How to treat bite collapse or exchange pain for a new smile?
We would like to thank our patient Eric W. for letting us use his photos and story for this E-Smile newsletter
Eric came to us a few months ago complaining about consistent pain on both sides of his jaw joint, missing and broken teeth, a deep crease above the upper lip and a toothless smile. All of these symptoms derive from what is called the posterior bite collapse.
Our bite – the relation between our upper and lower teeth – defines the structure and balance of our face, our chewing muscles and comfort of our jaw joint.
If some of our teeth are missing, or they get worn down because of neglect or grinding, bite relation and height becomes reduced or “collapses”. As a result, our facial expression changes, we look older, our smile disappears and chronic pain develops in the jaw joint. To treat bite collapse, we first build an immediate occlusal guard (see photos below) and have the patient wear the guard 24/7 for a several weeks. After a few adjustments, teeth and jaw joints are sufficiently realigned, pain disappears and we register the height of the new, correct bite.
This new height – the distance between lower and upper teeth – becomes a guide for new crowns, bridges or veneer restorations. As one can see, the new smile looks much better, with full-length masculine teeth and most importantly relieves the associated pain.
Tysons Dental Associates is pleased to announce that our patient: Dr. J. Robert DiFulgo is the author of a recently published novel, The Invisible Moon. Part of the story takes place during the Vietnam War and involves romance, loss, separation, and a certain degree of danger. Within the use of a historical context this is a powerful story dealing with mystery and the psychological drama of one man’s struggle to restore his memory, his self-persecutions and his true identity.
The book is available at major bookstores. Pick a copy up today!
We would like to share with you our special patient of the month story and the joy we brought to her!
One would be hard pressed to perform the teeth in one day surgery without the recently completed specialized training and the help of our fine support team including Mariela and Advanced Dental Studio’s Igor.
While the patient was sedated using DOCS protocol, we used a virtually generated guide for dental implant placing, we placed 6 implants and converted an exist-ing acrylic removable denture into a fixed prosthesis. (Below are the photos taken immediately after surgery)
The phrase “treat your patient as your family” was literally true this time as the patient was my grandmother Tema who will turn 90 years old in a few weeks.
Due to issues with a gagging reflex, she could not use the denture and has been on a soft diet for the last 2 years. The fact that she was able to bite and chew food just hours and days after surgery was very rewarding. One should add that she has no recollection of pain and the duration of the surgery due to the “magic” of Sedation Dentistry. Experiences like this make modern dentistry amazing and make patients very happy.
If you think that it is too late for you to receive dental treatment, think again!
Our patient, Ester Lankina was able to regain her original eating habits even at the age of 90! After recieiving dental treatment from Dr. Alex Osinovsky, Ester was fitted with a bottom implant supported denture. Unlike a regular fitted denture, an implant supported denture ensures that future bone and gum loss do not occur.
With a high rate of success and a long term life of 10+ years, dental implants are extremely reliable!
“Recently I had a dental problem and decided to call Tyson’s Dental Associates. I had work done there in the past and was soon scheduled to see Dr. Banzon. First I learned that their location had changed, and when I arrived, I was met by Susan, who gave me a tour of the office and made me feel very welcome. Daisy took some x-rays, and Dr.. Banzon told me the tooth needed to be extracted and would require a Dental Surgeon.
She then made an appointment for me and it was taken care of that afternoon. Everyone went above and beyond all expectations to help me feel welcome. I would highly recommend this group to anyone needing any type of dental service. ”
- John C.
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“I had a dental cleaning and check-up this morning, and wanted to take a minute to thank you for the care I received from your office. I always feel like Dr. Alex and my dental hygienist take good care of my teeth and keep me well informed about possible concerns and what I should do to keep my teeth healthy. I have to admit I’ve always felt a little apprehensive going to the dentist, but I feel that I am in good hands at Tyson’s Dental. Thank you. ”
Sincerely,
- Brian H.
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“It was the largest project in my life! I visited Dr. Osinovsky’s office for over two years. The cost was equal to the price of a new Mercedes but I do not regret it. Now thanks to my dental work I can eat everything I couldn’t with my original teeth!! I feel younger, healthier and happier!! The office atmosphere was always pleasant and made me feel comfortable. As a result I will recommend Dr. Osinovsky to everyone who has challenging dental problems.”
- Nana G.
Jeanette is our patient of the month. What a pleasure it was to see her smile change. Not only had her treatment made a difference. Her positive charming attitude helped to speed up the whole process. Not that she did not smile before the treatment, but there was always a confusion and shyness in her smile.It disappeared and everyone in the office witnessed her self-esteem and satisfaction become very strong.
It took 15 months to align Jeanette’s teeth using Invisalign®, place dental implants and restore some teeth and implants with all porcelain crowns. Jeanette received our patient of the month prize basket.
Mrs N.C. is our proud patient of the month. A Vienna resident, she has been a Tyson’s Dental patient for many years. Over the years, she had several of her teeth replaced with dental implants. Some months ago, we discovered that three of her upper back teeth were infected. They were in need of a root canal treatment and crowns.
Alternatively we proposed that the teeth in question could be extracted and replaced with dental implants. Without hesitation Mrs N.C. chose the dental implant treatment. The three back teeth were extracted, and replaced with the appropriate implants. During the three month period of implant integration, she wore a temporary removable denture. The day we finished work on implant supported bridge and crowns, Mrs N.C. was very happy and confided that now she would like to taste an apple. Luckily we had apples in our lunch room. Susan, our manager, gave her an apple and it was very fulfilling to see Mrs N.C. relish biting into it and smile.
It seems that a few simple qualities single out this patient and made her treatment easy and painless. She did not hesitate, she was always confident of success and without fail was positive and cheerful in working with our staff. As our patient of the month, Mrs N.C. receives a prize basket.
-Tysons Corner Dentist
A Reston resident, Mrs. Lana C. is our proud patient of the month. Lana shared her story with us. Always a very optimistic and charming woman who appreciates a good time and a good laugh. For years she felt embarrassed to smile in public as she did not want to show her teeth because of spaces in between and a yellowish color.
Lana came to our clinic a few weeks before her long awaited family reunion and a trip abroad. She needed new confidence and a new smile to meet her family and friends. We looked into several options for restoration. These included closing the spaces using Invisalign® teeth movement, Zoom!® bleaching or porcelain veneer restoration. Because of the time factor and good predictability, Lana chose porcelain veneer restoration. It took three appointments over three weeks to complete the work. Preliminary diagnostic teeth wax up allowed Lana to see her new teeth beforehand and to modify their shape in wax as she saw fit. It also added to her confidence. The end result was that Lana could not stop smiling right after the final cementation and let us take the above photos.
