Houston Dentistry Volume 1 Issue 3 The Texas Center for Occlusal Studies | Page 9

Shirley has been self-conscious about her smile her whole life . She knew by the way her teeth were wearing , something was not right with her bite . After thousands of dollars spent on piecemeal dentistry , she wanted to address the problem and not just the symptoms . Rejuvenation Dentistry gave her a stable bite and a beautiful smile that will last her entire lifetime .
Tom was driven to treatment due to a failing implant . He was referred by an oral surgeon due to extreme wear and overload . He required a full mouth rejuvenation with porcelain . co-founded the Texas Center for Occlusal Studies to address this gap in dental training . In July 2014 , they launched a residency program to teach dentists techniques to address their patients ’ problems from a perspective of understanding exactly how the mouth and jaw function . Attendees learn techniques to stabilize the condyle , correct form and occlusion , and restore proper vertical dimension of the teeth with minimally invasive techniques using very conservative measures .
The principles and techniques of rejuvenation dentistry also help dentists provide relief for habitual snorers , who represent 60 percent of men and 40 percent of women over the age of 40 . “ The airway is an integral component of the oral system ,” Dr . Herre points out . “ By returning proper vertical dimension , the airway is often opened up enough to improve or eliminate snoring .”
Daniel O ’ Rourke , CDT , who serves as co-director of the residency program at The Texas Center for Occlusal Studies , leads the clinical laboratory training and teaches techniques in rejuvenation dentistry to attending technicians . “ Because our program is based on a model of health , it completely alters the existing paradigm .”
Dr . Stewart adds , “ In this program , attendees learn what optimal form and function look like . Since a stable condyle is the root of balanced , harmonious function , they learn how to use a Condylar Centering Orthotic to stabilize the condyle through highly precise and refined manipulation , and how to verify that ideal stabilization has been achieved .”
Dr . Herre emphasizes the importance of the residency in building relationships and synergy between technicians and dentists . “ We encourage doctors to bring their technicians to the program . Having a team who fully understands the goals of rejuvenation dentistry is invaluable and really maximizes the payoff of this important training program .” The Texas Center for Occlusal Studies is a state-of-the-art teaching center for extended dental education , dedicated to educating the dentist and the dental lab technician on how to accurately and predictably diagnose and treat occlusal disease in a minimally invasive manner .
O ’ Rourke explains , “ During the Texas Center ’ s one year residency each doctor will diagnose , restore , and present one or two
" You hope what you do will have a big impact , but you never know . I knew my patient would be better but her results exceeded my expectations . It wasn ’ t just rejuvenating her mouth it rejuvenated her whole attitude and life experience ."
– Dr . Glenn DiBartolomeo , Almonte Springs , FL
" I examined OBI but even with my own family I couldn ’ t see restoring somebody ’ s mouth in full porcelains . I was looking for a minimally invasive technique to solve jaw pain problems , and save the teeth . The Texas Center provided that solution with rejuvenation dentistry .”
– Dr . Mary Isaacs , Winter Springs , FL
" My patient had run dozens and dozens of tests over the years with no success . She came in for her regular hygienist appointment when I sleuthed out an occlusal problem . Two weeks into treatment and her headaches were gone ! Her pain gone and she was able to play the cello pain free for the first time in years !”
– Dr . Julie Babcock , Overland Park , KS
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