Cosmetic Dentistry 411

Many individuals who experience chronic headaches and migraines often go many years without properly diagnosing the cause. It is not until a visit to the dentist that most discover that their ailments are due to an improper bite. Either from improper jaw development, unbalanced muscle function, unbalanced dental treatment, or tooth loss/wear, persistent pain is present if not corrected. Now, with the advanced technology in the neuromuscular dentistry field, those who suffer from these undesirable aches can undergo treatment that will help to eliminate problems with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or TMD) and fibromyalgia.

It is important for patients to visit a dentist who is trained and experienced in this type of dental treatment in order to ensure optimal results. Neuromuscular dentistry professionals have the ability to properly diagnose patients who are experiencing head and neck pains, as well as postural issues that stem from an improper bite. At the Columbus, Ohio practice of Mark Levy, D.D.S., he performs various tests to determine how to manipulate the bite; these tests include computerized jaw tracking, electromyography, sonography, and Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS). A relaxed bite is recorded.

The first step to treat TMJ is the use of anatomical orthotics to align the teeth and correct the bite, allowing the muscle to readjust in a more natural manner. Phase two involves more long term orthotics or orthodontics (braces) to fully improve the jaw’s position and reduce strain on the muscular structure that causes headaches and migraines.

In addition to treating patients with TMJ, Dr. Levy often meets with those who suffer from sleep apnea and/or snoring. Those in the Columbus, Ohio area may browse his website to schedule an appointment.

With the United States economy in such dire straits, it’s no surprise that many Americans are doing whatever they can to tighten the belt and save money where ever possible. Unfortunately, this can also mean settling for what would normally be considered a “Second Rate” alternative.

This trend seems to be holding true with the Cosmetic Dentistry field. Many Americans are finding that taking a quick trip down to Central or South America, or even heading up north to Canada, can sometimes save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But what price are we paying for cutting corners?

With the travel to a foreign country for the procedure itself, what becomes of after care? When we are trying to save money by visiting someone outside of the US, how do really know their experience and qualifications? With so many scary stories abounding on the internet in regards to people traveling to places like Mexico for things like breast augmentation or gastric bypass and passing away days later from improper medical practices or lack of sterility in the operating room, does a few more hundred dollars really matter in the grand scheme of things?

Personally, I would rather spend the money and save my health and peace of mind. What are your thoughts?

The speed at which technology moves these days is truly amazing. The latest to hit the field of cosmetic dentistry is brought to you by a company called Biolase. This new advance in laser dentistry helps make those trips to the dentist a little less painful and anxiety ridden.

With that annoying drilling sound gone, a trip to the dentist has just become, well a little more bearable. Now if they could only do something about those unnecessarily large needles they use to numb your mouth…