For one patient at our Manhattan dental practice, treatment planning involved more than the appearance of the teeth. The goals included addressing temporomandibular disorder (TMD), evaluating the height and position of the bite, and exploring changes to the smile as part of a comprehensive restorative plan.
This case is still in progress. Before proceeding with final restorations, Dr. Mimi Yeung used a detailed diagnostic process to develop an interim bite position the patient could experience and evaluate.
Understanding How the Jaw and Muscles Work Together
The way upper and lower teeth meet is called occlusion. Vertical dimension describes the distance between the jaws when the teeth come together. Both are important considerations when planning full-mouth reconstruction, particularly when jaw function and appearance are part of the treatment goals.
Dr. Yeung began with a comprehensive neuromuscular examination. A CBCT scan helped evaluate the temporomandibular joints, while the K7 system gathered information about jaw muscle activity. TENS, a form of gentle electrical stimulation, was used to help the muscles relax before additional records were captured.
These measurements were part of the treatment-planning process and helped inform the proposed bite position.
Trying the Proposed Bite With a Fixed Orthotic
After the diagnostic appointment, the records were sent to a dental laboratory to fabricate a fixed orthotic appliance. This interim appliance allows the patient to experience the proposed bite before committing to definitive restorative treatment.
The orthotic creates an opportunity to evaluate the selected vertical dimension, how the teeth meet, and the appearance of the proposed smile. It also allows Dr. Yeung to review the patient’s experience and consider whether refinements are needed before moving forward.
This trial phase matters because final restorations need to be planned around more than tooth shape alone. The relationship between the jaw, muscles, bite contacts, and smile appearance deserves attention throughout the process.
An Interim Result, With the Next Phase Still Ahead
At the time of the case submission, the patient was in the fixed-orthotic trial phase and was pleased with the appearance of the interim smile, according to the practice’s notes. This is an encouraging observation, but it is not a report of completed full-mouth reconstruction or confirmed long-term symptom relief.
Dr. Yeung will use this phase to evaluate the proposed functional bite and esthetics before proceeding with definitive restorations. The final treatment plan will depend on the patient’s response and the clinical findings gathered during this stage.
This case illustrates why evaluating bite function and testing proposed changes can be valuable steps in a comprehensive restorative treatment plan.
If you are considering treatment for jaw function or smile restoration, click the button below to schedule an appointment, or call MY Dental Spa at (212) 935-3212 to discuss an individualized evaluation with Dr. Mimi Yeung.
November 9 2026