Grinding My Life Away

By Maribel Vann, DDS

In 1993, I was constantly experiencing pain in my right hip that radiated into my right ovary area. No one could explain why I was experiencing so much pain. I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and told that I would eventually need a complete hysterectomy if the pain intensified; I was 35 years old at the time.

The pain persisted, and in August 2000 I was introduced to a colleague who determined that my bite was causing these painful problems due to unleveled skull bones. I underwent treatment using the Alternative Lightwire Functional (ALF) appliance in my mouth, to level my skull bones. Thankfully, wearing the ALF is hardly noticeable. I completed the treatment in 13 months, which successfully treated my symptoms and pain.

The ALF is a conservative treatment that gently moves the jawbones to correct cranial distortions that can cause chronic headaches, neck, shoulder, hip and back pain, ringing in the ears, vertigo and dizziness, motion sickness, teeth grinding and clenching, clicking sounds in the jaw, breathing problems, pain in the ears, face and neck, and Temporo-Mandibular Disorder (TMD) problems, although the most common symptom is bruxism (clenching or grinding of the teeth).

I was so impressed with the results of the treatment that I incorporated it into my own practice. Most people are unfamiliar with the ALF appliance, and want to know more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I grind my teeth a lot. How do I find out if I have TMJ?

A. Consult your family physician or a neurologist.

Q. Is this a surgical procedure?

A. No, this corrective treatment is 100% surgery free.

Q. Is it as effective as the TMD surgical procedure?

A. Yes, but without anesthetics and a high surgery bill.

Q. I have braces, doesn't that work like the ALF?

A. No, braces only align the teeth; braces do not address the unleveled skull bone issue, which may cause painful symptoms.

Q. How long does this process take?

A. 10 to 24 months, depending on how severe your bite problem is.

Q. Does it hurt?

A. No, it is not uncomfortable.

Now Ask Yourself…

1. Do I grind my teeth?

2. Do I wear a night guard?

3. Have I been diagnosed with TMD problems?

4. Have I been diagnosed with migraine headaches, back pain or other joint pain?

5. Has my physician or dentist stated that I would be a good surgical candidate for TMJ correction?

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, you might be a possible candidate for the ALF. Don't you owe it to yourself to get a consultation and a bite workup today?

Questions To See If You
Might Have a TMJ Problem

1. Do you have frequent headaches?

2. Do you hear popping, clicking or cracking sounds when you chew?

3. Do you hear a grating sound when you chew?

4. Do you have stuffiness, pressure or blockage in your ears?

5. Do you experience dizziness frequently?

6. Do your jaws feel like they catch?

7. Do your jaws feel tight, or difficult to open?

8. Does it appear that you can't open your mouth as wide as you used to?

9. Does your tongue go between your teeth or do you bite on your tongue to separate your teeth?

10. Do your teeth ache?

11. Are your teeth sensitive, especially to cold temperatures?