CLAYTON CHAN DDS - Orthodontics/Orthopedics

Orthodontic-Orthopedics

"The Science and Art of Aligning Body Parts"

A balanced cranial-lower jaw and cervical relationship must exist in order to establish acceptable dento-facial beauty, balanced facial muscle forces on the teeth (intra and extra orally) that are positioned within a neutralizing zone of muscle forces that will support long term occlusal stability and good periodontal health.

Dr. Chan takes a CranioMandibular Orthopedic (CMO) approach to his dentistry. CranioMandibular Orthopedic Occlusion is a physiologically measured and defined relationship that orthopedically supports an optimal cranial to mandibular as well as the cervical neck relationship of the trigeminal system. It is an approach that goes beyond traditional orthodontic and classical functional orthodontic techniques.

Optimizes the NM Mandibular Position
Optimizes the Cervical/Neck Relationship
Optimizes the Intra Oral Proprioceptive Sensory and Muscle Engramming System Objectively
Optimizes aligns the upper and lower teeth in 6 dimensions.

This approach not only straightens and aligns the teeth, but more importantly it verticalizes orthopedically the posterior teeth to an objectively defined position that enhances retention and occlusal stability.

This approach does take more time, skill, judgment and knowledge and requires further training than what is typically taught in post graduate specialty orthodontic training. These techniques are advanced conservative and meets all the requires of comprehensive quality care for our patients.

Case One

Skeletal Class I - Chronic TMJ Problems With Previous Orthodontics

Nancy presents with teeth sensitivity and numerous musculoskeletal signs and symptoms.

Note the subtle resulting facial changes that occurs around the eyes and lower one third the face of this TMD paining patient (age 36). After one month, notice the improved face after wearing a neuromuscular mandibular orthosis .

Mandibular orthosis worn 11.5 months for craniomandibular stabilization prior to orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.

The lower posterior teeth are verticalized to the predetermine position (myocentric) to hold the mandible and condyles in a stable functional position.

Finished bite. Patient no longer is experiencing TMD pain.

Case Two

Skeletal Class I - Severe Unresolved TMD Problems Needing Orthopedic Verticalization to Resolve Pain and Discomfort

Michelle presented with severe TMD pain and unable to close her teeth together. Establishing a physiologic bite relationship was key to successfully resolving her muscular pain.

After orthodontic treatment

Before orthodontic verticalization. Teeth cannot come together in the back region, teeth touch on the front only.

An orthosis is first used to stabilize the jaw, giving direction as to where best to align and move the teeth to close the bite.

Verticalization techniques were implemented to grow the lower posterior teeth, anterior teeth, gum tissue and ligaments upward after finding the neutral zone where intra oral and extra oral muscles are balanced.

Before neuromuscular stabilization

Case Three

Skeletal Class II - Non-Surgical Approach Dealing with a Retrognathic Jaw Relation

Travis is 9.5 years old with severe retrusive lower jaw. He also has severe airway obstruction and breathing problems which contribute to an abnormal swallowing pattern.

Dr. Chan implemented the neuromuscular concepts to help Travis resolve his problem without jaw surgery which is very common with traditional orthodontic approaches.

Before diagnostic models indicate a severe retrusive deep bite.

2.5 years of neuromuscular orthodontic treatment prevents Travis from undergoing jaw surgery. Note the improved facial profile and improved breathing.

Note the improved lower jaw position after treatment. The bite is holding and proven to be stable and holding.

Posterior orthopedic verticalization techniques are implemented to assist proper growth and development of the bones and surrounding muscles.

Note the improved facial forum as well as the developing smile behind the braces.

Travis is still growing with a new bite that is holding his jaw in a corrected position. The concepts and bio-physiologic principles that Dr. Chan teaches and implements challenges the traditional orthodontic paradigms. It is these type of results that brings many orthodontic specialists and general dentist to Dr. Chan's office to learn.

Case Four

Deficient Maxillary Anterior Alignment - Steep Angulation Corrected Orthopedically

"Natures occlusal plane is a visual artistic relationship, not mechanically derived! A subjective artistic decision with leveling techniques allows for nature to convey its sophisticated simplicity within aesthetic beauty."

Bridget has been in orthodontics for four previous years with unresolved head and neck pain. A neuromuscular approach is implemented, by finding the proper physiologic bite via TENS, CMS, and EMG recordings.

Before treatment

Note the pre-existing flare of the upper teeth after previous braces have been removed.

Once the physiologic bite is established (myocentric) with a lower removable orthotic, verticalization techniques are systematically implemented to correct the lower teeth and bite orthopedically. Dr. Chan believes in working with nature using light gentle forces to improve bone growth and facial development.

The upper anterior teeth are properly aligned to improve upper lip and facial profile. Note the non surgical change in supporting facial bone after light gentle movements of the teeth. (This is often consider impossible to do in traditional orthodontic concepts).

"Nature does not think in mechanical terms". Present dental paradigms and occlusal teachings restrict optimal facial development and dental health.

Bridget is now pain free, orthodontically stable and happy. Dr. Chan does not depend on mechanical retainer appliances to complete his cases, but rather depend on natures retention (an optimal bite, balanced intra and extra oral muscles and stable occlusion to hold the bite).

She is now attending university for her professional schooling.