Bite Force Analysis (T-Scan)

Dr. McKenzie uses a digital bite force analysis technology called T-Scan to evaluate exactly what is happening inside of a patient’s mouth while chewing. This technology uses 2D and 3D representations to visually render the bite force distributions within the mouth on a computer monitor. This device is placed inside the mouth and the patient is asked to bite down on a sensor to build up computer-generated images of the bite force distributions. Once completed, this gives Dr. McKenzie a great deal of information about your mouth, muscles, and bite force actions.

Almost any patient would benefit greatly from a T-Scan bite force analysis. The reason is simple — ensuring that each patient’s bite is balanced and stable is critical to sustaining a lifetime of oral health. Knowing where the bite force distributions are unequal can help Dr. McKenzie to take actions that increase a patient’s oral health and keep the dental foundation strong and stable over time.

There are some specific things to consider when thinking about the benefit of T-Scan analysis. First, we have stated that it is important to make sure that patients have a strong dental foundation. Know that a weak dental foundation, produced as a result of imbalanced forces inside the mouth, can increase the likelihood of tooth loss as you age. If we can help you avoid tooth loss we can help you avoid further dental work down the line.

Additionally, know that the onset of periodontal disease can often be correlated with imbalanced forces within the mouth. If one factor is out of balance a disease process may begin (force-related disease is just as important as infection related disease!). Also to be considered, improperly balanced forces may lead to pain conditions or degenerative conditions that cause neuromuscular damage (as can happen in severe TMJ cases).

One factor that is often overlooked is that the bite force each tooth delivers is directly related to how well the right and left temporomandibular joints work.  These joints must work in harmony to allow the patient to chew and, if there are neuromuscular imbalances (bite force imbalances) present, the joints may NOT work well together. Indeed, a TMJ pain condition (and even other debilitating pain conditions like persistent headaches, frequent migraines, and chronic head and neck tension) may manifest — all as a result of bite force imbalances. T-Scan technology allows Dr. McKenzie to diagnose the underlying problems associated with these and other chronic pain conditions.

T-scan evaluation is appropriate if you suffer with certain symptoms.  Ask Dr. McKenzie about a T-Scan bite force analysis if you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions: