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Jaw soreness. Headaches. Waking up tired. Grinding. Even hearing problems. These are just a few of the many symptoms of bite problems. Often, these same patients also exhibit receding gums, wear marks on chewing surfaces and cracked teeth, and many are unaware that there is any problem at all. Fortunately, a great number of those who suffer from these common symptoms can be easily diagnosed and helped.
In many dental practices, the patient would be told that they simply grind their teeth and would be prescribed a night guard. Some would get better, but most became frustrated at their problem not truly getting fixed. Night guards are like aspirin for a headache. Unless the root of the problem is revealed, the symptoms will go on and on.
Dr. Toomey will evaluate your bite to determine if your symptoms are dental-related or not. In fact, a bite evaluation is simple, painless and part of our regular dental exam. After this bite evaluation, Dr. Toomey might recommend that you be measured and evaluated in greater detail to correct the problem permanently. After all, we're dedicated to improving our patients' lives by improving their comfort, sleep and longevity of their natural teeth.
| Q: |
Dr. Toomey, you've assessed my bite and recommended
a bite equilibration with models. What does this mean?
What are the costs? What do those costs include? |
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| A: |
After some initial evaluating, I may recommend you proceed
onto further evaluation. This means having one of my dental
assistants acquire some needed measurements. They will
do this by taking models of your upper and lower teeth.
They will also take a measurement between your teeth and
your ears, a warm wax bite and photographs. You'll then
make your next appointment and go home. I'll look at all
of the information gathered by my assistants to determine
the proper course of treatment for you. If occlusal equilibration
is necessary, the cost ranges from $400.00 - $1,700.00.
This includes the measurements, analysis & diagnosis
with this information, guards (if needed initially), subsequent
appointments to properly fit the guard and equilibrate
teeth to correct the problem. |
Some remarks about Bite Equilibration from our patients:
"I've had the same dentist for my entire life, he told me I had TMJ issues,
but never treated it or sent me to someone who could.
As I sit here in Dr. Toomey's office, after my 3rd equilibration appointment,
I'm having a moment of gratitude because my jaw has never felt better!"
Terri, age 47
"I'm sleeping much better with my guard- it's a noticeable difference in my restfulness the next day. Unfortunately for my wife, I now also sleep thru our one year old's cries at night!"
Jason, age 35
Im still in the middle of treatment, but my results
have been dramatic already! In particular, less popping and
less discomfort when eating.
Retha, age 39
"I wish I could have a whole paragraph to say how much
of a difference it has made for me. I had a lot of headaches,
jaw and ear pain. After two adjustments, I could feel immediate
relief and change in my jaw muscles. I have tried everything
else and this was truly like a miracle."
Sonnie, Age
40
"Tell Dr.T my TMJ's are doing great and I'll see him
in a few weeks! Thank Dr.T and the rest of the staff. If you
knew how bad my joints were, you wouldn't believe the results
I've gotten!"
Kim, Age 40
"Hello, Dr. Toomey, like you said, the tooth that was
hurting is much better now. The pain is almost non-existent
after 4 days. In the morning, the jaw is not tense or stiff,
and the end of the workday, I do not have tightness in the
jaw like I used to. The pain I reported, associated with chewing
on my right side, is also much better. As you can see, I am
very satisfied with my improvement since I started wearing
the new mouth guard. If anything changes, I will keep you
posted. Thanks again!"
Deborah, Age 38
"I called Dr. Toomey's office the morning after wearing
my new B-Splint, to tell them how happy I was with my results.
I had a clicking jaw, which had caused so much pain, that
I could not fully open my mouth without it hurting. I am so
pleased with how I feel already!"
Debbie, Age 40
"I no longer grind my teeth at night. Thank you, Dr.
Toomey!"
Sherry, Age 64
I used to travel with Orajel (for my sore tooth) and
Imitrex (for my migraines) at all times. I cant tell
you the last time Ive used either! Its very exciting
results!
Barbara, Age 52
My massage therapist noticed a big difference in my
facial, head and neck muscles!
Marcia, Age 61
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