Hinge Axis Theory
VieSID Canada Mini-Residency 2024 finished in June. Our exceptional students spent 15 days in 3-5 day modules studying Occlusal Medicine and Functional Dentistry
It is confusing to listen to the many theories about occlusion, function, and dysfunction. Philosophies abound describing the ideal way to approach patient care. Dental educational institutions spend significant dollars marketing expensive courses that offer “the solution” promising quick fixes to complex problems. No wonder young dentists are frustrated and either ignore these topics altogether or jump between different approaches when they don’t quickly achieve the expected results.
Our mentor, Professor Dr. Rudolph Slavicek recognized that many controversies exist in Occlusal Medicine and decided to step back and look at the stomatognathic system, influenced by the environment, and the rest of the body. In a reciprocal manner he noted that proper oral health had a major effect on systemic health. To understand this very complex system he observed nature and developed systems for diagnosis and treatment that mimicked our natural growth and development emphasizing function and how it appears in an ideal environment. His concept of the “Gnathological Triad” emphasized the importance of harmonizing the occlusion, muscles, and the temporomandibular joints. While this seems obvious to any experienced clinician it is often forgotten in this era of “modern” dentistry.
But how does this affect your day-to-day practice you ask? Every treatment from the smallest restoration to the most complex interdisciplinary treatments must have ideal function as the goal. This will make for a satisfied patient and a happier practice because your therapies are more successful, efficiently completed with less complications. While most young dentists focus on learning individual procedures, they neglect the most important factor; when and how to use the myriad options available for treatment that will provide the best results.
VieSID was formed as an answer to these challenges. We teach what works based on sound research and how to apply these principles to achieve maximum success. To practice dentistry effectively a variety of skill sets are required. In the next few blogs, we will review the “jigsaw puzzle pieces” that must be learned to achieve a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that reflects a completed puzzle (solution).
At VieSID we teach exceptional dentistry. Join us to learn the puzzle pieces you need to lead your practice into the future.
VieSID Educational programs are taught worldwide in 19 different centres including Canada. Our signature hands-on program, The VieSID Canada “Mini-Residency”, is a fifteen-day curriculum taught in three modules of five days. A maximum of 12 students are accepted at a time to ensure an excellent learning environment. For more information, please see www.viesidcanada.com.
VieSID Canada Mini-Residency 2024 finished in June. Our exceptional students spent 15 days in 3-5 day modules studying Occlusal Medicine and Functional Dentistry
VieSID Canada Mini-Residency 2024 finished in June. Our exceptional students spent 15 days in 3-5 day modules studying Occlusal Medicine and Functional Dentistry
Professor Rudolph Slavicek emphasized the importance of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as part of his gnathologic triad concept. It is critical that we consider the occlusion, the muscles and the TMJ in all of our diagnostics and treatments as they must exist in harmony with each other
What is the “elephant in the room”? The question we receive most is why should I take programs from VieSID? our comprehensive hands-on programs offer extensive training that benefits all dentists and applies to every procedure completed.
In previous blogs we have discussed our patient interview, and clinical examination. To have a thorough understanding of the stomatognathic system it is essential to palpate the muscles that are responsible for creating movements that allow function to occur. Mastication, swallowing, speech, bruxism and respiration are the main functions that we need to consider.
In a personalized medicine model (occlusal medicine) it is critical that we assemble a comprehensive database of information for each of our patients so that we can determine the ideal therapies based on individual needs.