By: Dr. Grace (I-Yin) Liu, DMD- All About Smiles, P.A.,
North Wilmington and Pike Creek, DE

From our previous article in the Women’s Journal, we had discussed the three components of the chewing system (Teeth, Muscle, Joints).We now know how important it is to keep all three components working in harmony. No longer should we, the dentist, prescribe treatment plans for teeth without considering the consequence and effect on the other two components. By applying this philosophy into practice, it forces the oral health physicians to modify many common treatment procedures in order to achieve this neuromuscular balance in the chewing system.

This month, let’s look at Neuromuscular Orthodontics and how the unique benefits of this brand of orthodontic offers some major differences and unique benefits to traditional orthodontics.

Today’s dental patient is much more educated about their general health. They want and demand a higher level of care. Not only do most patients want to know how and why their bodies work in a certain manner, they now are bombarded with information on their computers, TV, radio and the print information from magazines, not to mention the information they receive from their health care providers. Patients in pain want to know WHY!

SO WHY DO SO MANY CHILDREN AND ADULTS NEED BRACES?

Pollution! It is the source of all evil! Well, almost all evil. Researchers observed Eskimo children who had lived in pristine environment where there is next to no pollution. Once these children were transplanted to Western civilization, many of them started to develop sinus and upper airway issues, including allergies. The air flow pattern through the upper airway (including the nose) begins to change, which as a consequence, changes the shape of the upper jaw. Along with the jaw position change, teeth will erupt in the incorrect positions as well.

Another consequence is grinding. Allergy induced fluid build up in the inner ear tubes. Pain increases as the fluid pressure builds up. To get relief from the pressure, a person would move their jaw in a circular motion-hence, the grinding motion. Such movement forces would contribute to malposing dentition.

For years children and adult patients have sought treatment from orthodontists to relieve crowding, correct misaligned teeth, and bite issues through appliances and braces. Following treatment, a retainer is usually placed to retain the alignment of the teeth. But if the retainer is not worn, the teeth will eventually revert to their original position.

The Neuromuscular dentist takes traditional orthodontics one step further by looking at what causes the problem in the first place. They look at not only how the teeth come together in the jaw, but also, how the muscles and nerves interact and work sometimes contradictorily with the teeth, jaws and joint. By reducing the negative forces, teeth will be more likely to stay in the correct position without the help of a retainer.

A potential neuromuscular patient undergoes extensive evaluation which includes a thorough medical and dental history, evaluation of the head and neck, including imaging, dental radiographs, diagnostic models, pictures, and an Electromyography scan (an analysis of how the muscles are working to cause movement of the teeth) and evaluation of the all important airway. It is important for the patient to find not only a “bite” where the teeth come together, but more importantly to find the “natural bite” so that the jaw will always find the most harmonious bite every time. In this way, the treatment will have a more successful end result!

When the dentist develops a treatment plan for the patient, it is important to work closely with the primary physician and other health care specialties such as an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Physician, neurologists, physical therapist, and other allied health professionals, etc. to coordinate the total health and wellness of the patient. Each patient is unique and an individualized treatment must be developed to correct the mal-posed dentition as well as relieve airway or pain issues.

So far we have discussed some of the causes of developmental malocclusion; and we have highlighted the benefit of NM Orthodontics. We must also acknowledge that current conventional orthodontic treatment philosophies have their own merits. The body of supporting research and science is undeniable. Countless people have and will benefit from it. The relationship between conventional and neuromuscular orthodontic is a mutually beneficial one where both sides can learn from each other. Ultimately, it is the patients who reap the benefit of HIGHER QUALITY CARE. There is a place for both the traditional orthodontist and the Neuromuscular dentist in providing the appropriate services to meet the patient’s total oral health needs.

Dr. Grace Liu has been practicing dentistry since 1996 having earned her degree from the New York University School of Dentistry. She continued her education through post-graduate studies at Columbia University, the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Studies in Nevada and the Academy of General Dentistry. She is a member of the Delaware State Dental Society, American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics.

Dr. Lewis Yu earned his degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry in 1996. He received two years of advanced post-graduate oral surgery training in both the New York City Hospital System and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He continues his education through extensive training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Studies and the Pankey Institute. He has practiced in Philadelphia and Newark, DE before joining All About Smiles, P.A. He is a member of the Delaware State Dental Society, American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Grace Liu and Dr. Lewis Yu are married and have two children.
Visit www.allaboutsmilesde.com.

All About Smiles, PA. offers comprehensive general and cosmetic dental services, such as veneers, crown, bridge, implants, whitening, as well as, Invisalign®. The practice also provides comprehensive neuromuscular(TMD) evaluations and treatment and smile makeovers.

About Smiles, P.A. has two convenient locations at 4543 Stoney Batter Road, Wilmington, DE 19808; 302/239-1641 and 3411 Silverside Road, Concord Plaza, Weldin Building, Suite 100, Wilmington, DE 19810; 302/478-0666. Visit the website at www.allaboutsmilesde.com for directions, hours and more services.