Clinical tutorials
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How To Take A Myobite 1
How to take a Myobite 1
In this session, we're learning about a technique to help patients with jaw issues. First, we instruct the patient to gently move their jaw side to side and open wide, allowing their jaw to float comfortably. It's important that the patient doesn't fully open or close their jaw, but rather, keeps it slightly open.
We then place some material in the patient's mouth and ask them to let their jaw float up naturally. This helps us to stabilize the jaw without causing tension. Once the material sets, we can observe a gap between the upper and lower teeth. This gap is significant because it's often the cause of jaw problems, like pinching the TMJ disc and causing headaches.
By using an orthotic to stabilize the jaw in this position, most patients experience relief from pain and discomfort within three months. After this period, the patient has two options: they can either continue wearing the orthotic for long-term relief or use this improved jaw position as a basis for further orthodontic or restorative treatments recommended in the next phase.
How to take a Myobite 2
In this session, we're learning a technique to help patients with jaw issues. First, we ask the patient to wiggle their jaw side to side and open wide, letting their jaw float naturally. It's important to remind them not to swallow and to keep their tongue on the roof of their mouth while relaxing.
Next, we instruct the patient to close their mouth slightly, aligning their eyes and shoulders. The patient should avoid moving or opening their mouth as we place a bit of material between their teeth. They can close their lips but should not bring their teeth together completely.
Once the material sets, we check the bite and make sure everything is aligned. We instruct the patient to open and bite down into the material a few times to ensure the proper positioning. After confirming the guide is set, we add more material as needed without opening the mouth too much to avoid losing the guide.
This technique helps us prepare for jaw expansion by maintaining a consistent bite guide throughout the process.
How To Take A Myobite 2
How To Digitally Scan A Myobite
How to Digitally scan a Myobite
In this session, we'll learn how to capture a bite registration using a 3M True Definition Scanner, although this technique can be applied with any scanner. First, we trim the Myoaligner® on the buccal side to expose the gap we aim to capture, showing the intra-occlusal space.
We start by scanning the upper and lower arches, as well as the bite registrations in the patient's mouth. For the True Definition Scanner, begin on the right side by scanning straight up and down in one stripe to capture that section. Once accepted, move to the left side and repeat the process, scanning straight up and down, capturing about three to five millimeters of gingiva.
Finally, scan the central area in the same manner, ensuring you capture three to five millimeters of gingiva on both the upper and lower arches. Once all sections are scanned, you'll have a complete bite registration showing the inter-occlusal space perfectly.
How to Tighten a Loose Appliance
In this demonstration, we focus on a technique to apply composite to a dental appliance for increased retention without affecting the occlusal surface or the interior of the appliance. Start by applying a small band of composite right at the gum line, making sure it only fills a tiny gap for better retention. Ensure nothing is added to the occlusal surface.
After seating the appliance on the model, ask the patient to apply pressure, perhaps using a cotton roll, to clear any excess composite from the inner proximal areas. Tack the composite, but avoid fully curing it right away to allow for adjustments and ensure a snug fit.
Once you confirm the excess has been removed and the appliance fits well with increased retention, proceed to fully cure the composite. If the appliance feels too tight, you can adjust by relieving tension mostly in the interproximal areas where you see a V-shape structure.
This method not only improves the fit of the appliance but also enhances its retention, making it more effective and comfortable for the patient. This technique is useful for bonding your Myoliner to the teeth or adjusting the appliance for a tighter fit.
How To Tighten A Loose Appliance
How To Thicken An Appliance
How to Thicken an Appliance
In this session, we discuss how to handle thin areas in dental appliances. If you notice small craze lines, it's a good idea to reinforce these areas before delivering the appliance to the patient.
Removing the appliance in and out of the mouth several times can help you identify and strengthen any weak spots. This precaution ensures that the appliance remains durable and comfortable for the patient, preventing potential fractures in those thin areas.
Orthotic Solutions: Removable and Bonded Designs Compared
At Myoaligner®, we focus on developing orthotics that provide relief from TMD symptoms without surgery. These devices are designed to take up minimal tongue space and allow patients to test a new bite comfortably.
Patients often have issues like an uneven bite and jaw narrowing, which can cause the mandible to retract. After relaxing the muscles and determining the ideal jaw position, we use segmented orthotics that reach the gum line, allowing for normal chewing and function while reducing TMJ pain.
We use 3D-printed models to ensure a perfect fit. Some orthotics are temporarily bonded to the teeth, aiding in the transition to further orthodontic treatments. These designs maintain the jaw position, allowing for easy cleaning and helping with jaw expansion and bite improvement.
Patients typically wear these orthotics for up to three months, which helps with bio remodeling and diagnostics. This period helps determine if further treatments like arch expansion and tongue posture correction are needed.
Orthotic Solutions: Removable and Bonded Designs Compared
Simultaneous use of Myoaligner® & Vivos appliances
Simultaneous Use Of Myoaligner & Vivos Appliances
Dr. TENNANT and I want to share our non-surgical solution for remodeling the jaw to a better position. This method helps reposition the jaw without surgery, which is ideal for patients who prefer non-invasive treatments.
First, we observe the patient's current bite using retractors. The deep bite and bicuspid drop-off are noted. During the day, the patient wears segmented appliances that lift the bite and maintain the jaw in a better position, reducing the overbite and improving facial structure.
At night, the patient wears a DNA appliance that remodels the airway and expands the upper and lower jaw. This appliance, worn for 4-6 hours during the day as well, helps grow the mid-face and aligns with the Myoaligner® bite. Rubber bands keep the lower jaw protruded, ensuring the airway stays open to address mild apnea.
By wearing these appliances, the jaw is kept in a forward position, reprogramming the muscles and preventing the bite from collapsing. The segmented orthotics from Myoaligner® help the patient chew and function normally, maintaining the natural position of the mandible.
This method offers an effective, non-surgical solution for jaw remodeling, providing comfort and improving overall facial anatomy.