My condition involving enamel and Tori

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

jay-n-123 - 06 Mar 2007 03:24 GMT

In addition to my enamel issue, which was treated using bonding materials10
years ago with reasonable success, I also have some tori which makes it
appear like some of my gums are swollen. I can live with this if it doesn't
worsen. Some tori on my upper right gums are noticeable now where there
weren't noticeable 7 years ago. The same dentist as in my previous message
said that the tori are due to pressure from my teeth being at an angle (and
clenching at night is likely a factor too). Do you think there is validity
in what he is stating? My only real concern about the tori is the
possibilty they could worsen.

Will having a special removable plastic appliance made using "neuromusicular
dentistry" techniques do anything toward preventing the tori from worsening
or cause them to receed? Would ortho work accomplish this..and would it be
worth it in my 40s?

Reason I'm asking the above question is that this dentist is proposing these
ideas for both my enamel issue and the tori issue. The special appliance
would cost around $800.

Seems to me the tori could be corrected by an oral surgeon if at some point
that were necessary, right? Is getting involved in "neuromusicular
dentistry" and possibly ortho work in my 40s really the right approach?

As for my enamel, it seems to me a night guard would protect my teeth if
grinding and clenching are really an issue, right?

Thanks,

J.

Reply to this Message

Amatus Cremona - 06 Mar 2007 13:30 GMT

I do not believe anyone on this forum is "keen" on neuromuscular dentistry.
Not always, but often,,,,,, Neuromuscular Dental Offices try to sell huge
treatment plans which end up costing ten thousand dollars. Restoring all
your teeth may be necessary if they are broken down, but is never needed to
correct clenching or grinding "activity". Clenching activity is NOT related
to how your teeth contact when you close your mouth. It is related to what
your muscles are doing.

A large number of dentists seem to believe that a certain type of
interference in tooth contact when you close your jaw lightly without any
food in your mouth, forces the lateral pterygoid muscle to contract, leading
to grinding activities. However, if you try to find the study this belief
is based on, *good luck* !!

Check out the NTI device before you allow anyone to make you a "horse-shoe"
appliance.

Tori being caused by jaw activity is a theory proposed by a few people, but
with **NO** research to support it (nor is there research to disprove it).
Tori are benign and present in some degree in MANY people. Tori seem to
grow most when a person is in his thirties.

Orthodontic work is great if your teeth are not aligned properly, it will
not stop clenching. It can make chewing more comfortable and make cleaning
your teeth easier. Orthodontics is a great service. Just don't ask it to
do things it cannot.

Signature

/

Amatus

/

> In addition to my enamel issue, which was treated using bonding
> materials10 years ago with reasonable success, I also have some tori which
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>
> J.

Reply to this Message

Dartos - 06 Mar 2007 13:48 GMT

I've never seen tori go away on their own. If they are a problem
due to their size, surgery is likely the best option.

As for bruxism/clenching appliances, an NTI is less expensive, easier
to wear, and more effective than most other devices.

I agree with some of the neur/musc stuff, but I don't swallow the
whole ball of wax.

D

> Reason I'm asking the above question is that this dentist is proposing these
> ideas for both my enamel issue and the tori issue. The special appliance
> would cost around $800.

> J.

Reply to this Message