Bioesthetic Dentistry & TMJ

Bioesthetics is a term coined by Dr. Robert Lee which “is the study or theory of the beauty of living things in their natural forms and functions”. Bioesthetic dentistry focuses on creating a beautiful natural looking smile that is comfortable, functional and long lasting. In a healthy chewing system, jaw joints are stable, muscles are relaxed and teeth are virtually unworn. The success of comprehensive dentistry is tied to the understanding of all the parts of the chewing system work together. If one part is out of balance then the entire chewing system can suffer. Dr. Kim has taken several advanced courses from OBI which is the only teaching institution for Bioesthetic Dentistry.

Although cosmetic dentistry can also make the smile beautiful, it may not address the underlying cause of tooth wear and other chewing system problems. Bioesthetic dentistry can restore and preserve the function, health, comfort and lasting natural beauty of the teeth and smile for a lifetime. Therefore, an individual who is seeking a beautiful smile and a healthy chewing system should visit Dr. Kim as he is properly trained in OBI dentistry.

The TMJ is just an abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint. These joints (right and left side) connect the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bones of the skull. Between these two bones is a thin disc made of fibrous tissue which helps cushion the bones when the jaw is opened and closed during chewing, talking and swallowing. When the lower jaw is centered in its most stable position, the muscles are relaxed and all the teeth should close and touch each other evenly at the same time. This relationship allows the joints, muscles and teeth to protect each other during chewing.

Causes of the chewing system being out of balance are; a misaligned bite, trauma, dental work, or from orthodontic treatment. This causes the joints to be pulled away from their ideal stable position to make the teeth fit together. At the early stages, the joints can adapt to this position without any joint or muscle discomfort. However, over time this imbalance can result in severe damage to the chewing system leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or TMJ dysfunction.

Dr. Anthony Kim is an OBI trained dentist who can help if you have the following: unattractive smile; worn, chipped, cracked or broken teeth and dental work; headaches and migraines; painful facial or neck muscles; upper back or shoulder pain; jaw joint soreness or pain; difficulty or pain with chewing; grinding or clenching of the teeth; jaw popping or clicking or grating noises; loose teeth or receding gums and bone; shifting bite; ear pain, congestion or ringing in the ears.