The 3 T’s
The Teeth
When do we have functional harmony with the teeth?
Pressures are created when the upper and lower teeth come together. If these pressures are uneven on individual teeth, problems will occur. These uneven pressures can cause teeth to be sensitive to heat, cold and touch. In some cases teeth can wear, fracture or break due to excessive pressures. Years of experience have convinced us that correct function and balance are among the most important factors in keeping teeth for a lifetime.
When do we have aesthetic harmony with the teeth?
Optimum aesthetic harmony is present when teeth display ‘natural beauty’. Many times people are self-conscious when talking, smiling and laughing if the teeth are uneven or discolored. There are many factors that can cause teeth to have an unacceptable appearance. It is important to analyze and carefully evaluate the causative factors for any aesthetic disharmony. We have learned over years of evaluation that form and functions go hand-in-hand. In other words in most cases if teeth don’t look good, they don’t usually function properly. Likewise, if teeth don’t function properly, they usually don’t display ‘natural beauty’ and don’t show aesthetic harmony.
When do we have biologic harmony with the teeth?
Many different types of materials have been used over the years for necessary dental treatment. It is critical that any material we use be compatible for the person being treated. It’s important that our materials have the necessary strength to last for many years. We are concerned that the materials we use have similar biologic physical properties as natural tooth structure. It is a tremendous challenge to routinely produce excellent esthetics with our current materials. Our dental technologists have continued to meet and surpass this challenge. Biologic harmony for the teeth exists when our criteria of compatibility, strength and durability are met.
The Tissues
When do we have functional harmony of the tissues?
Interestingly enough, when we have functional and biological harmony of the teeth we usually have functional harmony of the mouth and muscle tissues. When the bite is balanced the muscle tissues are in a better state of harmony and the results is the perio parenthesis tissues are markedly healthier.
When do we have aesthetic harmony of the tissues?
The Periodontal (gum) tissues are in a healthy state when there are healthy zones of attached tissue around the teeth. If the gum tissue is at a healthy level around the teeth aesthetic appearance is enhanced and the result is aesthetic harmony. Muscle tissue disharmony can distort the appearance of the facial contours producing facial distortions and disharmony.
When do we have biologic harmony of the tissues?
Biologic harmony of the tissues exists when there is no form of inflammation, infection, or any breakdown of tissues of the masticatory system.
The TMJ’s
When do we have functional harmony of the TMJ's?
This may be best understood by describing the conditions that cause disharmony of the TMJ’s. Disharmony may be caused by the discs becoming detached from the condyles. Continuous muscle spasms as a result of uneven bite pressures may cause the discs to become detached from the condyles. Improper bite balance between the teeth may result in muscle spasticity causing pain and dysfunction of the TMJ’s. Studies have shown that 75-80% of headaches are caused by the TMD syndrome. Functional harmony of the TMJ’s is present when there is no pain or dysfunction during talking, laughing, yawning or chewing. There should be no grating sounds in the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints. There should be no locking or uneven movement in the healthy joints.
When do we have aesthetic harmony of the TMJ's?
In a healthy temporomandibular joint there is symmetry and balance of the muscles of the jaws and the face. When there is a diseased joint the face may become distorted. Research indicates that disharmony can occur in a young child as the facial structures are developing and growing. The growth center of the lower jaw (mandible) is in the condyle. An accidental blow to the lower jaw (at the chin point) can interrupt the normal growth of the lower jaw. If this happens the upper jaw is also affected. If this is not corrected early, the entire symmetry and appearance of the face can become uneven and distorted.
When do we have biologic harmony of the TMJ's?
Biologic harmony is present when the facial muscles are functioning in a comfortable and healthy state. The balanced occlusion (bite) is a main factor in creating and maintaining biologic harmony of the TMJ’s. It is sometimes necessary to do specific treatment focused on creating dental harmony of the teeth, tissues and the temporomandibular joints.
