The term occlusion disorder refers to a series of signs and symptoms that can occur in an uncomfortable or sometimes painful manner due to malocclusion, or an incorrect relationship of the dental arches.
The symptoms of malocclusions
Symptoms may include:
The area of the temporomandibular joints (T.T.M.), where signs from malocclusion can manifest in various, often heterogeneous forms:
- Pain in opening the mouth;
- Migraines and headaches;
- Ear ringing.
Neck and neck areas with manifestations such as:
- Contractures in the neck muscles;
- Pain and functional limitation of the head (cervical type);
- Tingling and paresthesias in the fingers of the hands.
Sometimes, however, the symptomatology has more subtle features that are less striking and, more importantly, far enough removed from the mouth to suggest no direct involvement. These symptoms configure a broader framework of disorders that define the descending postural syndrome and manifest in:
- Back pain;
- Dizziness;
- Physical fatigue;
- Pubalgia.
These symptoms, referring to various bodily districts, often disorient the general practitioner called in and force the patient, suffering from chronic pain, through a long and often frustrating procedure among various specialists: orthopedists, otolaryngologists, psychologists, neurologists, kiropractors.
Each of these specialists will indicate unnecessary therapies (most often invasive or incorrect) because they are not supplemented by assessments of the interactions that are related to the malocclusion, with the result that the patient continues to suffer resulting in disappointment and further mental and physical stress.
What are the causes?
We can say that every dental problem causes a chewing error that will lead to a shift of the jaw from its physiological to a pathological position and a consequent imbalance of the muscles of mastication.
It then happens that from a correct or nonpathological dental occlusion we move to a“pathological dental” occlusion. This gives rise to algic-dysfunctional a.t.m. syndromes and “descending postural pathologies.”
- Poorly done fillings;
- Dental deficiencies;
- Severe orthodontic problems;
- Incorrect or worn prostheses.
Malocclusion, the cause of the algic-dysfunctional syndrome, can also occur due to:
- Trauma to the spine;
- Whiplash from traffic accident.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of algic-dysfunctional a.t.m. syndrome related to malocclusion and/or descending postural syndrome is not simple. Multidisciplinary collaboration of various specialists is needed. In our medical center, specialists in various branches of medicine collaborate in order to have a comprehensive and multidisciplinary diagnosis.
Clinical assessment:
- Dental examination: occlusion abnormalities, poorly done fillings, missing teeth, “crooked” teeth, etc. are identified;
- Gnathological examination: by the physiatrist and/or posturologist allows for analysis of correlations between occlusal disorder and descending muscle imbalances in various body districts;
- Muscle kinesiology testing: to test the ability of the nervous system to control in a balanced way the action of a muscle or, even better, a “muscle chain” .
Instrumental assessment:
- 3D CT scan : of the temporomandibular joints for correct anatomical assessment both statically and in dynamics;
- Electromyography for evaluation of masticatory muscle activities and their synchronous and balanced functioning in movements;
- Baropodometry: for the study of foot support from standing and in gait;
- Stability platform: to detect and record the separate activity of the two plantar supports, postural loads, and body center of gravity.
Therapy
Therapy of temporomandibular joint algic-dysfunctional syndromes and descending postural disorders is divided into two objectives:
- Resolution, right away, of the primary cause of such afflictions, that is, correction of the malocclusion;
- Treatment of secondary disorders triggered and fueled by malocclusion, i.e., neuralgia, myalgia, inflammation of art. Temporo-mandibular, etc. Through physiotherapy reeducation.
To correct malocclusion, a splint or plate is made, a resin dental device that fits between the teeth and is made to put the jaw in its proper position when the teeth are clenched. Basically, the mandibular deviation caused by malocclusion is corrected.
The device is individually functionalized and gives an immediate effect. As a first consequence, the masticatory muscles come into balance with each other, as a result, the whole muscle chain around the spine is no longer subjected to unfair stresses and can regain its balance; the improvement in balance and composure is evident.
Instrumental and manual therapies
Instrumental therapies
These are the antalgic and anti-inflammatory therapies aimed at treating fasciitis, myalgias, capsulitis:
- Tens;
- Laser;
- Tecar therapy.
Physiotherapy manual therapies
Physiotherapy seeksbalance between the jaw and head through muscle and joint re-education. Physiotherapy rehabilitation uses special treatments:
- Manual lymphatic drainage: this is a treatment that has important application when there is facial swelling determined, for example, by lymphatic-type stagnation due to parafunctions such as grinding and/or bruxism;
- Decontracting massage therapy: through various massage techniques, resolves contractures of the masticatory mimic and cervical muscles and deactivates any trigger zones or trigger points, which are particular disorders of the muscles that give rise to pain;
- Functional recovery exercises and techniques: aimed at recovering masticatory function. They are performed under close and direct supervision of the specialist: the patient subsequently learns to maintain the results achieved through exercises performed at home independently.
- Postural reeducation: combined with proper respiratory gymnastics, accompanies physiotherapy reeducation of A.T.M.
Rely on a Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center with state-of-the-art technology and a professional staff is important: inquire at the facility about services and treatments.
In conclusion
These pathologies:
- They tend to be easily chronic with acute phases;
- They have sneaky and often confusing beginnings;
- They greatly condition relationship life.
Therefore, it is very important to quicklyarrive at a correct diagnosis and immediately set up an effective and decisive therapy.
