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DTR Therapy in Carlsbad, CA

The Permanent Solution to Jaw Pain

Dr. Drew Addy is among a select group of doctors who are able to perform DTR therapy using technology and precise adjustments to decrease or eliminate TMJ pain and headaches. DTR decreases the friction between upper and lower teeth and allows the muscles to relax.

Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) is a groundbreaking method that has proven to be incredibly effective when it comes to identifying issues, assessing muscle movement, and monitoring adjustments. With DTR, there is absolutely no need for night guards, NTIs, or any other form of treatment.

What is DTR?

How Does it Work?

DTR utilizes T-Scan and EMG technology to measure the pressure, timing, and muscle activity of a patient’s bite. While evaluating the connection between the teeth, a treatment plan may be recommended after DTR to include a dental appliance, orthodontics, or full mouth restoration to build the bite for better alignment.

What are the results?

Most patients will need only one to three sessions of DTR before their symptoms have been completely alleviated. These results tend to last for several years but if a flare up occurs, one more treatment may be required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is DTR (Disclusion Time Reduction) therapy?

DTR, or Disclusion Time Reduction therapy, is an advanced, minimally-invasive dental treatment designed to alleviate symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and other bite-related issues. The primary goal of DTR therapy is to optimize the way your teeth come together, thereby reducing the amount of time your teeth are in contact during chewing or other jaw movements.

This is achieved through precise adjustments to the bite, which can help minimize stress on the jaw muscles and joints, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in pain and discomfort. The process involves the use of sophisticated digital technology to analyze and measure the timing of tooth contacts during jaw movement.

By identifying premature contacts or interferences, Dr. Drew Addy at Carlsbad Beach Dental can make precise adjustments to the teeth, ensuring a smoother, more harmonious bite. This innovative approach not only addresses the root cause of TMJ symptoms but also promotes overall oral health by preventing further damage to the teeth and jaw structures.

Who is a good candidate for DTR therapy?

DTR therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from TMJ disorders, chronic headaches, jaw pain, or other symptoms related to bite misalignment. If you experience frequent jaw discomfort, popping or clicking sounds when opening or closing your mouth, or have difficulty chewing, you might be a suitable candidate for this treatment. Additionally, those who have tried traditional TMJ treatments with little success may find DTR therapy to be a more effective solution.

It’s important to note that not everyone with TMJ symptoms will require DTR therapy. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Drew Addy at Carlsbad Beach Dental is necessary to determine if this treatment is appropriate for your specific condition. During your consultation, Dr. Addy will assess your dental and medical history, perform a comprehensive examination, and utilize advanced diagnostic tools to determine the best course of action for your needs.

How does DTR therapy differ from traditional TMJ treatments?

Traditional TMJ treatments often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause of the problem. Common approaches include the use of oral splints or night guards, physical therapy, and pain medications. While these methods can provide temporary relief, they may not always offer a long-term solution for those with bite-related TMJ issues.

In contrast, DTR therapy targets the root cause of TMJ symptoms by optimizing the way your teeth come together. By precisely adjusting the bite to reduce the time your teeth are in contact during jaw movements, DTR therapy can provide a more permanent solution to TMJ discomfort. This approach not only alleviates pain but also prevents further damage to the teeth and jaw structures, promoting long-term oral health.

DTR therapy also utilizes cutting-edge digital technology to accurately measure and analyze tooth contacts, allowing for highly precise adjustments. This level of precision is often not achievable with traditional TMJ treatments, making DTR therapy a more effective option for many patients.

What should I expect during a DTR therapy appointment?

During a DTR therapy appointment at Carlsbad Beach Dental, you can expect a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of your bite and jaw function. The process begins with a detailed examination of your dental and medical history, followed by an assessment of your symptoms and concerns. Dr. Drew Addy will then use advanced digital technology, such as computerized occlusal analysis, to measure the timing and force of tooth contacts during jaw movements.

Once the analysis is complete, Dr. Addy will identify any premature contacts or interferences that may be contributing to your TMJ symptoms. Using this information, he will make precise adjustments to your bite, ensuring a smoother, more balanced occlusion. These adjustments are typically made by using dental instruments to reshape the surfaces of certain teeth.

The entire process is minimally-invasive and generally well-tolerated by patients. Most individuals experience significant relief from their symptoms shortly after the adjustments are made. Additionally, because DTR therapy targets the root cause of TMJ discomfort, many patients find that their symptoms are permanently resolved with this treatment, leading to improved quality of life and oral health.