We are living longer and need to take better care of ourselves. If our teeth are going to last to one hundred years of age, preventing TMJ problems by optimizing the function of the bite with the TMJ (jaw joint) has prevented future problems. It has been my experience that after treating patients with Face Lift Dentistry for over 26 years, every patient has had fewer TMJ problems and additionally has experienced life-changing benefits of a renewed self-esteem.

Dealing With TMJ Problems

TMJ Problems

Many patients have TMJ problems such as heavy tooth wear from grinding or clenching, clicking or popping jaw joints, headaches, neck pain or back pain and facial pain due to a bad bite. Some patients have jaw joint problems and are not aware that they have lost over a third of their tooth structure from grinding! As patients age, the teeth loose enamel and the bite deepens. (Read more about Tooth Grinding or Bruxism)

What is a Bad Bite?

Bad bite is term describing the functional harmony between the teeth and the TMJ or jaw joint. When there is little to no harmony, the TMJ and surrounding muscles must work much harder and compromise normal function. When muscles have to compromise or work harder, damaging TMJ symptoms can be from mild to extreme. (Read more about Natural Facial Optimization)

TMJ & a Bad Bite

Most patients have some form of TMJ problems and many of these patients are not aware of the destruction to the jaw joint and the teeth that is caused by a bad bite. Patients come into my office with many symptoms and TMJ pain but do not realize that the bite is off in all three dimensions. They also did not realize the incredible advantages of early treatment. (Read more about TMJ Problems)

Bad Bite Correction Changes Lives

Face Lift Dentistry ^® is the creation of the best possible bite for the particular jaw dimensions and natural jaw functions of the patient. These patients have experienced comfort that exceeded their expectations. “Wow, that bite feels a lot better and I did not even know I had a problem” and others have said, “I can chew better, I feel a lot better and I look a lot younger”. One wife said, “My husband smiles more, looks 100% better, is more romantic and he feels much happier about himself, he is a new more positive husband”. Another said, “ Dr. Muslin, you have changed my life, people treat me better because I look like a new and healthy women, thank you”. Face Lift Dentistry relieves pain, improves jaw comfort and decreases the possibility of having TMJ pain in the future. When the jaw muscles function normally, the patient has more energy, less discomfort, less stress and a healthier body. (Read more about Mouth Reconstruction)

Neuromuscular Dentistry, Who Needs It?

The life expectancy of all patients is increasing. In just the last 30 years the life expectancy has increased over 20 years! Because patients are living longer, it is of particular importance that patients get the best level of dental care they can afford. Just about 80 percent of patients that I see would benefit from Face Lift Dentistry as it would reduce the stress level in the face, neck and jaws. Neuromuscular dentistry is a word coined to describe a form of positioning the lower jaw in a better position but neuromuscular dentistry alone is not enough to create the ultimate level of care, Face Lift Dentistry ^®.

“Dr. Sam, my teeth are very crooked. I understand that I can get “instant braces” porcelain veneers to make my teeth look straight – but is this a good solution as my bite will still be off – but covered up?” –  Angie, Los Angeles.

Answer: 

The Skill of the Dentist

All dentists are not alike and there is a huge range in skill between cosmetic dentists in Los Angeles.  Many patients may pick a “coupon dentist” because they get a discount, which has been a big mistake for so many patients.  The skill of the dentist will directly determine the quality of your work.  Poor quality porcelain veneers are far more dissatisfying than paying more to get fine quality. 

Correcting Bites with Porcelain Veneers

Some dentists have the ability to improve and in some instances correct the bite with porcelain veneers.  These dentists have reached technical skills that few dentists will ever achieve.  Theses dentists can improve your bite and give you “instant braces” at the same time.  Porcelain veneers can be made to lengthen the bite, reshape the teeth, build new cusps of the teeth, change the color of the teeth and provide smooth right to left guidance to the bite.  The ultimate level of dental care using porcelain veneers, “instant braces”, cosmetic dentistry and maximizing dental health is Face Lift Dentistry®.

Bad Bites Break Porcelain Veneers

If the “instant braces” make your teeth look straight and the dentist was unable to balance the bite, the end result is generally,  broken porcelain veneers.  Some patients need to wear a night guard to improve the bite while grinding their teeth at night and to protect the new porcelain veneers.  Porcelain veneers can be made to look natural and make the teeth look perfectly straight and yet not change the bite at all.  In these instances a night guard may be the best solution to protect the porcelain veneers from breakage.  However, bonding the porcelain veneers into position with better technique minimizes   porcelain veneer failures or breakage.  The worst thing that can happen is to have a porcelain veneer break just before a very important event in your life.  It is not a health risk but definitely embarrassing.

Crooked Teeth and a Bad Bite

Is it a good solution to get instant braces and yet still have a bad bite?  Yes it is a good solution because having straight teeth is a very comforting and a very confidence building procedure.  Some patients may not be able to afford to change their bite but still want straight looking white teeth and for these patients “instant braces” are a great ideal.

We have had senior citizens or baby boomers want whiter teeth even though their bite is bad.  They get the white teeth and just live with the bad bite.  Others prefer to fix their bite and leave the teeth crooked, as their primary purpose is health.  The goal of the patient determines the level of care. 

Bulky Fake Looking Porcelain Veneers

There are so many fake and bulky looking porcelain veneers being placed on patients that many other people that are considering getting “instant braces” are turned off to the idea because of the bad porcelain veneers placed on their friends.  Patients get the wrong idea that porcelain veneers do not look natural.  The dentist just lacks the ability to deliver natural looking porcelain veneers and is just doing their best.  There best is not good enough and unfortunately, porcelain veneers and “instant braces” get a bad reputation.  Nothing can be further from the truth.  Porcelain veneers can be undetectable from natural teeth.  They can look incredible if the right dentist is doing the treatment.