What is an Occlusodontist?

The occlusodontist takes care of the components of the jaw allowing its opening and closing. It is necessary to consult him during an imbalance of chewing which could if necessary, quickly turn into headaches or ENT problems.

 What is occlusodontist?

Occlusodontics is a dental specialty that studies the different components of the mouth used during the opening and closing of the mouth (dental occlusion): teeth, muscles, and joints. This branch also studies chewing and swallowing.

A bad occlusion, that is to say, a bad closing of the jaw and abnormal contact between the teeth can have many consequences on the health of the patient:

Poor positioning of teeth can also cause pain because the patient cannot find a position that allows them to relax the muscles in the jaw.

Occlusiodontics will rebalance the relationship between the upper and lower teeth so that the jaw joints relax and the symptoms cease.

 When to consult the occlusodontist?

When the occlusion is bad, the jaws are not wedged in relation to each other and the dental disc wears prematurely and irreversibly. It is therefore necessary to have good occlusion.

If the patient’s teeth are in contact at rest, if the teeth are clenched to the point that pain appears in the cheeks, or if the patient grinds his teeth at night it is time to make an appointment with the occlusodontist.

Side effects such as migraines or loss of balance can sometimes also lead to a consultation.

 What does the occlusodontis do?

The occlusodontist will study the positioning of the teeth and the functioning of the jaw. For this, he will start with a complete examination of the teeth via impressions and casts to be able to detect abnormal contacts. He will thus observe the balance, good or bad, in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), before prescribing any dental care.

Depending on the degree of importance of the bad bite, the dentist will prescribe different treatments. It can be a simple rehabilitation of the jaw. 

The occlusodontist can also, thanks to milling of the surface of the teeth, reposition the jaw a little: by filing certain teeth which interfere in the closure or by covering certain teeth with a specific product to find a lost contact.

If the bad occlusion turns out to be too important, the dentist can prescribe an interocclusal orthosis or “muscle relaxation splint”. It is a kind of mouthguard, designed and tailored to the mouth of each patient, made by a dental technician. This splint must generally be worn at night and allows muscles and joints to relax. The patient must wear the appliance for several weeks. Sometimes the gutter can be completed by the fitting of prostheses or orthodontic appliances.

 How to become an occlusodontist?

Above all, an occlusodontist is a dental surgeon. Then there is a specialty in occlusiodontics.

To become a dental surgeon, a  bac S  is strongly recommended. After the baccalaureate, you have to integrate the first common year of health studies, the PACES, and pass the end-of-year competition, which allows you to start dental studies. The studies than last from 5 to 7 years before being able to exercise. 
At the end of the 2nd cycle, it is possible to opt either for a short 3rd cycle of one year or for the preparation of the internship in 3 additional years. Unlike that of medicine, the internship in odontology is not qualifying and does not give the title of specialist. It allows for a university hospital career.
A single diploma confers an official specialization: the certificate of special clinical studies, mention orthodontics (CECSMO), the latter requires 4 years of additional training.

 Prepare for your visit to the occlusodontist

The visit to the occlusodontist is prepared in the same way as that to the dentist. 

Good tooth washing is recommended. Also, take a look at your medical history and any medications you are taking. Prepare your questions and think about the different secondary problems you would like to talk to the practitioner about (headaches, dizziness, etc.).

## What is an ⁣Occlusodontist? ##





An occlusodontist is a highly specialized dentist who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the occlusion, ⁣which⁢ refers to the way the teeth fit together when the jaw is closed. Occlusodontists ⁢undergo extensive training in the field of occlusion and have a deep⁢ understanding of the complex ‌factors involved in the proper ‍function of the jaw and teeth. They work to correct bite‌ problems, jaw pain, headaches, and ‌other TMJ⁣ disorders. Occlusodontists utilize ⁣advanced techniques and​ technologies to restore optimal oral health and function, ultimately⁣ improving a patient’s overall well-being.





### Who Should Consider Seeing an Occlusodontist? ###





Individuals experiencing any of the following symptoms may benefit from consulting an occlusodontist:





– ⁤Chronic jaw pain or discomfort

-‌ Headaches or migraines

– Difficulty chewing or biting

– Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds in the‍ jaw

– Facial pain or muscle tension

– Limited jaw movement or locking of the jaw





### What Conditions Treat ​Occlusodontists? ###





Occlusodontists diagnose and treat a range of conditions related to occlusion, including:





– Malocclusion (misalignment of teeth)

– Bruxism (teeth grinding)

– Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

– Clicking or locking jaw

-‌ Facial pain

– Oral⁤ myofunctional disorders (tongue​ thrusting or thumb⁣ sucking)





### What Treatments are Offered by Occlusodontists? ###





The treatment plan⁢ recommended by an occlusodontist will vary⁣ depending on the individual patient and the specific condition being treated. Some ⁢common therapies include:





– Occlusal splints or night guards

– Orthodontic treatment

– Dental restorations such as crowns or bridges

– Jaw exercises and physical therapy

– Stress management techniques





### How to Find an Occlusodontist ###





To find‍ a qualified occlusodontist in your area, you can:





– Ask your dentist for⁢ a referral

– Search online using terms ‌such as “occlusodontist ⁢near me” or “TMJ specialist”

– Contact the American Academy ⁣of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) for a list of members in your area





### Benefits of ⁤Seeing an Occlusodontist###





Working with an occlusodontist offers numerous benefits, including:





– Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans

– Improved ‍bite function and chewing efficiency

– Reduced pain and headaches

– Enhanced oral health and hygiene

– ‌Improved overall well-being and quality of ​life