What is Bite Optimization?

What is Bite Optimization?

By Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S. – Founder/Director of Occlusion Connections™

The Bite: In dental terms refers to the occlusion.
Optimization: To make effective, perfect, or useful as possible. To make the best, to prepared a program that automatically adjusts itself to operate a computer at maximum efficiency, thus optimized. (Random House Dictionary, Unabridged edition).

An act, process, or methodology of making something (as a design, system, or decision) as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible; specifically : the mathematical procedures (as finding the maximum of a function) involved in this – Merriam-Webster.

Optimization is a term used to distinguish itself different than the classical neuromuscular jaw positioning. It is a technique and protocol that uses a systematic bite finding protocol using jaw tracking instrumentation (Myotronics K7, Scan 4/5) to “Optimize the Bite”. It is a bite recording protocol that goes beyond classical TENs bite, modified TENS bite techniques, classic scan 4/5 bite protocols and “modified Scan 4/5 bite” taking protocols developed and pioneered by the originator Dr. Clayton Chan. The Optimized Bite® technique and protocol is scientific and can be measured to within 0.1-0.3 mm accuracy.

Optimization of the bite fundamentally relates anatomical structures as well as bio-physiologic relationships coming together in a relaxed (isotonic) state within the human body.
Optimization is the science and art of determining and maintaining specific relationships of the teeth, muscles, joints and discs using sound principles of gneuromuscular occlusion that allows not only the stomatognathic system to rest, but the entire body.
Optimization is determined and validated from the neuromuscular muscle relaxed position. Low frequency TENS has been used to establish homeostasis (true physiologic rest position).
Optimization goes beyond classic electronic instrumentation techniques (modified Myotronics Scan 4/5 technique) and is validated by objective measuring technology using CMS (computerized mandibular scanning), Electromyography (EMG) that scientifically quantifies before and after jaw relationship with before and after TENs to measure and confirm “true optimization” scientifically. CMS measures jaw positioning and location. EMGs measures muscle activity status of the mandible and cervical relationships.
An Optimized Bite can only be determined and confirmed objectively with the K7 instrumentation to within tenths of a millimeter. Without instrumentation the dentist cannot confirm or validate whether the bite is optimized or not.
Optimization recognizes that the condyle and disc must function free of any impingement – no clicking, no popping. When the disc is reduced and the condyle is properly positioned within the glenoid fossa an optimal bite position can exist. In order for the disc to be optimized it must be properly positioned over the condylar head – not anterior or medially displaced. It recognizes that the condyle is not positioned in a posterior superior position within the glenoid fossa.
Muscles of the face, head, lower jaw as well as the cervical neck and shoulder regions including the skeletal structural system must be balanced with proper body posture to bring optimal body balance and function.

What Is An Optimized Bite Dentist?

A dentist who has specialized training in optimized bite taking protocols using both Myotronics K7 and low frequency TENS technology to measure, quantify and precisely identify and record physiologic responses of their client/patients following specific Optimized Bite® Education and Training protocols. He/she is one that has shown didactic proficiency using bio-physiologic instrumentation at Occlusion Connections and can locate a mandibular position within 0.1-0.3 mm in both the sagittal and frontal planes.

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