“Orthopedic Cosmetic Dentistry” is not a recognized specialty. Rather, it is a term we use in our office to describe the sequence in which your cosmetic dental work is done which results in a dazzling smile that sits in a structurally sound foundation.
Think of your teeth and gums as the inside of a house and your jaw and head bones as the structure and foundation. Once we ensure that the structure is balanced and stable – which often includes treatment that eliminates headaches, teeth grinding and other unwanted conditions – then the restorative and cosmetic treatments on your teeth and gums can be performed on a stable foundation. This results in cosmetic treatment that lasts, a bite that feels natural, and eliminates the concern of having to re-do work somewhere up the line.
One patient described her condition this way before treatment: “There was no comfortable place for my teeth to fit together. My jaw was constantly searching for a resting position. It was fatigued, making it impossible for my muscles to relax, which led to muscle tension and headaches.” Balancing her jaw joints addressed this problem.
You can read more about orthopedic dentistry in Dr. Pete’s free downloadable ebook: Lifetime Smile.
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