Description

Once a patient has lost teeth and is using an ill-fitting denture, the vertical dimension of occlusion is lost, the muscle length shortens, and the masticatory muscle function deteriorates. Orbicularis oris degenerates, the tongue spreads on top of the mandibular anterior teeth and becomes dry, and it becomes difficult to chew food properly. Consequently, swallowing becomes very difficult. In addition, the corner of the mouth starts to sag as the muscle structure degenerates to fatty acid and lies on top of orbicularis oris. This creates the deep nasolabial sulcus and the aging facial appearance. Before treatment, this degenerative process should be well explained to the patient. Orofacial muscle training during immediate loading with an implant-supported provisional restoration will improve facial appearance as well as the function of the facial expression and masticatory muscles. Treating not only the dental issues but also the patient’s posture and muscles of facial expression improves the outcome of treatment dramatically. The treatment cannot be completed only by placing the definitive restoration. If the treatment is performed with orofacial muscle training as described in this book, many improvements in patient function can be observed.

Contents

Chapter 1. Implant Treatment Prolongs Healthy Life Expectancy Chapter 2. Facial Profile Analysis, Classification, and Profile Type Chapter 3. Orofacial Muscle Training during the Provisional Restoration Phase Chapter 4. Function of Orofacial Muscles for Rehabilitation Chapter 5. Fabrication of the Provisional Restoration and Transition to the Definitive Prosthesis