A deprogrammer is a removable oral device that resembles a retainer. It allows your dentist to evaluate your existing bite pattern and make adjustments to your bite for optimal comfort and function. Often, the way we bite is determined by both the alignment of our teeth and the way our brain is trained to chew. For example, patients with sensitivity or toothaches may favour chewing on one side of the mouth, instead of the affected area. This type of habit can lead to premature or accelerated wear on one side.
Benefits of a deprogrammer
We keep our smiles healthy with regular oral hygiene care, through regular brushing and flossing and sometimes, teeth whitening. We don’t always realize that our bite and our habits, can affect the health and longevity of our smiles. When your jaw and bite are not in an optimal position, it can affect your teeth, jaw, neck and cause temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Symptoms may include headaches, toothaches, neck pain, earache, hearing issues, ringing in the ears and shoulder pain.
A deprogrammer adjusts your bite into an optimal position, which can alleviate these issues. Teeth that are not properly aligned may experience premature wear. Over time, this situation will become worse and chewing and speaking function will be affected. This oral device can be used to prevent premature wear to the teeth when the teeth are not in proper alignment.
Wearing the deprogrammer
About Dr. Joseph Salvaggio
Located in Brampton, Ontario Dr. Joseph Salvaggio has been practicing general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry for over 20 years. He enjoys interacting with his patients and helping to restore their oral health for better overall health as well. Meeting new patients, interacting and educating them is one of Dr. Salvaggio’s biggest joys. We encourage you to read our reviews or call us with any dental questions you have. We look forward to speaking with you and meeting you soon.