Holistic dentist Dr. Michael Firouzian and his dental team are thrilled to introduce our latest success story to the world: Rachel.
Meet Rachel
This beautiful, vibrant 50-something woman came to us after having done quite a bit of research on her jaw and teeth issues, and she had been to other dentists for their guidance over the course of several years.
After many years of searching for the right dentist to perform a full mouth reconstruction, she finally found Firouzian Dentistry, where Dr. Firouzian practices holistic dentistry alongside his areas of focus: cosmetic dentistry and neuromuscular (physiologic) dentistry. This latter area of dentistry focuses on bite problems, jaw misalignment, and everything associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD).
Dr. Firouzian and his team focus on the whole being, not just the teeth, gums, and mouth. We love teaching our patients how their whole bodies are connected and how bite and jaw issues need to be approached holistically.
Rachel’s Story
Rachel sought us out due to Dr. Firouzian’s appreciation of and extensive training in TMJ and Occlusion (occlusion refers to your bite; malocclusion refers to a misaligned bite). Rachel fully appreciated our holistic approach to addressing the root cause of her jaw problems and creating balance for the jaw joints, muscles, and teeth. Rachel had been offered a “quick fix” with an oral appliance at other dental practices, but she was looking to explore the cause of her symptoms, not just a quick fix that would likely be shortlived.
The way Rachel’s natural teeth were coming together was causing problems with her jaw joints and alignment. The jaw and teeth not being correctly aligned led to many painful symptoms for Rachel, including clenching and grinding her teeth, headaches, muscle tension, and a generalized feeling of being unwell for most of her life. She had endured these symptoms for years; Dr. Firouzian knew he could help end Rachel’s suffering and place her bite and jaw in their optimal positions.
With Rachel, we had to examine how her teeth being poorly aligned affected her airway. Rachel did not have a smooth, natural range of motion when she opened and closed her mouth; our mission was to deliver a properly aligned jaw with teeth that rested in their optimal position.
Comprehensive Evaluation; Individualized Treatment Plan
Rachel underwent six different health assessments prior to her treatment. This comprehensive evaluation allows Dr. Firouzian and his team to fully understand what is causing problems with their patients. We even look at nasal function to ensure sufficient breathing space so the jaw and mouth don’t have to overwork themselves to allow breathing. We have to check the bone level and the position of the joints to ascertain where the problems lie. The jaw joints require enough space to move smoothly. In Rachel’s case, there were significant limitations in different areas, affecting her ability to move her mouth effortlessly, sleep restfully, and function in day-to-day life. We even had to assess the position of the tongue to ensure it was sealing the entire palate, and in Rachel’s case, that was not happening.
A Long, Fruitful Journey to Wellness
Rachel’s extensive treatment plan was custom-designed to address her unique issues and meet all her goals, and it took just a little over two years to achieve optimal alignment and oral health for Rachel. Dr. Firouzian and his team have fond memories of working with Rachel throughout her treatment plan, and her family shared many goodies with the staff along the way.
Driving from afar, Rachel and her family were truly committed to the custom treatment plan we devised for her, and their dedication to this life-changing process was truly admirable. It was a lengthy but fruitful journey to whole-body wellness. Rachel is forever a part of the Firouzian Dentistry family, and we encourage you to see what we’re all about if you’re suffering any of the painful symptoms of TMJ and malocclusion.
Start Your Journey
Please contact Firouzian Dentistry today by calling (614) 848-5001 to learn more about our holistic dentistry practice, schedule an appointment, or ask questions not answered on our website. You may also fill out our online contact form; one of our team members will reach out soon. We would love to meet you, assess your current functioning, explain what changes we can make, and provide you with the quality of life you’ve been missing due to jaw joint problems and associated painful symptoms.
