What is the best way to know if a patient is appropriate for Dental Integration? What does dental integration treatment entail?
Watch the video for a basic concepts of Dental Integration.
Collaboration between a dentist and a physical therapist is crucial, particularly when implementing an appliance like the PADA [pattern altering dental appliance]. The body’s condition can directly affect both the bite and the appliance’s effectiveness. Often, a thorough physical therapy evaluation from a certified AIA practitioner is required.
Dr. Griffith, DDS commonly uses a PADA to “unlock the jaw and help reduce neck tension to open the airway or unkink the hose”.
Dr. Guzman, PT, DPT suggests “avoiding chin tucks or thrusting the tongue to roof of the mouth, but rather rest it on the palate”.
Dr. Griffith, DDS and Dr. Guzman, PT, DPT discuss the importance of selecting a correct nightguard. Upper night guards can be very restrictive, so having a good understanding of what is available is important. A PADA is a flat plane, full occlusal appliance that fits on the lower jaw and is relined to fit to each individual.
The PADA [pattern altering dental appliance], a term coined by the Applied Integration Academy, refers to a custom lower flat plane, full occlusal mandibular splint. Its uniqueness lies in its simultaneous influence on occlusion and overall bodily function, thereby altering established patterns.
The tongue plays a significant role in promoting horizontal development of the midface; therefore, maintaining an adequate palatal width to facilitate optimal tongue posture is essential. Dental integration refers to the coordinated efforts of dental professionals, physical therapists, and myofunctional therapists to achieve favorable treatment outcomes.
There are many appliances that can be used to assist with palatal expansion, proper tongue to roof of mouth posture and cranial destraining. The ALF is considered to be a neurorespiratory device, not orthopedic palatal expander.
Freedom in the ribcage can be readily achieved with proper resting tongue posture. An ALF or Advanced Lightwire Functional appliance can assist in many cases with allowing the ribcage to move and is just one of the many benefits.
The conditions listed below are not all inclusive, however are a typical consequence of the asymmetrical or one-sided dominant patterns.
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