Reducing lines and wrinkles with botox

October 28th, 2008 by admin

Reducing lines and wrinkles with botox

If you are intent on reducing lines associated with aging, the chances are you will use botox; there is however, still a great deal of ignorance about how it achieves the results it does. Despite its recent rise to fame, the original research into this product is a few decades old. It may be famous now for its use in cosmetic surgery but it wasn’t always that way when it was first being studied by scientists half a century ago; it was used to treat patients with neurological problems.A treatment finally came in 1989 when the FDA granted approval for it to be used on these patients with visual conditions; patients suffering with uncontrollable blinking and crossed eyes were given this and sometimes those who suffered with wrinkles as well. By the new millennium it had been approved for a number of other conditions including cervical dystonia; this disorder causes severe neck and shoulder contractions but they also permitted it to be used with other eye problems. The strange discovery they made quite by accident was that botox helps to reduce the visible lines between the eyebrows; after this in 2002 the FDA approved it’s use on the condition that it was a cosmetic procedure.You see botox is a neuro toxin, meaning it paralyses the muscles it is injected into and makes them relax; after a number of treatments the lines start to lessen. If this procedure is continued, in many instances the lines will soften so much they will seem to disappear; now the same procedure is used on other areas of the face where lines form, generally with age. The injections actually contain a purified form of the Botulinum toxin; this same botulism can make us very ill but when use in cosmetic surgery it is a purified form the Botulinum toxin.The reason people want to get botox injection is because every time you laugh, smile, frown, or for that matter do just about anything with your facial muscles, wrinkles are caused by the underlying contractions of these muscles. This treatment is able to take back, for a temporary period, all those years of lines, creases and wrinkles that has formed from the use of our facial muscles; many ’skin age reduction cream’ manufacturers have tried to produce creams that reduce facial line but this is the only treatment that works, currently. The uses of botox paralyzes the facial muscles which means everyday expressions we use in communication and take for granted cannot be made; these treatments provide the user with a facial surface that is smooth and often referred to as looking like a dummy or mannequin.People still have enough movement to look fairly normal but not enough to cause these wrinkles; so in fact by getting botox injections they help you to look younger. Whilst popular this cosmetic treatment is still very expensive for what it is; the average cost of just one injection in the United States ranges from a few hundred dollars to in excess of 1,000 dollars, depending on where the injection is used. As a recent form of cosmetic enhancement it may be some time before the full facts about long term botox use will be known but for now, most people really aren’t that concerned.

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HEADACHES: THE CONNECTION TO TMJ

October 28th, 2008 by admin

HEADACHES: THE CONNECTION TO TMJ

It is estimated that 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, making it one of the most common disorders for which people seek treatment. Although there are many things that can cause headaches, we will limit our discussion to its relationship to the TMJ (jaw joints) and its surrounding structures. While most people relate TMJ disorders to clicking or popping noises within the joint or limited mouth opening, headaches is often not thought of as a primary symptom of TMJ dysfunction. WHAT ARE THE RED FLAGS OF HEADACHES?Chronic headaches do affect the quality of a patient’s life, but in most cases are not related to serious diseases or terminal disorders. There are some warning signs, however, that a headache could be related to something serious.%26#61607; New headache in patient over 50 years of age%26#61607; Sudden onset of a new or different type of severe headache%26#61607; “Worst” headache a patient has ever experienced%26#61607; Headache that gets progressively worse over a period of days or weeks%26#61607; Headache brought on by exertion (coughing, sneezing, exercise)%26#61607; Headache with fever, nausea, vomiting or stiff neck%26#61607; Headache that awakens the patient from sleep%26#61607; Headache with abnormal communication or coordination, weakness or numbness, mental confusionAny of the above factors should be thoroughly checked out by a physician and not dismissed as nothing.ANATOMY OF THE TMJThe TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is merely the joint that connects the lower aw to the upper jaw or skull. It allows someone to open and close the mouth and is vital to chewing, swallowing and talking. The lower jaw has a condyle, the ball, which fits into the fossa or socket making a ball-and-socket arrangement. In the back of the socket are blood vessels and nerves which go to all the head, neck, and facial muscles. If the jaw is in a faulty position as is often the case in TMJ Disorders, those blood vessels and nerves get compressed and do not function properly. This compression occurs nearly 2000 times a day when a patient swallows.Furthermore, the branches of the nerve that send information to the brain from the upper and lower jaw often have receptors around the major blood vessels in the brain thus triggering the headache commonly referred to as a migraine. It is often this inflammation around the blood vessels which is causing the migraine. This is more likely to occur if the jaw is in the wrong position and the nerves are triggered inappropriately.BRUXISM: THE GNAWING AND GNASHING OF TEETHMany people grind their teeth at night, annoying their bed partners and causing considerable damage to their teeth, jaw joints and surrounding structures. Bruxism is both a cause and effect of a TMJ disorder. As the teeth get worn down, the lower jaw can progressively move backward into the socket and compress those blood vessels and nerves. While this is occurring, the muscles of the face and jaw are in constant spasm, particularly the temporalis muscle, which a patient feels in the “temple” area. Many bruxers awaken with headaches from this constant muscle activity and in many cases, they last all day. Bruxism is often the result of the brain’s desire to move the jaw to a healthier position to avoid those blood vessels and nerves. We now know from observing children with airway compromises that bruxism is also the body’s way of trying to keep the airway open. Adults who suffer from sleep disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea often exhibit the signs of bruxism. The lack of oxygen in these cases also can cause the patient to awaken with a headache.SOLUTIONS: TMJ DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTPatients who suffer from chronic headaches are often at wit’s end with their condition. Many seek care from doctor after doctor with no answers. Many are told it is all in their head and they need psychiatric care. Depression and hopelessness often accompany the headaches as a patient struggles to find answers. Drugs are often recommended as a solution but carry considerable risks. Long-term use of medications can lead to intestinal breakdown, or even kidney or liver failure with time. The side effects often leave a patient unable to function at home or at a job, which further increases the depression and hopelessness. A diagnosis of TMJ disorder is often welcome relief to the headache patient. Not only is treatment easy, noninvasive and nonsurgical, it addresses the true cause of the headaches: a structural problem.

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Why the Best anti wrinkle creams should contain these Breakthrough Ingredients

October 28th, 2008 by admin

Why the Best anti wrinkle creams should contain these Breakthrough Ingredients

Opinions vary about the best anti wrinkle cream and, of course, every company will say that their product is the “best”. Otherwise, you wouldn’t buy it.Men and women have different issues, so they need different lotions. There are also different needs for daytime and nighttime. It’s a big subject, so I’ll focus here on what a woman’s day-cream should contain.The best anti wrinkle cream for a woman to use during the day should immediately address the visible signs of aging and contain compounds that will gradually reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while improving firmness and elasticity. In other words, you want something that works both fast and slow.A special compound designed by a company in New Zealand does just that. The proprietary name is CYNERGY TK. It contains bioactive keratin, a protein found in human skin. It’s extracted from sheep’s wool and manufactured carefully so that the protein remains active and readily available for use by the skin.The consistency is something like liquid skin and it actually “fills in” fine lines and wrinkles. The translucent film is just enough to slightly bend light and cause a smoother appearance, immediately.But, it’s the best anti wrinkle cream because with continued use, it increases the number of new skin-cells that the body produces. So, over time, wrinkles actually do become less deep and fine lines disappear. Scientists can actually measure the increased production of skin cells. In clinical studies, after only three days of use, there was a 160% increase in skin cell proliferation.That would probably be enough, but there’s more. The skin needs to be hydrated or moisturized in order to be firmer and more elastic. Most firming creams contain a compound that paralyzes the facial muscles and no one knows the long term effect. It’s similar to the way that Botox works and that’s only a temporary cosmetic fix. It does nothing to improve the skin’s health over time.The best anti wrinkle cream has been shown to immediately improve hydration and elasticity. The effect lasts a full 24 hours and there are no side effects. Other companies suggest that you test on an inconspicuous area before use. That’s usually because something in the lotion is known to cause allergic reactions. You’ll see no warning labels on the New Zealand skincare products. They are 100% safe. They have been fully tested in clinical studies for adverse reactions and effectiveness. The women’s day cream will even reduce redness and inflammation. Those bags under your eyes will start to disappear and if you’ve had some red spots or irritation, those will go away, too. Instead of increasing irritation, these products “heal”.They contain a number of unique antioxidants and plant extracts in different combinations for men and women, specially designed for use during the day and at night. Dermatologists say that the best anti wrinkle cream is one that contains protein, antioxidants and moisturizers. They also suggest that you avoid allergens, petrolatum and the daily use of sunscreens. When it concerns the skin’s health, it is the dermatologist’s opinion that you should trust.

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Detailed Information on Meige syndrome

October 27th, 2008 by admin

Detailed Information on Meige syndrome

Meige’s syndrome is a type of dystonia. Dystonia is a group of movement disorders that vary in their symptoms, causes, progression, and treatments. This group of neurological conditions is generally characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that force the body into abnormal, sometimes painful, movements and positions (postures). Meige syndrome is also known as oral facial dystonia or Hemifacial Spasm. Hemifacial spasms are characterized by chronic twitching or spasms of one side of the face. The symptoms generally start between the ages of 40 and 70 years old and appear to be more common in women than in men. The major symptoms involve involuntary blinking and chin thrusting. Also several may experience extreme tongue protrusion, squinting, light sensitivty, muddled speech, and uncontrollable contraction of the platysma muscle. Hemifacial spasm can effect from stimulation by a blood vessel lying too close to the nerve or may follow Bell’s palsy due to incorrect regeneration of the facial nerve. In more severe cases, the spasms may cause the mouth to become clamped shut. This can make speaking, eating, and swallowing difficult. Meige’s Syndrome is a similar disorder affecting the long facial muscles and neck muscles in addition to the muscles around the eyes. There is no healing for Meige’s Syndrome. Botex injections may assist with the blepharospasm and can be used to squash mouth movements but it is no cure. Some patients are benefited by anticholinergics such as Artane or Cogentin and a few are benefited by muscle relaxants such as Lioresal. Anti-convulsants such as Tegretol (carbamazepine) have also been employed with sporadic benefit. In some instances, acupuncutre has been known to help. Support groups can and do help, particularly with learning to live with this disorder. Support groups have also led the way in educating doctors about Meige’s syndrome.

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Brow Lift Surgery Overview

October 26th, 2008 by admin

Brow Lift Surgery Overview

The goal of brow lift surgery is to restore a more youthful appearance to the browline and forehead. Brow lift surgery can remedy common complaints such as unattractive forehead wrinkling and a drooping or furrowed brow. Brow lift surgery (also known as forehead lift) is a facial rejuvenation procedure designed to smooth forehead wrinkles and elevate the brow to a more youthful position. Brow lift surgery is a popular anti-aging treatment because it produces natural results. The best candidates for brow lift surgery are men and women who would like to set back the clock without drastically changing their appearance. Brow Lift for MenBrow lift is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery treatments available for men. Drooping and furrowed brows are a common cosmetic complaint for most men, and the brow lift procedure is ideal for raising the brow without creating an unnatural look. The SurgeryDuring a traditional brow lift, the surgeon makes an incision along the forehead, hidden behind the hair line. Excess skin is removed and the underlying facial muscles are tightened for a more youthful look. The procedure is completed by raising and reattaching the remaining skin to create a smoother forehead and elevate the browline. Some patients may be candidates for the less invasive endoscopic brow lift. During an endoscopic brow lift procedure the surgeon creates only a few small incisions along the hairline and inserts an endoscope beneath the skin to view underlying facial tissues. Muscle tissue between the brows is removed and skin is lifted to smooth the forehead. The best candidates for endoscopic brow lift surgery are younger patients with minimal excess skin in the forehead area. ResultsResults and recovery will depend on the type of brow lift procedure performed. Endoscopic brow lift surgery produces more subtle results because less skin is removed during the procedure. Recovery time is also faster for endoscopic brow lift patients and scarring will be less evident.

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Best Homemade Facial recipes

October 26th, 2008 by admin

Best Homemade Facial recipes

Regular facial treatments can improve skin texture, tone and overall appearance. A facial is a cosmetic treatment of the face, commonly involving a variety of skin treatments, grooming steps and deep cleansing of the face by various means including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. As we age facial muscles weaken, and skin begins to sag. But just as gym workouts can promote the body’s youthful strength and suppleness, facial exercise - based on the same principles of dynamic resistance - can strengthen facial muscles.Facials are designed to eliminate clogged pores, blackheads, and other impurities affecting the appearance and overall health of the skin. Facial treatments incorporate a variety of grooming steps that can include the use of creams, masks, peels, steam, exfoliation, extraction, lotions, and massage. The facial nerve is mixed nerve containing both sensory and motor components. The nerve emanates from the brain stem at the ventral part of the pontomedullary junction. The nerve enters the internal auditory meatus where the sensory part of the nerve forms the geniculate ganglion. Plastic surgeons use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look. Microderm is an amazing way to exfoliate the dull top layer of skin to reveal smoother, more radiant and beautiful skin beneath. Microderm has many benefits which include; improving the texture of skin by smoothing the surface, diminishing fine lines, improving the appearance of acne scars, and encouraging breakouts to heal. It improves the skin’s tone and texture by increasing your skin cell’s ability to renew at the cellular level while also stimulating collagen production for firmer skin. Microderm removes dull skin and surface debris allowing the nutrients of the facial to penetrate and perform more effectively. A facial is given by a licensed esthetician with special training in skin care. A facial usually starts around $75 at a day spa in a smaller city. Prices will be higher at destination spas, resort and hotel spas. Special masks and serums also make the price go higher.Cucumber Facial Peel the cucumber and run it through a blender or a food processor. Pour the cucumber pulp into a colander or strainer and force it through, catching the liquid that comes out in a bowl underneath. Combine the cucumber liquid with the lemon juice and the witch hazel. Stir it and add the beaten egg white gently. Put it on your face and leave it on for 15 to 25 minutes, then rinse off. For oily skin, use a clay-based face mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask. Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes. Rinse completely. You can purchase a mask or make your own at home. Honey and egg whites are very good and effective standbys. For dry skin, try using a mashed banana or avocado. The herbs that work for you will depend on your specific skin qualities. Experiment with a variety of herbs until you find the ones that work best.Foods that can enhance your appearance need to feature as many of the following as possible: antioxidants, antibacterials, fibre to clear toxins, essential fats to support skin and reduced levels of saturated fat and sugar. The sorts of foods where you’ll get this kind of combination are: fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fish, pulses, nuts and seeds.

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“Incredible Injectables” — A Great Cosmetic Choice Article - Health Articles

October 26th, 2008 by admin

Cosmetic makeovers don’t necessarily have to include surgery or any other kind of extreme procedure. Injectables have virtually no downtime and can produce significant results. Given the variety of injectables available today, you can easily and instantly give your face the boost it may need to “freshen up” your look.

Most injectables fall into the category of “fillers” and are designed to fill in wrinkles and depressions in the face. You’re probably familiar with the filler product, Collagen, and there are dozens more available on the market today. Botox is slightly different from fillers in that it works by weakening facial muscles in order to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines. With the exception of one product, the recently FDA-approved Artefill, these injectables disappear after a period of time; Artefill is different in that it is considered “permanent”.

Patients often have facial filler and Botox injections done at the same time. When you meet with a board-certified dermatologist or a board-certified plastic surgeon, he or she will able to advise you as to which product or products will best help you achieve your desired result.

ARTEFILL: This is a non-resorbable filler that recently received FDA approval. We expect to see it available to patients early in 2007. Anyone who has used other fillers in the past may find Artefill to be a great choice. Artefill is made up of particles of polymehtymethacrylate (PMMA) that are carried in purified collagen gel, so a skin test prior to treatment is required. Artefill is injected in stages over a period of several weeks to months. It’s indicated use is for folds around the nose and upper lip (nasolabial folds).

BOTOX: A neurotoxin drug (Botulinum toxin) that acts by temporarily blocking nerve pulses in facial muscles. It tends to be most effective in muscles related to expression lines around the eyes, forehead and mouth. It is often effective in areas where fillers may not be. Botox is a very safe and effective injectable and therefore very popular among patients.

CAPTIQUE: A hyaluronic acid filler with a finer consistency than some and often is selected for areas closer to the surface of the skin to erase fine lines and wrinkles.

COLLAGEN: The new generation of Collagen, CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast, are based on human collagen so no pre-testing is required. Zyderm and Zyplast are Collagen products derived from cows and do require a pre-test. Collagen is a dermal filler and it is good for facial fine lines and furrows, especially for fine lines around the eyes.

JUVEDERM: This is a filler that works together with the body’s own hyaluronic acid to create volume. Just released to market in 2007, Juvederm is effective for the nasolabial folds, under the eyes, between eyebrows and for lip-plumping.

RADIESSE: Another “filler,” made of calcium hydroxiapatite (CaHA), which is a primary component of teeth and bones. No skin testing is required. This product has a thicker consistency and is best for deeper nasolabial folds and rebuilding hollow areas. The consistency of this product allows it to last longer than most fillers, up to a year or longer.

RESTYLANE: Next to Botox, Restylane is the second most common injectable. It is a hyaluronic acid filler that plumps up creases under the skin. This filler is also used for nasolabial folds, under the eyes and between eyebrows, with results that can last up to six months. Restylane is the most popular product for creating fuller looking lips.

SCULPTRA: Another filler, Sculptra is composed of poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic material and does not require a skin test. This product fills in wrinkles and depressions in facial areas such as the nasolabial folds. Sculptra is injected in small amounts so for certain areas multiple treatments are necessary but results can last a year or more.

Deciding which “incredible injectable” is right for you, considering all the variable of your own body as well as your goals and expectations, is something to discuss with a qualified, experienced, board-certified dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon. Only a trained, experienced physician can safely determine which, if any, injectable is suited to you, individually. While other “licensed health professionals” may legally inject dermal fillers, we recommend that you adhere to the standard of having a physician give you advice and do your treatment.

Note: The specific risks and the suitability of any injectable product for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation with a physician. All procedures have some degree of risk. The information provided here is not a substitute for a consultation.

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Herbal Beauty Home Recipes

October 26th, 2008 by admin

Herbal Beauty Home Recipes

As body, mind and soul are inter-related, the natural physical beauty will lead the way to inner beauty and then ultimately to the secret of beauty! A beautiful face has the power to win the hearts of millions as well as create history. On the one hand, it is filled with light-hearted beauty facts and recipes which can be a lot of fun. It could be considered a very in-depth scientific and health-related topic, that at times may be quite controversial. Herbal skin care cleanses the impurities, rejuvenates by providing nourishment, relaxes the facial muscles by messaging with herbal oils, and hydrates the skin.Apple Mask For Normal Skin -1 apple - quartered, cored, 2 Tbls. honey and 1/2 tsp. ground sage. Chop apple in food processor. Add honey and sage to apple. Mix well.Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Pat mixture onto face with a light tapping motion, tapping until honey feels tacky. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse. Herbal Bath - This bath herb blend is perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day. The valerian contributes to a nice, sleepy, calming effect. Cucumber Avocado Facial Mask - ½ cup chopped cucumber, ½ cup chopped avocado, 1 egg white and 2 tsp. powdered milk. Apply 2 tablespoons of the cucumber avocado mask to your face and neck in circular upward motions. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, or until dry. To remove the mask simply rinse your face and neck with warm water, followed by a cold water rinse. Finally, pat dry your face and neck. Green Tea Toner - teaspoon powdered green tea and 1/2 cup witch hazel Mix green tea with witch hazel until thoroughly mixed. Apply toner mixture with cotton pad to face. Do not rinse. Grapefruit and Citrus Mask for Oily Skin -½ grapefruit, ½ lemon juice, ½ cored apple, 1-2 egg whites, 30 to 40 seedless grapes. Take the ingredients together in a blender and mix. Apply evenly on face and neck and leave for twenty minutes. Thoroughly rinse off with lukewarm water. Grapefruit cleans the pores while lemon juice acts as an astringent. The egg whites tighten the facial skin. This face pack clarifies the face and controls extra oil. Use this pack at least once a week. Almonds mayonnaise scrub - 1/4 C. almonds, 1/8 tsp. mayonnaise. Grind almonds in blender until they form fine almond meal. Whirl in mayonnaise. Gentle rub scrub onto your face, and leave in place 10 minutes. Rinse. Use a toner thereafter. Shelf Life: Refrigerate for 2-3 weeks. Hair Shine - Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal. Sun Salvation - juice from 1/2 lime (or lemon), 1 TB honey (optional) and 1/4 C olive oil. Shake ingredients together in small container, store in fridge, should last a few days. Apply to face and neck, leave on, blot off later. Orange juice can also be used. Make sure to wear sunscreen if you’re in the sun after using citrus acid on skin, because it makes skin photo sensitive. Fruity Lip Gloss - 1 Table spoon solid shortening , 1 Table spoon fruit-flavored powdered drink mix , 35 mm film container. Mix shortening %26 drink mix together in a microwave safe bowl till smooth! Place in microwave on high for 30 seconds until mix becomes a liquid! Pour into clean film container, or any other small airtight container! Place mix into fridge for 20-30 minutes or till firm!

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Complete Information on Alternating hemiplegia of childhood with Treatment and Prevention

October 25th, 2008 by admin

Complete Information on Alternating hemiplegia of childhood with Treatment and Prevention

Alternating hemiplegia is an uncommon neurological disorder that develops in childhood. The disorder is characterized by regular, short-lived episodes of paralysis on one position of the system. Symptoms normally start before the age of 18 months. This syndrome may be characterized by short-lived hemiplegia of varying degrees, short-lived paralysis of the muscles that curb heart campaign, abrupt, forced movements of limbs and facial muscles, and undue perspiration with changes in rind tone and system temperature. Mental capability may be affected. One kind of the disorder, identified really newly, has a favourable prospect. It occurs primarily at night, when a kid awakens, and is obviously related to migraine. These children have no new psychological or neurological impairments. The exact cause of alternating hemiplegia of childhood is unknown. Some cases of AHC may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. In more serious cases symptoms may include mental impairment, balance and gait difficulties, excessive sweating, and changes in body temperature. Seizures can occur. Sleep helps in the recovery from the periods of paralysis but the paralysis can recur upon waking. Children with the benign form of alternating hemiplegia have a good prognosis. However, those who experience the more severe form have a poor prognosis because intellectual and mental capacity do not respond to drug therapy, and balance and gait problems continue.Another kind of alternating hemiplegia of childhood is more severe and may include psychological disability, equilibrium and gait difficulties, undue perspiration, changes in system temperature, and seizures. The less serious kind has a better prognosis and is indicated by episodes occurring primarily at night, and can frequently be related to migraines. There is no neurological disability in this kind of Alternating hemiplegia of childhood. Treatment with flunarizine, a calcium line blocker, may assist to cut the hardship and length of attacks of paralysis. Drug therapy including flunarizine may assist to cut the hardship and length of attacks of paralysis associated with the more severe kind of alternating hemiplegia.

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ORTHODONTIC EDUCATION: FUNCTIONAL TREATMENT IS THE MISSING LINK IN DENTISTRY

October 25th, 2008 by admin

ORTHODONTIC EDUCATION: FUNCTIONAL TREATMENT IS THE MISSING LINK IN DENTISTRY

Most dentists agree that the curriculum in the majority of dental schools does not adequately cover the subjects of orthopedics and orthodontics. I believe that the knowledge and understanding of orthopedics (functional orthodontics) is the missing link in the education of general dentists.FUNCTIONAL ORTHODONTICS Ideally, children with developing malocclusions should be treated with functional appliances in order to guide their growth and to prevent more serious problems later on. Functional orthodontics has, as its foundation, balanced function of all components of the stomatognathic system. Properly developed arches, patent airways, the mandible properly related to the maxilla, and correct vertical dimension all contribute to balanced function of the head, neck and facial muscles. Children treated with the functional philosophy can be done non-surgically and without the extraction of permanent teeth in most cases.MAXILLARY ARCHSince the roof of the mouth is the floor of the nose, a properly developed maxillary arch encourages nasal breathing and can assist with improving such symptoms as nasal allergies, asthma, and sinus problems. One of the most common causes of constriction of the maxillary arch is an airway obstruction, which causes mouth breathing. Another cause of constriction would be enlarged tonsils, which prevent the tongue from posturing on the roof of the mouth upon swallowing. It is the ability of the tongue to position itself on the palate that allows for proper lateral development of the alveolar processes, which helps to develop the maxillary arch to its normal size.MAXILLO-MANDIBULAR RELATIONSHIPThis narrowing of the maxillary arch, in turn, causes the mandible to be held in a retruded position. This retrusion of the mandible is implicated in jaw joint disorders as well as snoring and sleep apnea. The nerves and blood vessels are located at the back of the socket of the TMJ (jaw joint); therefore, a posterior position of the mandible and condyle can cause head, neck and facial pain as well as a host of other symptoms including dizziness, ringing in the ears, numbness in arms and hands, stuffiness in ears, back and shoulder pain, and difficulty swallowing.. A retruded mandible can cause the tongue to fall back and encroach upon the airway. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and the whole spectrum of breathing disorders can also be caused by a mandible that is positioned too far posteriorly (Class II skeletal cases).CORRECT VERTICAL DIMENSIONPatients with deep overbites often are overclosed vertically (lack of adequate posterior vertical dimension) and this causes the condyle to be posteriorly displaced, resulting in TM dysfunction. The mandible is trapped in a retruded position, which leads to chronic clenching and bruxing at night as the body attempts to reduce the muscle spasms that occur due to the shortening of those muscles. Bruxing is also caused by the patient moving the lower jaw and tongue forward in an effort to open up the airway.Orthodontic education should be aimed at understanding and correcting the following:• Constricted maxillary arch• Posterior crossbite• Constricted mandibular arch• Anterior crossbite• Thumb sucking habit• Mouth breathing• Airway problems• Retrognathic mandible• Deep overbite• BruxismSOLUTION We need to utilize functional jaw orthopedic appliances at ages 4 – 12 years to correct the problem before the eruption of all the permanent teeth.Learning to correct all of these problems at an early age can prevent TMJ problems, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in adulthood. Orthodontics (age 12 – 14) involving fixed braces then becomes a finishing technique to improve esthetics by straightening the teeth.If you want to give your patient more than straight teeth, I recommend treating children earlier with functional appliances. Our objective should be to improve the overall health of the patients. To create a broad smile, we must develop the maxillary arch with functional appliances and avoid the extraction of permanent teeth. To create a straight profile In Class II skeletal cases with retruded mandibles, we must utilize a functional appliance to reposition the mandible to its correct forward position. One of the keys to achieving overall health for the patient is to have the mandible properly related to the maxilla in order to prevent TM dysfunction and snoring and sleep apnea. The use of functional appliances in children can consistently accomplish these goals.

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