DTR Therapy for TMJ Disorder – Portland, OR

What Is DTR Therapy?

Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) is a computer-directed process that “fine-tunes” your teeth, muscles, and TMJ so they all work together comfortably and harmoniously. The source of most TMJ dysfunction is a misaligned bite, which creates friction. No machine lasts long or runs smoothly if it must fight against friction, and the teeth are no different. Muscles and joints work most efficiently when they have minimal interferences that cause friction. Friction causes the teeth to send messages to the muscles that tell them to grind, causing them to overwork. This puts constant stress on the muscles, which builds up lactic acid and causes severe pain, just like overworking muscles at the gym.

The goal of DTR is to remove these interferences and allow the muscles, teeth, and joints to work with less effort, energy, and fatigue so they can perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively. DTR enables Dr. Teasdale to precisely adjust a patient’s bite so that the back teeth do not touch when the jaw slides side-to-side or front-to-back. This restores balance and prevents the muscles from straining themselves, allowing them (and you!) to completely relax.

Who Is a Good Candidate for DTR Therapy?

Dr. Teasdale may recommend DTR therapy for patients dealing with some or all of the following conditions:

• Chronic jaw pain
• Persistent headaches and migraines
• Teeth grinding and clenching
• Chipped/worn-down teeth
• Frequent earaches
• Chronic neck pain
• Extremely sensitive teeth
• A mouth that often becomes stuck while opening and closing

How Does DTR Therapy Work?

Rather than using bite paper to evaluate the alignment of the teeth, DTR utilizes a computerized bite analysis alongside electromyography (EMG). This shows how the teeth come into contact in real time. It reveals what order and how hard they are touching based on a computerized analysis and EMG-confirmation that the muscles are working only when required. With this information, Dr. Teasdale can determine how the bite is straining the muscles and then adjust the teeth to make them come together correctly and easily. This may involve slightly reshaping teeth by removing a small amount of enamel or building up a tooth with a custom restoration. In certain situations, orthodontics may be recommended as well. The end result is a functional bite, revitalized muscles, and no more pain!

The Advantages of DTR Therapy

If you were going to have your car tuned, how would you want the mechanic to handle the problem? Do you want them to use the latest computer technologies and techniques for a precise diagnosis, or do you want them to just kick your tires and listen to the engine before making vague recommendations? Would you rather they use pinpoint accuracy, or rules of thumb?

This metaphor illustrates how accurate the DTR method in Portland is compared to other TMJ treatments. It allows Dr. Teasdale to gather much more data about the bite and muscles, making it far more accurate to decide which adjustments need to be made to solve the problem.

It is important to remember that DTR also permanently fixes the bite, unlike mouthguards that can only possibly have an effect while you are wearing them. DTR removes the daily source of a patient’s pain and empowers them to function comfortably all hours of the day, for years to come.

Achieve the Relief You Have Been Waiting For

Dealing with TMJ pain can be frustrating and emotionally draining, especially if you have already visited multiple doctors and tried several treatments without getting results. When it is applied by a highly experienced TMJ dentist in Portland like Dr. Teasdale, DTR therapy is highly predictable in providing relief. At Evolution Dental, our highly trained staff can show you exactly what is causing your pain and discuss how we can stop it using data measured from your specific and unique bite and muscles. DTR takes the uncertainty out of TMJ treatment, and you can trust Dr. Teasdale to provide the solution you need.