large portion of the population has some level of derangement of the temporomandibular joint and involvement of the associated musculature. The symptoms and severity may vary from patient to patient: they may initially have only slight painless clicking within the joint, or they may have a host of seemingly unrelated medical problems.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome are: pain in the face, teeth, and neck,, generalized headache, migraine-eye problems, neck ache, and back ache, sinusitis, hearing loss, earache-clogging and ringingin the ears, clicking and popping of the temporomandibular joint, stiff and sore jaws, inability to open or trismus, dental distress, swallowing difficulty, burning tongue, vertigo and dizziness, visual and motor incoordinations, facial neuralgia, fatigue and low energy level and restricted head, neck and jaw range of motion.
With this number of potential associated symptoms, difficulty in diagnostic screening becomes apparent. In many cases, a multidisciplinary team approach is required, including through medical history, as well as an extensive dental history with temporomandibular orthopedic detailed examination.
Newsletters, Seminars and Manuals
Dr. Burns has treated TMD clients since 1977, and lectures to interested dentists. The purpose of head, facial, neck and jaw pain therapy is summarized below.
"I, as a dentist, need to decide if patient’s occlusion is affecting their over all health. Through a diagnostic phase of therapy, I can then determine if treatment is necessary. Once treatment is undertaken, a more thorough understanding of the patient’s problems is discussed. At the completion of treatment, I have established the proper maxillo-mandibular relationship, then I stabilize this relationship in different manners. Diagnosing the problem and educating the patient are of the utmost important task.
I evaluated the meaning of occlusion not only from angle’s classification, but from years of research from the Academy of Physiologic Dentistry. It is based upon three factors that include the patient’s Posture, Physiology, and Dynamic Functions. I do subjective, objective and radiologic data to start my diagnosis. I take pictures for posture and physiologic responses. I determine by asking patients about the dynamic functions of their lower jaw by noting any problems i.e: respiration, nutrition, emotional expression, equilibrium, deglutition and speech. At this point, after all the medical tests have ruled out perpetuation factors i.e.: mechanical stresses, nutritional inadequacies, psychological factors, chronic infections, allergies, impaired sleep, radiculopathy and chronic visceral diseases. I place a template to diagnose the concerns that are dental in nature.
I then record, as the patient returns for periodic post-op adjustments, the effects of template therapy. The clinical effects of template insertion include:
1. Correction of improper posture: scoliosis
2. Analgesia: headache, stiff shoulders, neuralgia, abdominal pain, and menstrual pain
3. Autonomic nerve harmony: hypertension, low blood pressure, asthma, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and constipation.
4. Stabilization of the cervical vertebrae: whiplash syndrome, numbness of the upper extremities, torticollis and shoulder imbalance
5. Improvement of cerebrovascular circulation
6. Elevation of motor functions: all sports
7. Relief of temporomandibular arthrosis: facial pain, facial palsy and chronic rhinitis
8. Correction of personal occlusion: induction of the ideal occlusion.
The education process and diagnostic process are the most important phases of therapy. Support groups then meet monthly to further discuss and share common concerns. Once I have made a diagnosis from posture, physiology and dynamic functions and the patient improves, I prepare them for final stabilization. I then wait for 1-3 years to allow normalization of the maxillo-mandibular relationship prior to finishing. Stabilization of the patient can be accomplished in different manners depending on each individual’s case. I use overlay partial dentures, orthopedic appliances, orthodontics, full upper and lower dentures, and crown and bridge. Again, the patient must understand his/her problem and actively participate in his/her recovery."
Seminars
Dear Doctor,
If you are having problems getting information about TMJ and would like to be better informed about the subject, we have seminars relating to the diagnosis and treatment of this problem. The American Academy of Physiologic Dentistry has developed a teaching program to educate and assist in the vital area of patients health.
The Academy provides several training courses throughout the year. The classes provide the procedures necessary to correctly diagnose, treat and stabilize your patient. You will benefit from the training courses by learning the philosophy and concepts which will simplify your complete understanding of these procedures.
If you would like a better understanding of TMJ or would like to enroll in the A.A.P.D. seminar, please fill out the following information so that we may inform you of future dates. (Minimum of 8 doctors required.) Rates for seminars are as follows:
Template Course...$4,500.00
a) This course consists of 40 hours and takes 4 months. Once a month we will meet on Friday, 6-10 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
b) Each course includes materials, snacks, and lunch.
Denture Course...$1,125.00
a) This course consists of 10 hours. We will meet at my office on a Friday, 6 - 10 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
b) This course includes materials, snacks, and lunch.
Introduction to Template Therapy...$790.00
a) This course consists of 7 hours and can be arranged on Friday,Saturday and/or Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
b) This course includes materials, snacks and lunch.
Sports Dentistry and Concussions...$790.00
a) This course consists of 7 hours and can be arranged on Friday,Saturday and/or Sunday 9a.m.- 4p.m.
b) This course includes materials, snacks and lunch
Manuals
THE QUADRANT THEOREM
by C.M. Guzay, P.E.
A Novel, Biophysical Approach to:
Temporomandibular Disorders
Orthodontics
Holistic Treatment of Traumatic Dysfunction
- Twenty basic concepts, illustrated and reproduced on 8 X 10 photographic stock suitable for framing. Hard Cover
- Each illustration accompanied by detailed explanations describe the origin of the concept and its potential in the evaluation of structural components in:
- ORTHODONTICS
- T.M.J. DISORDERS
- TRAUMATIC DYSFUNCTION
- Gnathological Illustrations and Explanations
Based in thirty years of research and development, the book analyzes the factors involved in:
- Physiological and Pathological Occlusion
- Condylar Function and Dysfunction
- Cause of Tooth Disharmony
- The Envelope of Motion
- Skeletal Structuring in the Class I, II, & III Patients
- Functional Requirements of NORMOGNATHIC, RETROGNATHIC, and PROGNATHIC PATIENTS
- Geometric Analysis of Anatomical Function
PRICE $85.00
|
