Gnathologist consultation
Consultation with a gnathologist begins with a detailed history. During the conversation, the doctor clarifies the patient’s complaints, assesses the dynamics of symptoms and identifies possible causes of the disease, such as tooth loss, dentures, orthodontic correction, inflammatory processes or neoplasms.
Who is a gnathologist?
A gnathologist is a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases associated with disorders of the dento-mandibular system. This specialist helps to restore the correct position of the jaw and teeth, thus ensuring the harmonious functioning of the entire organisation of the masticatory apparatus.
Tasks of a gnatologist. The main task of a gnatologist is to correct the bite and treat diseases caused by its disorders. In addition, the doctor deals with the prevention of a complex of problems, including jaw pain, headaches, tooth wear and even some types of ear diseases.
Areas of expertise. Gnathology encompasses not only dentistry, but also related disciplines such as orthodontics and orthopedics. This allows the gnathologist to view dental problems in the context of the patient’s overall health and well-being.
Methods of work. A gnathologist uses a variety of diagnostic techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and specialised clinical tests to determine an accurate diagnosis. Treatment may include the use of orthodontic appliances, bite correctors, physiotherapy treatments and comprehensive rehabilitation programmes.
Benefits of consulting a gnathologist. Early consultation with a gnathologist can prevent many diseases associated with improper function of the masticatory apparatus, improve the quality of life and avoid serious surgical interventions in the future.
What a gnathologist treats
A gnathologist is a specialist in the health of the dento-mandibular system and temporomandibular joint, addressing issues related to the comfort and functionality of this area.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anomalies;
- Dislocation and/or disc compression;
- Musculotendinous dysfunction;
- TMJ arthritis and arthrosis;
- Spontaneous lysis (atrophy) of the articular heads;
- Functional overload of the periodontium (the tissues that hold the teeth in the cavity);
- Dental deformities due to periodontitis (periodontal inflammation);
- Traumatic occlusion;
- Bite abnormalities;
- Congenital defects of the dentoalveolar system;
- Bruxism (teeth grinding);
- Clicking and crunching when the TMJ moves
How counseling is conducted
Only after all the necessary tests have been performed can a gnathologist, whether an orthopedist or orthodontist, prescribe individualized treatment to restore function to the dentoalveolar system.
Clinical examination
The doctor performs an external examination, paying attention to facial asymmetry, the presence of swelling and swelling. Examination of the jaw at rest and in motion helps to determine the type of occlusion, bite height and amplitude of mouth opening.
Palpation of head and neck muscles
Using light pressure, the gnathologist identifies painful areas and assesses the nature of the pain to help localize the sources of discomfort.
Joint murmur analysis
If you detect clicking or crunching when you open your mouth, it may indicate a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Evaluation of occlusion and bite
The doctor checks for proper tooth alignment, identifies supercontacts (areas of excessive tooth pressure on each other), and evaluates the level of the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Radiologic methods of research
To clarify the diagnosis, additional studies such as MRI or CT scans may be prescribed, which provide a complete picture of the condition of the bone and soft tissues.
Doctors in the direction
All doctors
Impact of bite on health
A bad bite not only causes discomfort in everyday life, but also has a significant impact on overall health. The relationship between the condition of the dentoalveolar system and human health is extensive and multifaceted.
Dental Health. An improper bite leads to uneven distribution of stress on the teeth, which can cause excessive wear, brittleness and even loss of teeth. It also increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as it is more difficult to carry out quality hygiene of difficult-to-compose areas.
Impact on digestion. Incomplete chewing of food due to bite problems can lead to digestive disorders and even dysbacteriosis. This is because food that is poorly ground by the teeth is harder to digest in the stomach.
Headaches and neck pain. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, often caused by a bad bite, can lead to chronic headaches, neck pain, and even migraines. The stress of constantly tensing the facial muscles exacerbates these symptoms.
Impact on posture. The long-term effects of a bad bite can even extend to overall body posture. Tension in the jaws is transferred to the muscles in the neck and back, which can cause changes in standing and walking.
A gnathological consultation can help identify bite problems and tailor a personalised treatment plan to restore the functionality of the dento-alveolar system and improve quality of life.
Peculiarities of working with children's bite
Early diagnosis
It is recommended to have a gnathologist checkup as early as infancy and early childhood, when the teeth are just beginning to erupt. This allows the doctor to assess the correctness of bite formation and timely detect possible anomalies.
Methods of correction
Depending on the age of the child and the specifics of the disorder, the gnathologist may use a variety of treatment methods, including soft orthodontic appliances, tracers, or more traditional braces to gradually correct the bite.
Disease prevention
Regular checkups with a gnathologist can help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, which can occur due to an improper bite and difficult access to certain areas of the teeth during cleaning.
Impact on overall development
An improper bite can make it difficult to speak, chew, and even breathe. Intervention by a gnathologist during childhood promotes the normal development of speech skills and improves the quality of nutrition, which is essential for the child’s overall physical development.
