TMD / TMJ 

 TMJ is a serious and complex condition having to do with the relationship between the teeth, muscles and jaws joints. Unlike other dental conditions, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ is not a tooth by tooth problem but a whole body one. Patients who have experienced TMJ pain or discomfort know that this can be one of the most difficult conditions to find relief for in the dental field. Dr. Deal is Board Certified by the American Board of Craniofacial Pain for treating all TMD issues. Patients from all over the country and world have sought out Dr. Deal for his extremely effective approach to not only relieving TMD pain, but working to achieve a healthier jaw position. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms or just general questions call us today to set up a consultation!  

TMJ & Related Problems:

● Frequent headaches, including migraines 
● Neck pain
● TM joint pain, popping or clicking
● Jaw locking- Limited ability to open or close mouth
● Jaw that deviates to one side or the other when opening
● Chewing difficulties
● Ear pain/Infection
● Ear ringing- tinnitus
● Tension or pain in the Face or Neck
● Pain above or behind the eyes
● Vertigo or dizziness
● Receding gums 
● Sore throat with no sign of infection

 Growth Guidance

Growth guidance is so important in our practice philosophy that it deserves a more in depth explanation. Studies show that between 80-85% of humans have an underdeveloped maxilla (top jaw). Growth guidance is basically getting the patients jaw growth back on track in order to avoid the negative facial and dental effects that come from altered growth. The primary function of growth guidance treatment is to remove the environmental forces (epigenetics) that caused the growth to lag behind, so that the child can fully express their genetic potential. The lower jaw follows suit on its own and the patient not only has a better smile and facial form but can breathe better (more room in the airway) and avoid poor esthetics, TMJ or sleep issues. Growth guidance is achieved with myofunctional therapy (retraining tongue and lips) and through the use of simple orthodontic appliances. For more information about treatment call us for an in office consultation. And just to be clear, this treatment is not solely for use on children, adults can benefit also.

 Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. Snoring, the sounds made when sleeping, is a separate sleep disorder often associated with sleep apnea. The consequences of these sleep disorders if left untreated include cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure and premature death.

Accurate diagnosis of your precise sleep disorder is necessary prior to personalized prescription of any dental appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea. This process begins with an overnight sleep study (polysomnography) performed under the direction of a sleep physician who will discuss the findings with you and make appropriate treatment recommendations, which may include a dental appliance. 

Dr. Deal focuses his approach to treating this condition on the way that makes the most sense…. Increasing the airway to avoid or lessen these pauses in breathing. There are ways to temporarily increase the airway for the patient. These types of treatments include sleeping with specific appliances or mouth guards to keep the lower jaw out of the way of the air flow. Other more permanent fixes include developing the jaws in a more forward position (growth guidance) so that they are always out of the way of air flow. For children who are still growing, growth guidance to allow maximum development of the jaws is paramount to avoiding this life altering condition. If you are having trouble sleeping or notice any of the following with yourself or a loved one, give us a call for a consultation today!

Signs of poor sleep:
● grinding 
● snoring
● dry mouth in morning 
● early morning headaches 
● muscle soreness 
● excessive daytime fatigue
Common signs of airway issues/poor sleep in children:
● ADHD 
● Bed wetting 
● night terrors 
● excessive grinding 
● mouth breathing 
● snoring
● frequent ear infections

The Big Three 

One of the cornerstones of the success of our orthodontics and growth guidance cases lies within the BIG THREE. This is referring to three essentials to having a stable, balanced, and symmetrical smile. In no order, the big three consists of: Nasal breathing, Lip Seal, and Tongue Posture. Immediately after braces come off, most cases look perfect, but a few years down the road, slight imperfections creep their way in. Dr. Deal preaches the big three to avoid cases like this. It has proven true that if a patient is breathing through their nose (instead of their mouth), has adequate lip seal while resting, and has a healthy forward tongue posture (and no tongue habits) that the imperfections will not find their way into your smile. 

Early Orthodontic Intervention 

A large portion of how Dr. Deal treats is focused on guiding the growing face in the right direction. An overwhelming number of children in today’s population develop habits or other limitations that can disturb normal programmed growth. This is why some children develop severe crowding once their permanent teeth are in. We not only focus on recognizing these disturbances and educating the patient but also guiding the growth of those who have gotten off track due to these issues. If the growth can get back on track during the prime developing years (6-9) sometimes the need for braces can be avoided all together. If your children have fallen behind and are out of the prime facial development years, no worries, the growth can still be caught up and a proper face and smile is still very achievable. Some common habits or issues that can cause aberrant or irregular growth in your child’s jaws include: thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, irregular swallowing, grinding, and many others. Set up a consult today if you have noticed any of the above from your child at home. 

Adult Cosmetic Orthodontics 

Sometimes adult patients are only interested in straightening their teeth. For this patient, Dr. Deal can help you as well. There are several ways to achieve the smile that you desire through orthodontics or cosmetic procedures. For a consultation and discussion on your options please give us a call today!