Dental Deprogrammer and Chiro-dontic Treatment for TMJ

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Dr. Panahpour performs a bite alignment test on a patient. Dr. Panahpour has served on research teams for several studies regarding the treatment of TMJ, as well as body alignment via bite alignment, and increasing lymphatic flow.

A Different Approach to TMJ

You have options for treatment of your *TMD (a..k.a. TMJ). See Dr. Panahpour for a different perspective and less invasive treatment that may not (necessarily) involve any of the same appliances or machines that are typically used for TMJ treatment. Dr. Panahpour uses a multidisciplinary approach to oral health and its relationship to whole-body health.

Therefore Dr. Panahour includes a thorough check and short series of tests for oral and whole-body health, alignment and strength caused by TMJ utilizing chiropractic, dental orthopedics, cosmetic dentistry, nutrition and cranial orthopedic manipulation techniques as part of every new patient exam.

Certified in 17 different healing disciplines, including groundbreaking Chiro-Dontics treatments, Dr. Panahpour uses chiropractic, dental orthopedics, cosmetic dentistry, nutrition and cranial orthopedic manipulation techniques in his patient exam, diagnosis and treatment plan.

With Dr. Panahpour's Bite Alignment Test and treatment, patients have been able to overcome TMJ while experiencing a myriad of other improvements in body strength and the positive effects of improved lymphatic flow.
How do I know if I have bite problems?
  • A few of the most common symptoms of bite-related issues are:
    • Earaches or ringing
    • Clenching or grinding
    • Worn teeth
    • Cracked and fractured teeth
    • Sensitive teeth
    • Pain or cramping in the jaw muscles
    • Pain in the jaw joint
    • Popping or locking of the jaws
    • Headaches
    • Loose teeth
    • Notching in the tooth

These problems may be caused by teeth that do not fit together properly or by habits such as clenching and grinding.

  • Many ailments in addition to TMJ can also be caused by an improper bite. Here is a short list:
    • Improper posture, potentially leading to other struture-related symptoms
    • Weaker performance in sports and in life.
    • Interference in menstrual cycles.

Some patients' treatment plan will include a dental deprogrammer custom-designed by Dr. Panapour.

Dental Deprogrammer FAQs

What is a deprogrammer?

A deprogrammer is a removable dental appliance, similar to an orthodontic retainer that is worn over the teeth to prevent them from biting together.

Why did my dentist recommend a dental deprogrammer?

A deprogrammer is a dental appliance designed to correct problems related to the bite. If you are planning to restore teeth or if you are having bite and jaw related symptoms your dentist may recommend a deprogrammer for you.

How does the deprogrammer work?

A deprogrammer prevents the back teeth from biting together. This frees up the muscles and jaw joint to relax into their physiologically ideal resting position.

The deprogrammer reduces muscle tension, headaches and excess wear on the teeth by relaxing the jaw.

How long does it take to deprogram teeth?

The jaw muscles will feel comfortable and relaxed and the teeth will touch on the discluding element in exactly the same place every time. It is also important to determine that this contact point is not changing over time.

How should i use the deprogrammer?

Wear the deprogrammer as much as possible and always remove it to eat or to clean the teeth. It is especially important to wear it all night prior to and the day of your scheduled evaluation. Keep the deprogrammer in until you are asked to remove it.
Please bring your deprogrammer to every appointment.

*People commonly refer to this issue as “TMJ,” but TMJ simply stands for the jaw joint, or temporomandibular joint.

Temporomandibular disorders (called TMD) happen when the muscles and joints of your jaw experience pain that can be a result of a few different types of issues, from inflammation to a poor bite.