Creating beautiful smiles to last a lifetime.
Tongue Thrusting Causes Bad Bite
Many orthodontists have had the discouraging experience of completing dental treatment, with what appeared to be good results, only to discover that the case had relapsed because the patient had a tongue thrust swallowing pattern. If the tongue is allowed to continue its pushing action against the teeth, it will continue to push the teeth forward and reverse the orthodontic work. The force of the tongue against the teeth is an important factor in contributing to malformation (“bad bites”).
Tongue thrusting is the habit of thrusting the tongue forward against the teeth or in between while swallowing. It is normal for infants to thrust their tongues between their gums but by the age of 6, normal swallowing patterns should be developed. A normal swallowing pattern involves squeezing the tongue against the roof of the mouth instead of pushing it forward against the teeth. For tongue thrusters, the constant pressure of the tongue pressing up against the teeth during each swallow and even at rest causes a number of different problems and will force the teeth out of alignment.
There are several different types of tongue thrust and resultant orthodontic problems:
• Anterior open bite – the most common and typical type of tongue thrust. In this case, the front lips do not close and the child often has his mouth open with the tongue protruding beyond the lips. In general, it has been noted that a large tongue usually accompanies this type of tongue thrust.
• Anterior thrust – upper incisors are extremely protruded and the lower incisors are pulled in by the lower lip. This particular type of thrust is most generally accompanied by a strong mentalis (muscle of the chin).
• Unilateral thrust – the bite is characteristically open on either side.
• Bilateral thrust – the anterior bite is closed; however the posterior teeth from the first bicuspid to the back molars may be open on both sides. This is the most difficult thrust to correct.
• Bilateral anterior open bite – the only teeth that touch are the molars with the bite completely open on both sides including the anterior teeth. Once again a large tongue is also noted.
• Closed bite thrust – typically shows a double protrusion meaning that both the upper and lower teeth are flared out and spread apart.
When a tongue thrust exists, the upper arch collapses from improper lateral development usually provided from a normal posturing tongue. A patient with a tongue thrust often has difficulties with speech, especially the “S” and “Z” sounds. The patient is often a mouth breather, and when at rest, rests with their mouth open with a forward tongue position. Tongue thrusters will often make a funny face when swallowing or appear to be frowning. Most tongue thrusters are unable to “Click” with their tongues.
In order for orthodontics to be successful, tongue thrusting habits have to be re-trained into normal swallowing patterns prior to the completion of treatment. Dr. Adler prefers to use a Fixed Myo-Functional Tongue Trainer also known as Myo-Functional Bead. The Myo-Fuctional Bead is used to train the tongue to swallow in a correct pattern. The patient is instructed to spin the bead with the posterior aspect of the tongue. This exercise teaches the tongue to squeeze against the roof of the mouth instead of pushing forward against the teeth. There are many designs for a Myo-Functional Bead. Ideally, the bead is placed posteriorly, between the 1st molars. A Myo-Functional Bead can be placed on numerous appliances both fixed and removable, and can be added to prefabricated appliances.
It is important to recognize tongue thrusting during early development so that the behavior can be retrained and cause less damage to the bite and speech patterns. Dr. Adler is available for complimentary consultations regarding tongue thrusting and orthodontics. Please call the office at 303-449-1119 to schedule.
Tags: boulder, Colorado, denver, orthodontics
Neuromuscular Orthodontics | Boulder-Denver Colorado Adler Dentistry Introduces New Service to Area
Adler Cosmetic Dentistry of Boulder announces availability of neuromuscular orthodontics treatment for the greater Denver-Boulder metro area. LVI trained dentist Dr. Michael Adler provides nationally recognized dental services from his Boulder Colorado office.
Boulder, Colorado, May 31, 2010 – Adler Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today released an announcement confirming the availability of neuromuscular orthodontics services in the Denver-Boulder metropolitan area. Dr. Michael Adler has advanced training in the specialization known as neuromuscular orthodontics and holds a fellowship from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI). Dr. Adler and his practice is widely known in the Denver-Boulder area, along the Colorado Front Range, and nationally for its exceptional skills in the practice of advanced dentistry.
Neuromuscular orthodontics can be used to reposition an improper bite. Its practice goes a step beyond traditional orthodontics as a method of restorative therapy. Neuromuscular orthodontics considers the entire system that controls the positioning and function of a patient’s jaw – the teeth, muscles and joints – resulting in jaw position.
Misalignment of the bite or TMD/TMJ is reported to affect approximately 15 percent of American adults, with an even higher prevalence among women. Symptoms may include headaches, neck pain, clicking or popping of the jaw, clenching or grinding, dizziness, ringing in the ears, tingling of the fingertips, nervousness, and sleep disorders. Using neuromuscular techniques a patient’s bite can be adjusted to its optimal functionality to address the related symptoms. Neuromuscular orthodontics is also an ideal approach for children to guide their growth to a more ideal position.
If it is determined that the bite is the likely cause of the dysfunction, a new jaw position is identified that leaves jaw muscles in a more relaxed state. Numerous treatment options are available and can be discussed with Dr. Adler. Adler Cosmetic and Family Dentistry works to determine the proper states of the muscles, teeth and joints to develop a fully balanced treatment plan. The result is a smile and bite that is not only aesthetically appealing but neuromuscularly correct.
Adler Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is open weekdays by appointment. Additional information about the practice and services offered is available at www.adlerdentistry.com.
About Adler Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
The cosmetic and family dental practice of Dr. Michael Adler is based in the Colorado community of Boulder, a convenient and scenic drive from most locations in the Denver and Front Range areas. Boulder, Colorado is also an inviting destination location for visiting out-of-state patients seeking Dr. Adler’s specialized attention. Dr. Adler is nationally recognized for his work and is committed to providing his patients with the highest level of care in both cosmetic and family dentistry. The practice maintains a website at www.adlerdentistry.com and regularly publishes information on its blog at www.adlerdentistry.com/blog.
Contact
Name: Heather Ramsey
Email: heather@adlerdentistry.com
Phone: (303) 449-1119
Adler Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
1810 30th Street
Boulder, CO 80301
Tags: boulder, Colorado, denver, neuromuscular, orthodontics
Pediatric Orthodontics from A Neuromuscular Perspective
Dr. Adler of Adler Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is constantly expanding his knowledge of the most up to date technology and treatment techniques available. Recently Dr. Adler has attended several courses at the world renowned Las Vegas Institution (LVI) on Pediatric Orthodontics – A Neuromuscular Perspective. These courses focus on understanding the facial development, skeletal malocclusions, airway obstruction and the value of early intervention. Early detection and treatment of malocclusion and airway obstruction in children is important to prevent these issue from developing further and causing additional problems to the patients as they grow older and have to treat these compounded issues as adults.
Dr. Adler has been treating his patients with neuromuscular dentistry for many years with great success. The use of orthodontics from a neuromuscular perspective for both his adult and pediatric patients has added another valuable tool to his already impressive arsenal. When people think of orthodontics they immediately think of wearing braces. Braces along with an assortment of other retention devices can not only straighten teeth from an aesthetic prospective but also realign a misaligned bite and open up obstructed airways. Dr. Adler is excited to be able to offer his patients this new and expanded treatment option as a way to resolve their dental needs.
Tags: neuromuscular, orthodontics, pediatric
Creating beautiful smiles to last a lifetime.