A computer-operated diagnostic aid using ultrasound enables the determination of the functional condition of the jaw joint and provides the metric data with a precision of 0.1 mm.
Immediate help in cases of pain in the muscles of the jaw, neck and back or Bruxismus (cushion filled with water)
- Equalizer
- A functional plate individually produced in the laboratory
Weight test with two scales according to Lilo Cross to measure any false statics.
With one foot on each of the scales shown here, any difference in weight indicates that the body’s center of gravity has shifted off-center. Most often a difference of up to five kilograms exists. Every fifth person has a difference of 6-10 kg and every tenth person has a difference of over 11 kg. Above a difference 5 kg, the body statics are very negatively affected and in need of correction.
- With one foot on each of the scales
Diagnosis and Therapy for CMD
Preparation of an extensive anamnesis for each patient is of critical importance for the diagnosis. For example, the trigger of CMD could be indicated by the initial pain ensuing a trauma (whip-lash, fall or hit), or a new dental replacement or a change in living conditions.
The subsequent clinical and manual analysis provides a good determination of the functional condition of the chewing apparatus and the related anatomical regions. If it is suspected that the jaw joint has been displaced, an “instrumental function analysis” will be needed.
The therapy for CMD patients can sometimes be very simple, provided the proper diagnosis has been made. In some cases it is sufficient to grind down a filling or a crown, which is too high.
In complicated cases a special and computer-aided designed functional plate is made to compensate for the false bite, thereby correcting the positioning of the jaw with regards to the teeth. Each plate is individually produced for our patients using the data acquired during the functional diagnostics. The statics of the entire body is orthopedically calculated, so that the therapy will be a long-term success.
( HYPERLINK "http://www.dr-achim-urban.de" www.dr-achim-urban.de, HYPERLINK "http://www.handchirurgie-diah.de" www.handchirurgie-diah.de). In cases in which the patient has extreme muscle tension, physical therapy is necessary in addition to the functional plate therapy (neuromuscular functional plate).
In cases in which a prosthetic treatment resulted in the displacement of the lower jaw, a new and extensive prosthetic treatment is necessary. Repositioning the lower jaw in the precise three-dimensional physiologically correct position is one of the hardest tasks in dentistry. Using the most modern electronic registration system and computer (i.e. optoelectronic procedures, such as with Condylocomp®), we are able to reconstruct the original bite and joint position of the patient.
After temporarily relieving the bite problem and repositioning the jaw, a prosthetic reconstruction is needed. A precise dental configuration of the chewing surface is needed analogous to the natural and individual situation with a precision of 0.1 mm. The exact transfer of the patient’s geometry into the measuring device of the dental technician (articulator) is an absolute prerequisite for the long-term success of the treatment. The molars and front teeth must be individually fitted in the form of the mouth structures (joints and muscles), since the form and function are directly connected. Using these methods a “healthy tooth replacement and bite” is achieved.
To avoid craniomandibular dysfunction from potentially developing, a functional analysis should be considered even for the slightest dental treatments.
The CMD-prevention measures are very important (also for children) in the sense of maintaining healthy teeth, and performing any orthodontic corrections according to functional aspects and under particular consideration of the human body statics and dynamics.
In orthopaedics, feet deformities and differences in the lengths of the legs in combination with a scoliosis or tilting hip are often the causes of knee problems, hip pain, spinal cord problems, headaches and pain in the jaw joint through the chain reaction triggering problems in the upper body regions. In such cases a functional analysis of the entire moving apparatus is needed, which include a three-dimensional measurement and functional registration of the spinal cord to determine the appropriate shoe insole or arch support ( HYPERLINK "http://www.dr-achim-urban.de" www.dr-achim-urban.de; HYPERLINK "mailto:ch.ludwig@cmhf.de" ch.ludwig@cmhf.de). The only insoles that are sensible enough and helpful in such situations are those individually made (using a cast of the sole, e.g. proprioceptive insoles according to Prof. Fusco), as has been verified in long-term studies in biomechanical laboratories.
Summary
The human body parts for motion (feet, legs, hips,) are more frequently dysfunctionally diseased or in need of correction than any other body part. Functional disturbances in one region of the body can be transferred to other regions through muscular chain connections, resulting in pain and structural changes far from the initial triggering area.
In some cases such disturbances originate in the chewing apparatus, due to an improper positioning of the mandible, or a displacement of the jaw through improper dental treatments (particularly prosthetics and orthodontics) or through bruxismus (pressing and grinding the teeth). In other cases improper functioning in other body regions has a negative impact on the muscles of the head, face, jaw and jaw joint.
An interdisciplinary and holistic analysis is essential.
Preventive measures starting in childhood can spare much suffering in later life.
It is very important to us, that you leave our office with the “right bite,” because your bite influences your posture, your life quality and your entire body. With the right bite, you function best!