TECHNOLOGIES USED IN DIAGNOSIS

At Align Dental we have the most current  and accepted non-invasive diagnostic equipment available to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of your particular situation. This encompasses leading technologies used to diagnose craniofacial pain problems and monitor treatment progress and include:

1. Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
   Joint vibration analysis measures how well the TMJ’s function in motion which is accomplished by placing headphones over the jaw joints. Joint vibration analysis is based on the simple principles of motion and friction. When smooth surfaces rub together they create little friction and little vibration. If the surfaces become rough, then friction and vibration are created when these surfaces articulate. Different TMJ disorders produce different vibration patterns. Computer assisted vibration analysis helps identify these patterns and distinguish among the various TMJ disorders.
   
   JVA provides a fast, non-invasive and repeatable measurement to aid in the diagnosis of TMJ function. Understanding TMJ function is vital anytime you are changing the vertical, lateral or antero-posterior position of the mandible (lower jaw). Common treatments that change mandibular position include TMJ treatment, orthodontics, reconstructive, cosmetic and dental sleep medicine treatment.
   
   
2. Jaw Tracking (JT)
   This equipment tracks jaw movements three dimensionally and records the point of dysfunction, all non-invasively. A headset is placed on the patient and a specialised magnet positioned on the patients lower front teeth. A recording of the lower jaw movement is then made. It has been widely accepted that certain aspects of mandibular (lower jaw) movement are indicative of very specific types of dysfunction. Limitation of opening, jaw movement deviations, opening deflections and restrictions in lateral  or protrusive movements along with other indications are routinely used in diagnosing stomatognathic conditions.
   
   
3. Electromyography (EMG)
   This equipment evaluates muscle tension through sensors that are placed on the patients head. EMG records muscle activity in both rest and function and based upon your thresholds, the system which is connected to a computer will automatically show  which muscles are resting properly or are hyperactive.. This information is important in the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint pain and head and neck pain.
   
   
4. T-Scan 11
   This technology allows the practitioner to precisely document the patient’s bite (occlusion) by placing an ultra thin sensor on a handle in the patient’s mouth. As the patient bites on the sensor the T-Scan 11 software scans the movement and displays the occlusion on a computer screen. The timing and force of tooth contacts are shown in colour coded images allowing for diagnosis of occlusion problems.
   
   
5. Radiographs
   Comprehensive x-ray analysis of the head and neck is required. This is mainly performed with the latest cone beam CT scan technology which provides high definition, three dimensional imaging with much less radiation than traditional x-ray machines.
   
   
6. Airway Assessment
   An airway assessment is performed with equipment known as a Pharyngometer/Rhinometer. This equipment uses acoustic reflection (sound waves) to map the oral (mouth) and nasal (nose) airways. The Pharyngometer evaluates the cross-sectional and volume of the oral airway, the Rhinometer evaluates the cross-sectional area of the nasal airway. The equipment is non-invasive and documents on a computer reduced cross-sectional areas of the hypopharynx and nasal obstructions. A reduced airway may exacerbate a craniofacial condition as it is a major cause of bruxism (grinding) and sleep impairment and may be a contributing factor to a number of medical conditions.