Correction of Occlusal Damage

Correction of Occlusal Damage caused by braces

Traditional orthodontics has been the treatment of choice for correcting a variety of tooth alignment go to invisalign, bite alignment, tooth rotations and slow erupting tooth structures.

For many individuals, orthodontists (board certified) and orthodontic dentists begin treatment programs during late childhood to take advantage of certain developmental cycles that are operating as adult tooth structures take final form.

Young adults.... and even older adults may undergo orthodontic treatment to correct alignment issues that either don't self correct or become more manifest caused by continually shifting teeth. (go to braces page)

Our patient, a young male, wore traditional metal braces for four years to correct significant spacing and alignment issues. As in most orthodontic treatment plans, the posterior tooth structures function as the anchoring devices for the braces.

During treatment, the braces and wires are adjusted from time to time to assure certain tooth structures move into optimal positions that are cosmetically (go to lumineers) and functionally correct, or balanced.

Physical forces operate on the posterior tooth structures as upper and lower arches are slowly influenced to move into predefined positions determined by the treating doctor. When the patient first presented in our office (referred by his medical doctor) and described his orthodontic treatment, he reported having severe migraine headaches (link to tmj) during the entire treatment and after treatment.

Cosmetically, it appeared to the treating orthodontist and even the patient that his teeth were always in good shape and apparent healthy alignment. The orthodontist, patient and other treatment professionals could find no apparent clues for the etiology of the migraine headaches (link to migraineheadachepain.com).

Dr. Halmaghi performed a series of diagnostic studies that assessed jaw movements, resting jaw positions and used articulation data that immediately revealed that the extended use of the metal braces (link to braces) caused gross distortion of the posterior teeth on the upper arch.

Diagnostic models were prepared, one of which is presented here that readily shows the faulty alignment of the rear most teeth. The posterior teeth cannot attain a normal resting nor biting and chewing relationship with the lower arch.

This type of relationship causes undue strain on the tmjoints which typically leads to excessive strain and the eventual perception of generalized headaches and migraine pain.

Occlusion Adjustment

Correcting the distortions of an occlusal plane is typically achieved through the use of different types of dental components which can range from new posterior crowns, gold onlays and porcelain onlays. For some patients, Dr. Halmaghi creates custom orthotic devices.

The correction process occurs over an extended time period. Adjustments are made in incremental steps which allow the jaw structures to achieve healthier repositioning through a natural process.

Articulation data generated after each completed step influences the amount of subsequent adjustments, until the jaw structures and tmjoints have achieved optimal resting and biting relationships. Attempts to readjust an occlusal relationship in one reconstructive treatment typically result in failure.

If you have any more questions or would like to schedule a consultation at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan, call 248-646-2273.