Seattle Dentist Deprogrammer FAQ’s
What is a dental deprogrammer?
A deprogrammer is a removable dental appliance, similar to an orthodontic retainer that is worn over the teeth to prevent them from biting together. It is designed to diagnose the cause of problems related to the bite. It is also occasionally used to treat some bite related problems. If you are planning to restore key teeth or if you are having bite and jaw related symptoms your dentist may recommend a deprogrammer for you.
How do I know if I have bite problems?
Some of the most common signs of bite related problems are:
These problems may be caused by teeth that do not fit together properly or by habits such as clenching and grinding.
How does the deprogrammer work?
The way this works is the deprogrammer creates a little platform between the front teeth that prevents the back teeth from biting together. This frees up the muscles and jaw joint to relax into their physiologically ideal resting position without any influence from maximum intercuspation.
The deprogrammer is both a diagnostic tool and a way to temporarily relax the jaw and reduce muscle tension, headaches and excess wear on the teeth.
How should I use the deprogrammer?
Wear the deprogrammer as much as possible and always remove it to eat or to clean the teeth. It is especially important to wear it all night prior to and the day of your scheduled evaluation. Keep the deprogrammer in until you are asked to remove it.
Please bring your deprogrammer to every appointment.
How long does it take to deprogram the teeth?
Some people can deprogram in a few minutes and some take weeks or even months.
How do you know when the teeth are deprogrammed?
The jaw muscles will feel comfortable and relaxed and the teeth will touch on the discluding element in exactly the same place every time. It is also important to determine that this contact point is not changing over time.
How can bite problems be fixed?
Once the cause of the bite problem has been determined and the most stable position for the jaw has been determined, you have several treatment options.
1. Bite appliance: You may get a night guard from your dentist or your deprogrammer can be made into a long-term appliance to use during episodes of headache and clenching
2. Orthodontics: Sometimes the teeth may be moved with braces so that the tooth, jaw and chewing positions are in harmony.
3. Selective filing: Sometimes the bite can be corrected by selectively filing points on the teeth that keep the jaws from functioning properly
4. Restoring the teeth: The bite related problems may also be corrected by restoring the teeth with porcelain, gold or fillings.
Trouble shooting
Pain in the jaw joint: Remove the deprogrammer immediately and consult with your dentist for an evaluation.
Headaches from the deprogrammer: Remove the deprogrammer and consult with your dentist immediately. The deprogrammer may need to be adjusted.
Lower front teeth are getting loose: Remove your deprogrammer and consult your dentist immediately. The deprogrammer may need to be adjusted.
Teeth are getting sensitive: Remove your deprogrammer and consult your dentist immediately. The deprogrammer may need to be adjusted.
Sore spots on the gums: Consult with your dentist. The deprogrammer may need to be adjusted.
The bite changes after wearing the deprogrammer for a while. This is normal and means that the deprogrammer is working. The sensation should go away shortly after the deprogrammer has been removed from the mouth.
After considering your goals and specific condition the dentist will recommend one or a combination of these treatments to improve the health of your teeth and jaws.
Our goal is to provide the highest level of comfort and esthetics. Our mission is to create smiles that look beautiful and feel wonderful. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
Dr. Lynn A Jones
Bellevue Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Lynn Jones DDS
10500 NE 8th, #208
Bellevue WA 98004
Phone 425-688-1345
My dentist tells m I have one of the worse overbites very advanced…But he wants me to purchase a deprogrammer and wear it for one week…Does that sound right to you? also the work will be over 100,00 dollars and I dont have it….
Dear Lillian,
I just returned from Scotland where I was giving a lecture to dentists on occlusion and the use of the deprogrammer. How long one should wear the deprogrammer was a question that came up during the question answer period so you are not alone with your inquiry.
The deprogrammer is usually used as a diagnostic appliance and the duration of use is limited. Since I don’t know the specifics of your situation I can only share what we do here. Typically we have our patients wear the deprogrammer for one week or less and evaluate the position of the jaws to confirm that they are fully deprogrammed. Often this is all the time they need but we will extend the amount of time the deprogrammer is worn if necessary for up to two or three months as needed. Occasionally patients will keep their deprogrammers and use them when they have flare ups with head aches, popping tmjs, muscle tension and other TMJ symptoms. The appliance is not recommended for long term use because it could potentially damage the teeth or bite if worn for extensive periods of time.
With regards to your treatment plan estimate, I am not shocked by the amount because extensive dental reconstructions can run that high, especially if there are many teeth or surgery involved.
This type of work requires a great deal of precision and skill and quite a few hours of work by a team of technical and highly trained individuals. With this being said, it is also fair to say that there might be alternatives that ane not quite so expensive. Have you asked your dentist for alternative treatment plans? Most dentists will give you options and the pros and cons of each. If you still feel like you need more information then you can go to another dental office for a second opinion. Generally for complex treatment plans like yours there is more thatn one approach that make sense. I do like the fact that your current dentist is using a deprogrammer for diagnostic planning. It sounds like you are probably seeing a conscientious practitioner who has taken extra training classes for this type of work.
I was wondering what material the deprogrammer is made off? Also do you need an impression and is it sent to the lab? The reason I asked I have a bad gag reflex and I hate impressions. I do clench my teeth at night and currently wear a nightguard. I been wearing one for over 10 yrs. Do I need to wear both? Is the deprogrammer a longterm thing.Thank you