What is the Kois Deprogrammer? And how it can relieve chronic pain, bite problems for good in Napier
Dr Sundar had the privilege of completing advanced training at the renowned Kois Center in Seattle, Washington, USA. The Kois Center is one of the only educational programs of its kind that conducts and publishes independent research. Now, Dr Sundar is proud to introduce one of those innovations to Dentiq patients in Napier: the Kois Deprogrammer. Developed by centre director Dr John C. Kois, the “deprogrammer” is actually a straightforward oral appliance designed to provide real and lasting pain relief ultimately and sustained chewing comfort and functionality.
The problem
Your “bite” describes the relationship between your upper teeth and lower teeth when you bite down. A “poor bite” may be incompatible with the joints on either side of the face (the TMJ) and interrelated muscles, ligaments, and tissues. Many people may take their ability to grind down food, or to chew without pain, for granted. But if you have bite-related problems that stress this complex system of joints and muscles, even the simple task of breaking down chewier foods like nuts and grains can be painful. Additionally, as dental professionals, we may find that these patients have uneven or excessive wear and tear. They may need more frequent dental-work, and that dental-work often degrades well before it should.
The answer
A removable, lightweight oral appliance, the Kois Deprogrammer resembles a retainer. When it slips over your teeth and is worn as directed, it helps Dr Sundar evaluate your bite’s stability accurately. It also provides critical insight into your optimal jaw position. Furthermore, this appliance encourages the lower jaw to relax. So, it eventually settles into the ideal position to your teeth. In this way, the device “deprograms” or reprograms the original, unhealthy, and inefficient bite position. We may ask you to wear the appliance for as little as a week to up to a month, whatever it takes to erase the old muscle memory. We will know that you no longer have to wear the device when you can achieve the same point of contact without the guidance or aid of the Deprogrammer.
After this diagnostics stage is complete, Dr Sundar will discuss options to retain your new and healthy bite position. Most patients adjust very quickly to having the device in, and it can be cleaned and cared for easily with toothpaste and warm water.
If you experience radiating facial pain and avoid chewy foods that you once loved, you may be among the candidates for Kois Deprogramming. Schedule your evaluation at our office in Greenmeadows. Phone us on 06 880 6161.
