Jaw misalignment goes beyond simple aesthetics. It can result in worn, crooked teeth, along with grinding, snoring and airway issues, eventually leading to headaches, sleep disorders and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), according to David A. Schwartz, DDS. The physiologically based dentist focuses on returning the body to a natural state so it can heal and function properly.

There are several reasons why a jaw can go out of alignment, such as improper growth during childhood, accidents or trauma. “Misaligned jaws can make facial muscles work harder and eventually cramp, which causes pain,” Schwartz says.

In addition, jaw alignment and neck alignment go hand-in-hand and relate to the entire spinal column. “Information is fed to and from the brain through the nerves of the spinal column and the blood. If the spine is misaligned, it can disrupt the blood flow and also disrupt neural transmission, which ultimately means the brain gets and gives misinformation,” he explains.

Schwartz begins with a visual inspection to evaluate the teeth and jaw. He looks for wear patterns on the teeth or notches at the gum line. “I can tell a lot about a person’s childhood, growth and development by looking at their mouth and teeth. They’re like rings in a tree,” he says.

Because the doctor believes in a “test, don’t guess”, philosophy, his practice uses advanced technology to evaluate and treat jaw misalignment. The BioResearch BioPak Evaluation System employs magnetic sensors to track jaw movement and an electromyography (EMG) device that allows him to measure activity of muscles in the head, neck and jaw.

The practice includes Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography—a 3-D X-ray—to evaluate the jaws, neck and most importantly, the sinuses, for airflow. Schwartz also uses an Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit to relax the muscles of the jaw, face and neck. This process allows cramped muscles to release their tension to relieve pain.

Options to correct the jaw include a custom oral orthotic that sits on the teeth to help correct the alignment of the jaw and the muscles. It can also stimulate circulation and blood flow as the muscles stretch and reposition properly.

Noting that it has been underdiagnosed for years, snoring and sleep apnea problems often result from the position the jaw rests in while sleeping, and accompany other risk factors for jaw misalignment, Schwartz will refer a patient for a sleep study at a clinic or provide the MediByte Jr. home sleep monitor to determine whether a patient has a snoring problem or sleep apnea.

Then he can custom-fit a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved oral appliance for treating mild-to-moderate sleep apnea by aligning the jaw to its proper position. “Many times, sleep apnea improves or goes away when the muscles aren’t so fatigued,” he advises. Oral appliances can be used alone or with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

Schwartz also provides custom ceramic restorations, dental bridges, dental implants, porcelain veneers and physiological orthodontics to restore jaw and tooth alignment, as well as traditional dentistry practices such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions and tooth replacement.

Schwartz shares, “For many, when they align their jaw and subsequently the spine aligns, they find improved range of motion and flexibility with their entire body. For those who play sports, even the weekend warrior, they may find an increase in their performance.”

David A. Schwartz, DDS, is located at 701 Jefferson Blvd., in West Lawn. For appointments and more information, call 610-670-6910 or visit SchwartzFamilyDental.com.