Gnathology

Gnathology (or functional diagnostics ) is a dental specialty that deals with the articulation and occlusion of the teeth. Special emphasis is placed on the optimal interaction between muscles, bones, joints and occlusion and periodontal ligament. In addition, the gnathology used special techniques to bite and impression taking. Also a joint supervisor drawing axiography is used to simulate the movements of the jaw joint, with a lateral cephalograms and a functional impression with reconstruction in the articulator.

Only when the basic principles of gnathology were analyzed by the therapist, a targeted, successful treatment of the stomatognathic system ( Stomatology ) is achievable. It is the basis for all aesthetic and functional reconstruction with or without implant, Abrasionsfälle, total prostheses and successful orthodontics.

The gnathology includes - in addition to simple - also time-consuming dental and dental services that are not covered by statutory health insurance in Germany.

History

Co-founder of gnathology have included Peter K. Thomas and Charles E. Stuart, both of the USA, who delivered from 1950 to 1970 significant contributions in the years: fully adjustable articulator, wax-up technique, anterior / canine guidance, three-point contacts of chewing surfaces, etc. In the. 1970s and 1980s, this doctrine has also been an official part of the curriculum at German universities, that a considerable number of dentists currently working was thus formed. This led to an overall improvement in the quality of dental care, although critics see as a declared insufficiently essential elements of this doctrine. These include the alleged tooth- guided mandibular movement and the so-called three-point support of the cusps. So gnathology appears - as an attempt to explain phenomena not yet understood - as an example of a theory building, which is not yet sufficiently supported by empirical findings.

The newer gnathology turns increasingly to the disorders of the temporomandibular joint. We can observe a gradual exit from the mechanistic approach and a turn to the holistic view. However, there is a lack of reliable data from more basic research. Unresolved seems the critics, for example, the cause of the " orofacial pain face ".

Gnathology as the basis for the following treatment cases

• Treatment of a diseased TMJ
• Production Totaler prostheses ( dentures )
• Aesthetic and functional reconstruction with or without implants
• Treatment of Abrasionsfälle example with occlusal splint
• Successful orthodontics
• Treatment of teeth grinding (bruxism ) and popping of the jaw joint
• Treating malocclusions

• Dentistry