Kineseology is defined as the sum of what is known regarding human motion; the study of motion of the human body (Dorland’s Medical Dictionary). In more recent years confusing terminology has developed between the clinical discipline called applied “kinesiology” and the more quantitative scientific definition of “kinesiology”. Eversaul defined applied kineseology as, “concerned with the dynamics of smoooth and striated musculature, and the impact of those functions on structural entities, healing processes, and disease resistance.(1)
Mandibular kineseology is the analysis and study of mandibular jaw tracking movements to describe and record motion events. Mandibular kinesiology (jaw tracking) is an indispensible means to analyze muscular, ligamentous,bony and occlusal compnents of masticatory function.
When the clinician is attempting to take an Optimized Bite the K7 kineseograph has been noted as highly effective and scientific tool to objectively measure, document and assist the clinician to see fine jaw movements and postural responses that would not typically be seen even with the best trained eyes of the dentist.
I believe that the K7 is not just for verification when implement these advanced bite recording techniques. There are four main components to the Chan Optimized Bite protocol: 1) Low frequency TENS to physiologically relax muscles and break up muscle and occlusal engrams, 2) trained visual observation of the patients mandibular movements and posturing, 3) optimizing verbal commands and techniques to reduce the temporomandibular disc and associated structures and 4) the use of the K7 that amplifies in more detail the finer movements of the patient’s jaw on the computer monitor screen to enhance the operators visual perception and accuracy.
The doctors must implement all four at a skilled level to implement the Chan Optimized Bite protocol. Even with trained doctors who are experience in the use of TENS and capture the NM bite, a keen visual focus on both the patient’s jaw movement, positioning, as well as the added benefit of the K7 is necessary to obtain the “sweet spot” accurately. Clinicians will not be able to achieve the Optimized Bite with just the eyes and TENS only with the 0.1-0.3 precision that is possible when following the Chan Optimized Bite technique. Without the K7 doctors will not be able to achieve this level of accuracy, unless one wants their bite to be an Optimized TENS bite registration only.
In my experience and opinion, the clinician cannot achieve an Optimized Bite without the K7 including myself. Doctors can achieve an improved bite that is close to the Chan Optimized bite with TENS and visual observation, but will not achieve the 0.1-0.3 mm precision consistently and accurately to establish optimal position, function and health for the patient client. With advanced training and a complete knowledge the K7 can help the clinicial visualize at a higher level the dynamics of jaw movements, body responses as well bring to light a more complete understanding of what the myomonitor pulse is exhibiting. Using the TENS only even in the best of hands to capture a bite will produce a good result about 80% of the time.
Astute advocates and clinicians of our protocol have indicated to accurately achieve the “Chan Optimized Bite”consistently a 4-pronged protocol is necessary: (i) TENsing, (ii) visual observation of the individual’s jaw movements and positioning, (iii) optimizing verbal commands and techniques to reduce entrapped disc of the temporomandibular joints and in tandem with (iv) K7 monitoring. Each component plays its own important role in the process like the 4 legs of a stool. One would not want any one leg to dominate the other two.
The K7 and TENS does not diagnose neither records the Optimized Bite…the trained dentist does!
K7 Evaluation System
Jaw Tracking Functions and INDICATIONS FOR USE:
- Tracks mandibular movement and position
- For the diagnosis of functional disorders such as TMJ/MPD syndrome, muscle, tension, bruxing, and instability of occlusion
- Identification of mandibular rest position
- Identification of interocclusal distance and freeway space
- Monitors the position of the jaw in three dimensions
- Represents the spatial position of the mandibular incisal edge relative to the skull.
Electromyographic Functions and INDICATIONS FOR USE:
- Intended for use for the muscles of mastication, especially temporalis massetter, and digastric
- Designed to perform a limited number of functions in dental diagnosis
- For use as a stand alone system for clinical monitoring of up to eight different muscles. It is ideally suited for diagnosis and treatment evaluation by recording function/dysfunction of the muscles of the stomatognathic system.
- The determination of the degree of relaxation of a particular muscle or muscle group at rest.
- The precise measurement of relative levels of contraction of several muscles during a functional test.
For Both Functions of the K7 Device:
- Diagnosis and management of TMJ/MPD disorders, orthodontic patients, denture patients, and reconstruction patients.
Other Blogs Related Blog Article: “Chan Scan”
Read More: J5 Myomonitor TENS – Indications and Contraindications in Dentistry
Read More: Neuromuscular Instrumentation ADA/FDA Approved
Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S.
Reference:
- Eversaul, G.A.: Clinical Management of Head, Neck and TMJ Dysfunction. W. B. Saunders, 1977, p. 480.
About Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S.
The Originator of the Chan Optimized Bite™. He is considered by many to be the authority on Neuromuscular Occlusion and its application to Clinical Dentistry. Dr. Chan is a general dentist, clinician, teacher, educator and leader .
Director, Occlusion Connections™ Center for Gneuromuscular Dentistry & Orthopedic Occlusal Advancement
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