On Tue, 20 Jun 2000 07:57:32 -0700, "James P. Boyd, DDS"
<J...@DrJimBoyd.com> wrote:

(snip)
Millions of people with high >|fillings are not bothered (it drives me
nuts).

Boyd:
With more serious malocclusions - just multiply it by a 100. No, with
more serious muscular parafunctions, multiply it. Muscles don't
parafunction without nerves. There are proprioceptors protecting the
jaws, teeth, and the TMJs.  When the occlusion is off, they affect the
autonomic nervous system. It sets off Selye's "Alarm reaction" in the
body.

The malocclusion is a modifier. Your muscular activity had been trained
to accomdate and work in harmony with your occlusal scheme.  When your
occlusion was modified, the muscular pattern was not, and the strain to
your TMJ(s) was not tolerated.

Wally:
Are you suggesting (to use Hans's Al Bundy analogy) that I start to
walk on the side of my foot to avoid the stone? I didn't read it...it
was too long.

Boyd:
It was a good analogy and pointed out that it is not just muscles and
bones involved. The nerves are too. It is not just the muscles that
accommodate. Muscles are the only thing that *can* accommodate.

The masticatory system is a harmonious working mechanism of >|> nerves,
muscles, and bones. The muscularture allows for the harmony.  Teeth and
bones are along for the ride.

(snip)
I was trying to say that the NTI compensates for a malocclusion better
than a standard splint. I also eliminates the the uncomfortable feeling
of teeth or crowns that have been modified or contructed in such a way
that axial loading is no longer uptimum.

(snip)