Fresh Start for a 15 Year Old

Wow…another great day at Montgomery Comprehensive Dental Center.

My favorite days are those where I feel like I’ve truly made a difference in a patient’s life.

I met 15 year old Abigail (name has been changed for privacy) not long ago. Her parents brought her in to talk about getting her teeth straightened. After taking a look around her mouth I had a pretty good feeling that Abigail was probably experiencing some issues that she nor her parents had associated with having a bad bite.

After questioning Abigail, I learned that she was suffering quite a bit. She reported that her jaw joint popped, clicked and became painful when eating. She also complained of headaches, clenching, grinding and facial pain. When asked about sleep, Abigail said that she really didn’t sleep well, woke feeling tired and found it difficult to focus during the day.

I spoke with Abigail and her parents about the benefits of neuromuscular (NM) dentistry. I explained that by getting the teeth in the position where the head and neck muscles are most comfortable, it creates harmony, and thus alleviates symptoms. I did let Abigail and her parents know that correcting the bite with NM dentistry does take more time and dedication on Abigail’s end, but that it’s what I would want for my children.

Her parents took a little time to think things over and in just a few days called and wanted to proceed with NM treatment, which included the fabrication of an oral appliance, called an orthotic, that Abigail would wear 24/7.

Abigail came back into the office for CAT scans, impressions and a full work up to determine where her jaw and facial muscles were most at ease. About two weeks later Abigail arrived to pick up her orthotic. I instructed her to wear it at all times, even when eating and sleeping.

Last week Abigail came in for the first of a series of adjustments. Before we even began she told me that her headaches and jaw pain was “100 percent better!” Just by looking at her I could tell that she had truly improved.

Fast forward to today, just two weeks since leaving the office with her orthotic; Abigail said that she’s sleeping better, dreaming for the first time in years and feels rested during the day.

If you’re suffering from issues like this please reach out to a NM dentist. Just a few visits could change your life!

Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation

A Beautiful, Functional Smile is Closer Than You Think

 

Who doesn't want a perfect smile? What if your gorgeous smile could save you from headaches, facial pain and sleep issues later?

Dr. Gardner just returned this weekend from a continuing education course on neuromuscular orthodontics taught by world-famous Dr. Jay Gerber. Dr. Gardner has been studying under Dr. Gerber for the last six years. Dr. Gerber has taught thousands of dentists around the world about neuromuscular orthodontics.
(Find more info on Dr. Gerber here: http://www.orthodonticstudies.com/)

Neuromuscular (NM) orthodontics is much more than just straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles. NM orthodontics helps tremendously reduce the odds of developing TMJ problems, as well as sleep apnea issues. During this treatment teeth are gradually moved to the place where the head and neck muscles are most comfortable and able to work in harmony during chewing, speaking, swallowing, etc..

"I am passionate about our children avoiding future TMJ issues, headaches, migraines and sleep apnea issues as an adult, that plagues our society" Dr. Gardner said.

NM orthodontics can be completed on children, as well as adults. The sooner children are able to begin NM orthodontic treatment, the more likely they are to avoid painful issues like TMJ problems and sleep apnea later in life.

From now until July 31 Dr. Gardner is proud to offer complimentary orthodontic consultations for the whole family! For children, there's no better time than the summer to begin treatment. Summertime affords kids the time to get used to braces and perfect their speah prior to the start of school.

For more information please visit drtimgardner.com

To schedule your complimentary reservation please call 936-585-4353.



What a pain in the neck!

It's more than pain, it's affecting my life! 

According to the American Dental Association, more than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.

Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ's.

Diagnosis And Treatment

A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate X-rays. Most often we find that the pain is related to the facial muscles, the jaw or temporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear. Treatments for this pain can range from adjustments to teeth, orthodontics, restorations, etc. 

As a fellow of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute (LVI), Dr. Gardner has received extensive training on causes and treatments of chronic head, neck and jaw pain. 

If you or a loved one are experiencing these types of symptoms please give us a call to set up a consultation. 

Dentistry can change your life...for the BETTER!

For more information on how we can improve not only your smile, but the quality of your life, visit us online at www.drtimgardner.com