VIDEO: Stretching Solutions for TMJ and Sleep Apnea Bite and Pain Issues

Bite changes common to TMD and Dental Sleep Medicine patients are not permanent and can be easily and effectively controlled with a basic understanding of myofascial trigger points and how they affect the lateral pterygoid muscles.

Bite changes are often observed even before treatment and after treatment is initiated with both TMD and Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM) patients.

Are the intraoral appliances employed in the treatment of these patients actually moving the teeth so early in treatment? No.

Neither a TMJ anterior repositioning device nor a mandibular advancement device can cause permanent orthodontic movement of the teeth. The posterior open bites which make it increasingly difficult to chew food and cause an increase in cheek and lip biting persist because of a basic failure to understand the common cause of such problems in both the TMD and/or the DSM patient.

This is a failure to effectively control myofascial trigger points which develop in the LPs and cause these muscles to stay tight or guarded. Hence, they keep the mandible forward postured forward, hence, the front teeth contact first and the posterior teeth apart.

This video was developed for the wet-fingered dentist to help him/her effectively and quickly help both TMD and DSM patients get their bites back by teaching foolproof techniques when performed correctly by the patient. The concepts taught in this video are not difficult to understand and can be easily delegated to support staff to introduce to the patients.