One for the dentists amongst you...

[Frankieola]

I recently went for a consultation regarding getting some porcelain veneers to improve the look of my teeth and the dentist advised me that as part pf the treatment, He would be carrying out "gnathological treatment". This looks at the relationship between the upper and lower teeth and how all the joints and muscles of the jaws function.

Whilst I am happy at his explanation, I dont see what it has got to do with me getting my teeth whitened and a few veneers!

Do you think my dentist is being professional or is this the dentists equivilent of shoe protector when you buy a new pair of shoes and scotchguard when you buy a sofa? ie. An add on and extra profit opportunity??!!!

[Toureman]

You will have to make your own mind up about this,

Type GNATHOLOGICAL TREATMENT into the google search box to see what the treatment is and what it is done for.

The dentist is trying to see if wear would take place after you have had expensive veneers fitted so wasting your money..

[JKennair]

Hi Frankieola,

I can fully appreciate why the interelation between occlusion (the way your teeth meet), the muscles of mastication (chewing muscles) and the tempromandibular joint (jaw joint) aren't obvious. This may be due to a poor explantion on your dentist's part.

These factors amongst many others, affect the length of time any restoration (veneer, filling, crown etc..) last and function. Failure to address them can result in problems such as damaged teeth, broken fillings, lost veneers, muscle pain, jaw joint ache, headaches etc... If in your case the dentist has suggested a gnathological assessment it is probably necessary, although not in every case.

I would suggest you ask the dentist to explain why he/she feels a gnathological assessment/treatment is required in your case. If you are not happy after this then seek a second opinion.

Hope this helps