Treatment of Complex Dental Issues

Individuals with widespread tooth decay, cavities, and extensive dental damage may require full mouth reconstructions. The treatment plan could involve a combination of dental fillings, root canal therapy, dental crowns, and in some cases, dental veneers or onlays to repair and protect damaged teeth.

Patients with significant jaw misalignment or bite problems, such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites, may require a full mouth reconstruction. The treatment may involve orthodontic interventions like braces or clear aligners, in combination with other procedures such as tooth extraction, dental restorations, and jaw surgery to correct the bite and align the teeth properly.

Severe TMJ disorders that cause chronic pain, jaw dysfunction, and limited mobility may require full mouth reconstructions. The treatment may involve a collaborative approach among specialists such as prosthodontists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and physical therapists to address the underlying causes of TMJ disorders, restore proper jaw function, and alleviate pain.

Excessive dental wear due to factors like bruxism (teeth grinding), acid erosion, or tooth attrition may necessitate a full mouth reconstruction. The treatment plan may involve a combination of dental crowns, veneers, onlays, or dental bonding to restore tooth structure, improve aesthetics, and protect the remaining teeth.

Some individuals may have a combination of dental issues, including tooth loss, decay, gum disease, bite problems, and aesthetic concerns. A full mouth reconstruction would be required to address all these issues comprehensively. The treatment plan would be personalized based on the individual’s specific needs and may involve a combination of restorative, periodontal, orthodontic, and surgical interventions.

You might experience issues with the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, and difficulty in moving your jaw. The treatment options for TMJ disorders aim to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve jaw function.

Here are some common dental treatment options for TMJ disorders:

1. Lifestyle and Self-Care Measures: In mild cases, self-care measures can help alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms. These may include avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing stress management techniques, applying heat or cold packs to the affected area, and performing gentle jaw exercises.

2. Medications: Your dentist or healthcare provider may prescribe medications to manage TMJ disorder symptoms. These may include:

– Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
– Muscle relaxants: These medications can help relax the jaw muscles and reduce muscle tension.
– Tricyclic antidepressants: In some cases, low-dose tricyclic antidepressants can be prescribed to help relieve pain and improve sleep.

3. Occlusal Splints or Night Guards: A common treatment for TMJ disorders is the use of oral appliances, such as occlusal splints or night guards. These devices are custom-made and worn over the teeth to reduce grinding or clenching, provide cushioning, and improve the alignment of the jaw.

4. Bite Adjustments: If your TMJ disorder is caused by a misaligned bite, your dentist may recommend making adjustments to the way your teeth come together. This can be done through selective grinding of the teeth or orthodontic treatment to improve the alignment and balance of the bite.

5. Dental Restorations: In some cases, dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, or orthodontic treatment may be recommended to correct an uneven bite and alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms.

6. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy techniques such as jaw exercises, stretching, and massage can help improve jaw mobility, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorders.

7. Injections: In certain cases, your dentist or healthcare provider may recommend injections of medications, such as corticosteroids or Botox, into the jaw muscles to provide temporary relief from pain and muscle tension.

Dr. Marina Ambridge is experienced in treating TMJ disorders. She will evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment options based on the underlying cause and severity of your TMJ disorder.

If you grind or clench your teeth, especially during sleep, it can wear down your teeth, make your jaw muscles sore, and even give you headaches. Treatment options for bruxism aim to alleviate symptoms, protect the teeth, and manage the underlying causes of the condition. Here are some common treatment options for bruxism:

1. Occlusal Splints or Night Guards: One of the most common and effective treatments for bruxism is the use of oral appliances, such as occlusal splints or night guards. These devices are custom-made to fit over the teeth and create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth. They help to distribute the forces of grinding or clenching, protect the teeth from wear, and reduce muscle tension in the jaw.

2. Behavioral Modifications: Certain behavioral modifications can help manage bruxism. These may include avoiding chewing on hard objects (like pens or pencils), reducing stress through relaxation techniques (such as meditation or yoga), and maintaining good sleep hygiene practices.

3. Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage the symptoms of bruxism. Muscle relaxants, such as benzodiazepines, can help reduce muscle tension in the jaw. Additionally, if stress or anxiety is a contributing factor, anxiolytic medications or antidepressants may be considered.

4. Dental Restorations: In cases where tooth damage has occurred due to bruxism, dental restorations may be necessary. This can involve repairing or replacing worn or damaged teeth with treatments such as dental fillings, dental crowns, or veneers to restore the aesthetics and functionality of the teeth.

5. Stress Management Techniques: Since stress and anxiety can contribute to bruxism, stress management techniques can play a crucial role in the treatment of bruxism. Strategies such as counseling, therapy, relaxation exercises, and lifestyle changes can help reduce stress levels and alleviate bruxism symptoms.

6. Botox Injections: In some cases, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may be considered as a treatment for bruxism. Botox can help relax the muscles responsible for grinding or clenching, reducing the intensity of the jaw movements.

At The Smile Institute, Dr. Ambridge will assess your specific case of bruxism and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. We will take into account factors such as the severity of bruxism, associated symptoms, and any underlying causes to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Sometimes, there can be too much force on your teeth or they may not come together evenly when you bite down. This can lead to loose teeth, receding gums, and tooth sensitivity. Treatment options for occlusal trauma aim to restore a balanced occlusion, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further damage to the teeth and supporting structures. Here are some common treatment options for occlusal trauma:

1. Occlusal Adjustment: This treatment involves carefully reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to achieve a more harmonious and balanced bite. By removing interferences and ensuring that the teeth fit together properly, occlusal adjustment helps distribute forces evenly during biting and chewing, reducing the risk of trauma.

2. Orthodontic Treatment: In cases where misaligned teeth contribute to occlusal trauma, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances can be used to gradually move the teeth into proper alignment. By correcting the positioning of the teeth, orthodontic treatment helps achieve a more stable and balanced bite.

3. Bite Splints or Night Guards: Bite splints or night guards can be used to protect the teeth from the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). These custom-made oral appliances are worn during sleep and act as a cushion, absorbing the excessive forces generated by bruxism and preventing trauma to the teeth and jaw joints.

4. Dental Restorations: In cases where damaged teeth or dental restorations contribute to occlusal trauma, dental restorations may be necessary. Dental crowns, fillings, or veneers can be used to repair or replace damaged teeth, ensuring that they align properly with the rest of the bite and distribute forces evenly.

5. Tooth Extraction and Replacement: In some cases, severely damaged or malpositioned teeth may need to be extracted to relieve occlusal trauma. Following extraction, tooth replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures may be considered to restore the missing tooth and maintain proper occlusion.

6. Management of Underlying Causes: Addressing underlying causes of occlusal trauma is essential for long-term success. This may involve treating bruxism through behavioral modifications, stress management techniques, or the use of muscle relaxants. Additionally, managing gum disease, correcting bite imbalances, or replacing ill-fitting dental restorations can help prevent further occlusal trauma.

Dr. Ambridge will evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most suitable treatment options for occlusal trauma. She will consider factors such as the severity of the trauma, the condition of your teeth and supporting structures, and any underlying causes to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Certain teeth may touch or hit each other too early when you bite or chew. This can create an unbalanced bite and put excessive force on specific teeth, potentially causing problems. Addressing overload or premature contacts is important to prevent tooth damage, jaw discomfort, and other related issues. Here are some treatment options commonly used to manage overload or premature contacts:

1. Occlusal Adjustment: Occlusal adjustment involves carefully reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to create a more balanced bite. By selectively adjusting the high spots or premature contacts, the dentist can ensure that the forces of biting and chewing are evenly distributed among the teeth. This can help alleviate excessive forces on specific teeth and promote a more harmonious occlusion.

2. Orthodontic Treatment: In cases where malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth) contributes to overload or premature contacts, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances can be used to gradually move the teeth into proper alignment. By correcting the positioning of the teeth, orthodontic treatment helps achieve an ideal bite relationship and eliminates the overload or premature contacts.

3. Dental Restorations: Dental restorations, such as dental crowns, onlays, or dental bonding, can be used to restore the shape and contour of teeth that have been affected by overload or premature contacts. By rebuilding the damaged or worn-down teeth, these restorations help create a more balanced and functional bite.

4. Bite Splints or Night Guards: Bite splints or night guards can be beneficial in managing overload or premature contacts, particularly if they are caused by bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching). These custom-made oral appliances are worn during sleep and act as a cushion, redistributing forces and protecting the teeth from the effects of bruxism.

5. Orthognathic Surgery: In severe cases of malocclusion or skeletal discrepancies that contribute to overload or premature contacts, orthognathic surgery may be considered. This surgical procedure involves repositioning the jaws to achieve proper alignment and bite relationship, thereby eliminating the premature contacts and improving overall occlusal function.

Dr. Marina Ambridge possesses advanced training in orthodontics and Kois Center specialized occlusion training, which will allow her to assess your specific condition and determine the most suitable treatment options for addressing overload or premature contacts. She will consider factors such as the severity of the condition, the presence of other dental issues, and your individual needs to develop a personalized treatment plan that promotes a balanced and healthy occlusion.

Irregular contacts between your teeth can disrupt the normal functioning of your bite. This can result in muscle pain, tooth sensitivity, and discomfort in your jaw joint. Treatment options for occlusal interferences aim to eliminate or minimize these interferences and restore a balanced occlusion. Here are some common treatment options for occlusal interferences:

1. Occlusal Adjustment: Occlusal adjustment involves carefully reshaping the biting surfaces of the teeth to achieve a more harmonious and balanced bite. The dentist will identify the areas of interference and selectively adjust the high spots or irregularities using specialized dental instruments. This process helps distribute the forces of biting and chewing evenly among the teeth, eliminating the interferences and promoting a more comfortable occlusion.

2. Orthodontic Treatment: In cases where occlusal interferences result from misaligned teeth or malocclusion (improper bite relationship), orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances can be used to gradually move the teeth into proper alignment. By correcting the positioning of the teeth, orthodontic treatment helps eliminate occlusal interferences and establish an ideal bite relationship.

3. Dental Restorations: Dental restorations, such as dental crowns, onlays, or dental bonding, can be used to correct occlusal interferences caused by damaged or worn-down teeth. These restorations help restore the shape, contour, and function of the affected teeth, ensuring a harmonious occlusion.

4. Bite Splints or Night Guards: Bite splints or night guards are custom-made oral appliances that can be worn during sleep to help manage occlusal interferences. They provide a cushioning effect and redistribute the forces of bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), protecting the teeth from excessive wear and minimizing occlusal interferences.

5. Full Mouth Reconstruction: In more complex cases of occlusal interferences involving multiple dental issues, a full mouth reconstruction may be necessary. This comprehensive treatment approach combines various restorative and rehabilitative procedures to achieve a harmonious occlusion. It may involve a combination of orthodontics, dental restorations, tooth replacements (such as dental implants), and other treatments tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

Dr. Marina Ambridge has specialized Kois center training to evaluate your occlusion and determine the most appropriate treatment options for occlusal interferences. She will consider factors such as the severity of the interferences, the presence of other dental issues, and your individual goals to develop a personalized treatment plan that restores a balanced and functional occlusion.

In some cases, your teeth may be closer to your cheek or tongue than they should be. This can affect both your front and back teeth, causing issues with your bite and the appearance of your smile. Crossbite refers to a dental condition where the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth when biting down. It can occur in the front teeth (anterior crossbite) or the back teeth (posterior crossbite) and may involve a single tooth or multiple teeth. Treatment options for crossbite aim to correct the misalignment, improve function, and prevent potential complications. Here are some common treatment options for crossbite:

1. Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, is often the primary approach to correcting crossbite. The orthodontist will evaluate the severity and type of crossbite to determine the most suitable treatment plan. Braces apply gentle pressure to gradually move the teeth into their proper positions. In some cases, expansion appliances or other orthodontic devices may be used to widen the upper jaw or align the back teeth properly.

2. Palatal Expander: For cases where the crossbite is caused by a narrow upper jaw, a palatal expander may be recommended. This device is attached to the upper teeth and gradually widens the jaw by applying gentle pressure on the palatal bones. Palatal expansion helps create sufficient space for the upper teeth to align correctly with the lower teeth.

3. Dental Restorations: In some situations, dental restorations may be used to correct crossbite. For example, dental crowns or veneers can be used to alter the shape and position of the affected teeth, improving their alignment and correcting the crossbite.

4. Extraction and Space Regaining: In certain cases of severe crowding or misalignment, extraction of one or more teeth may be necessary to create sufficient space for the correction of crossbite. After extraction, orthodontic treatment can be used to align the remaining teeth properly and correct the crossbite.

5. Jaw Surgery: In rare and severe cases where the crossbite is due to skeletal discrepancies, orthognathic surgery may be considered. This surgical procedure involves repositioning the jaws to achieve proper alignment. Orthodontic treatment is typically combined with jaw surgery to achieve the best results.

6. Retention and Follow-Up: After the active treatment phase, the patient will need to wear retainers to maintain the corrected alignment of the teeth. Retention is crucial to prevent relapse and ensure long-term stability of the corrected crossbite. Regular follow-up visits with the orthodontist will also be necessary to monitor the progress and make any necessary adjustments.

At The Smile Institute, Dr. Marina Ambridge is experienced in treating crossbite to evaluate your specific case and determine the most suitable treatment options. Dr. Ambridge will consider factors such as the age of the patient, the severity of the crossbite, and any other dental issues present to develop a personalized treatment plan for correcting the crossbite and achieving a harmonious bite.

When you close your jaws, there may be a gap between your upper and lower front teeth. This can be caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue pushing and may affect your ability to chew and speak properly. Open bite is a dental condition characterized by a lack of vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are in contact. This can result in difficulty with biting, chewing, and speech, as well as aesthetic concerns. Treatment options for open bite aim to close the gap and achieve proper alignment of the teeth and jaws. Here are some common treatment options for open bite:

1. Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatment is often the primary approach to correcting open bite. Braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances can be used to gradually move the teeth into their correct positions. This helps close the gap and align the upper and lower front teeth properly. In some cases, elastics or rubber bands may be used in conjunction with braces to provide additional force to close the open bite.

2. Oral Appliances: Depending on the underlying cause of the open bite, oral appliances may be recommended. For example, a tongue crib or tongue training appliance can be used to discourage tongue thrusting habits, which can contribute to open bite. These appliances help retrain the tongue posture and promote proper alignment of the teeth and jaws.

3. Jaw Surgery: In severe cases of open bite caused by skeletal discrepancies or abnormalities, orthognathic surgery may be considered. This surgical procedure involves repositioning the jaws to achieve proper alignment. Orthodontic treatment is usually combined with jaw surgery to optimize the bite and facial aesthetics.

4. Behavior Modification: For cases of open bite caused by oral habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, behavior modification techniques may be employed. Habit-breaking appliances, counseling, and positive reinforcement strategies can help address and eliminate these detrimental habits, allowing the teeth to close naturally.

5. Speech Therapy: In some instances, open bite can be associated with speech difficulties. In such cases, speech therapy may be recommended to address articulation issues and improve overall speech patterns.

6. Dental Restorations: In certain situations where tooth shape or size discrepancies contribute to the open bite, dental restorations such as dental veneers or crowns can be utilized to enhance the appearance of the affected teeth and help close the bite.

Dr. Marina Ambridge has advanced training to evaluate the specific characteristics of your open bite and determine the most appropriate treatment options. She will consider factors such as the severity of the open bite, the age of the patient, and any underlying skeletal or dental abnormalities to develop a personalized treatment plan that aims to close the bite and achieve a functional and esthetically pleasing result.