by Clayton A. Chan, DDS
General laws of homeostasis support the desirability of analysis of maxillo-mandibular posture from optimal muscle relaxation in order to remove the torques, skews, strains and imbalances when establishing a terminal contact position. The anatomical orthosis is a specialized design and constructed appliance advocated by Occlusion Connection™ (OC) trained dentists who have been trained in gnatho-neuro-muscular (GNM) principles and occlusal management. This removable orthotic is specially fabricated and constructed according to Dr. Clayton Chan’s prescriptions and treatment principles* using specialized TENS techniques, protocols and K7 instrumentation.
Materials and designed are very specific in nature giving the OC doctors a unique advantage in implementing a single highly advanced and occlusally managed appliance to be worn 24/7 (both day and night time wear) for optimal results.
Doctors who are attempting to treat TMD are highly recommended to diagnose and treat with a “removable” orthosis (Phase I). A removable anatomical orthotic if properly designed and adjusted should not cause gagging, should not impinge on tongue space, should not constrict the oral pharyngeal airway space and should enhance the ability for the mandible and joints to function normally. A fixed or bonded orthosis is not recommended when TMJ symptoms exists and multiple occlusal adjustments are anticipated during pain treatment. The removable orthotic has been found to be the most logical, conservative, reversible and safest means to treat TMD pain problems for both patient and doctor.
Main Objective in Using the Anatomical Lower Orthosis:
- Help aid in removing muscles tension, compression and jaw TORQUE.
- REDUCES pathologic Muscle/Occlusal Engrams.
- Reduce and eliminate cervical dysfunction
- Reduce and eliminate primary TMJ disorders
- Reduces and eliminates Class II division occlusal entrapments
- Effectively treat advanced anterior open bite TMJ pain problems.
Instrumentation and Technology Requirements:
- Low Frequency Myomonitor TENS is used to determine the Optimal Physiologic Bite (Jaw position).
- K7 (Myotronics kineseograph) Computerized Mandibular Scanning (CMS) is used to objectively record and locate the Optimal Physiologic jaw position without manual intervention.
Clinical Occlusal Management Requirements for the Dentists:
- Disc must be reduced bilaterally – no clicking/popping.
- AP and frontal/lateral relationship of the mandible is established on a Optimal Myo-trajectory – 6D
- Quality of masticatory muscle recruitment must be balanced
- Quality of physiologic resting tonus of muscles must be balanced
- Balanced terminal contacts – with freedom of entry and exit (no torque) for Optimal postural stability and function.
- Trained dentist implement OC occlusal management training techniques and protocols to adjust and manage the micro occlusal contacts.
- The lower orthotic must be properly micro-occlusally adjusted to support healthy function, stabilization and calm relaxed musculature.
Why A Lower Anatomical Orthotic vs. An Upper Orthotic:
- The lower orthotic is purposely positioned on the arch that has the dysfunction (treat the deficient occlusal plane).
- If the lower arch is over closed (deep bite) the lower should be corrected with the lower orthotic
- The lower arch is the part that moves with attached condyles and disc.
- The lower orthotic does not infringe on the tongue during speech.
- A lower orthotic does not splint the maxillary cranial midline sutures.
- The lower orthotic supports freedom of movement of the mandible and tempormandibular joints.
- The lower orthotic keeps the mandible functioning in a down and more forward (anterior) direction rather than back (posterior-retruded) position.
- The lower orthotic is clear, esthetic and is less noticeable.
- The lower orthotic is purposely designed with cusps and fossa to mimic natures occlusal design (not flat) to support an optimal neuromuscular opening and closing trajectory.
- The lower orthotic supports condylar and disc decompression, not compression.
- The lower orthotic must be accurately adjusted by the trained dentist with involuntary TENS to remove micro occlusal premature interferences.
** Certified and trained laboratories are used to fabricate Dr. Clayton Chan’s anatomical orthosis (specific designed and material requirements are used)
© 2009 Clayton A. Chan, DDS. All Rights Reserved.
