2nd Patient Describes the TMJ Treatment Experience with Dr. Kerstein

Here are the words of 

LAURA H

a TMJ patient, who has recently undergone the Computerized TMJ Treatment that       Dr. Robert Kerstein offers. 

She has written about her past TMJ History, all the treatments she tried prior to undergoing Computerized Occlusal Therapy,

and how she now lives after experiencing T-Scan III Guided Bite Treatment.

 "I recently contacted Dr. Kerstein to update him on my progress and was asked if I would like to write a blog entry. I am pleased to share my experience with treatment by Dr. Kerstein for my bite problems, guided by computerized occlusal analysis.

 Though I had orthodontics from ages 8 to 13, including headgear, to correct a severe overbite, my bite was never comfortable. Eating was never comfortable. It felt like there were several possible positions for my bite, all of which resulted in discomfort, with jaw pain and headaches after eating. At times, it seemed that the bite problems also caused ear pain.

 I was diagnosed with TMJ and nocturnal tooth grinding at age 29, and fitted for a mouth guard that moved my lower jaw forward to relax the muscles and prevent grinding. This was helpful but when I moved to another state, I could not get a replacement when this appliance became worn. Because of teeth movement from long standing tongue thrust, I was then fitted with retainers for top and bottom teeth. These retainers prevented grinding while sleeping but did not solve the pain problem from eating.

 From 2002 to 2011, my dentist made multiple bite adjustments the traditional way. He was over time able to improve my bite noticeably but far from completely. At times it seemed we were chasing the problem around, as adjusting one side would result in more pressure and discomfort on the other side. I took amitriptyline for a couple of years (a tricyclic antidepressant which often helps in low doses for chronic pain) which helped with the headaches and jaw pain. I also used ibuprofen frequently. But these treatments were for symptom management, not resolution of the problem. I then developed some other health problems that prevented me from taking amitriptyline and ibuprofen. Use of stress management and relaxation techniques helped with coping with the pain, but also did not resolve the underlying bite problem. Professional massage of my jaws and neck also only temporarily decreased the pain.

 After some dental work resulted in my upper retainer no longer fitting, a rigid night guard was made. While this protected my teeth from being worn and chipped, I would still wake up with headaches and jaw aching, and the pain during and after eating increased. I was referred at one point to a TMJ specialist locally who did not think I actually met criteria for TMJ. He suggested that a rigid night guard was exacerbating my symptoms, and suggested that I purchase a different type of night guard. I decided against this because it was quite expensive, and another temporary solution.

 In early 2011, I had some dental work done and further bite adjustment, which I felt only made things worse. I wondered if there was a more high tech solution to adjusting the bite than the “tap tap tap” on the marking paper method. I did a Google search and found that indeed there was! The idea of a computerized bite analysis guiding adjustment of the bite just seemed logical. In my research, I found that Dr. Kerstein was THE expert in this method, and that he was located in Boston. And, I just happened to have a trip planned to Boston in the near future, so I was excited when his office was able to coordinate a consultation and treatment, if appropriate and desired, during that trip!

Pre Teatment Laura H demoinstrated Very Long Right Disclusion Time (Left Pane T-Scan III data =1.7 seconds), and Very High Muscle Activity (Right Pane between C & D in the EMG data)

Pre Teatment Laura H demoinstrated Very Long Left Disclusion Time (Left Pane T-Scan III data =3.547 seconds), and Very High Muscle Activity (Right Pane between C & D in the EMG data)

 I was pleased with the consultation and decided to proceed with treatment, which was divided over 2 days. The first night, I felt my bite was somewhat better but still not quite right. After the 2^nd day of treatment, I was suddenly able to close my teeth together with comfort. That night I enjoyed eating with no jaw discomfort. The next morning I woke up without increased jaw pain and a related headache. I was thrilled!

Post Treatment very short Disclusion Time (.366 seconds) and drastically reduced Muscle Activity (between C & D)

Same Muscle activity lessening Post treatment (below) for the Right Excursion (post treatment Disclusion time .466 seconds)

 It took several weeks for the jaw muscles to recover. Now, I no longer experience jaw pain or related headaches from chewing or upon waking. I can even chew gum without pain! I can close my teeth together and have it feel like there is only one position that is right, natural, and comfortable.

 I got new retainers to keep my teeth straight (no more rigid night guard!), given the tongue thrust. The retainers would prevent most of the tooth grinding, assuming I continue to do that. But when I fall asleep on the couch without the retainers in, I do not wake up with severe jaw pain and a headache as I would prior to the treatment with Dr. Kerstein. The only time I have jaw pain now is if I clench my jaws when I am under a lot of stress (stress management and relaxation techniques are always good skills to know!), or if I have to keep my mouth open a long period of time for dental work.

 I wish I could have had this treatment years ago. It would have spared me much discomfort and tooth damage (wear on teeth, cracked teeth, maybe even a root canal)! If I have dental work done in the future that throws my bite off again, I will definitely return to see Dr. Kerstein for a tune up!"

 -Laura H.

 To see a patient undergo T-Scan III computer-guided Occlusal Treatment for TMJ Disorder go to our new website page:

Dr-Kerstein-Treating-A-TMJ-Patient-Video