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LVI Dental Orthotics

Posted by JOY on April 01, 2005 at 15:40:09:

Hi Folks -

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 8 years ago and have been a devout CPAP user all this time. At the time of first diagnosis I did not have a dental workup. Recently I saw an area dentist who is an LVI neuro-muscular specialist. In the process of doing more routine dental work, I discussed my TMJ symptoms with him and he noted the small,narrowness of my mouth, larger size tongue, severity of my overbite/ crossbite, teeth grinding and lower jaw retraction and suggested that I have an evaluation of my jaw/TMJ joint (apparently my mouth is its own version of the "perfect storm"). I did so - it was an elaborate procedure involving a complex set of X-rays similar to a CAT scan and using a "tens machine" to relax then track and model the proper alignment and balance for my jaw joints.

If one follows this process out, he would develop an orthotic that is used for three months to intially retrain the jaw muscles to the balanced position. After three months a choice is made to continue the orthotic longterm; pursue orthodontics to maintain the new balance; or do a full mouth restoration with crowns to duplicate the alignment (the latter option is way beyond my budget). He believes the result will open my airway further making room for my tongue to rest and not curl up at the roof of my mouth where it presses on my teeth (overbite) or fall back to block airway. He believes it will also resolve TMJ and appearance issues (the recessive jaw means for all intent and purpose I have no real chin to speak of).

From reviewing this message board I know many of you have discussed various dental appliances you are using. While I started down this road as an aid for TMJ bite alignment issues, it would seem to have potential for benefit to my apnea as well and I was wondering if anyone else has gone this specific route - and whether they saw benefit to the apnea issues? I know I have a major alignment issue and always suspected it had a role in my apnea so what he is saying makes sense to me. But this process is really expensive and comes largely out of pocket so I am proceeding with caution.

If anyone else has gone the route of the LVI orthotic process and is willing to share their perspective then I would be very grateful!!

Many thanks,

Joy

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