| STEPHEN E. BURCH, DDS |
neuromuscular dentistry
According to Dr. Stephen E. Burch, “There is a new day dawning in dentistry. This is the day of neuromuscular dentistry. It is a total medical dental philosophy that has become the standard of care in our office.”
As a clinical instructor at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Dr. Burch teaches other dentists that neuromuscular dentistry encompasses more than how to align the tooth-to tooth relationship. He shows them how the entire inter-relationship of the jaw posture, shape and size of the oral cavity and related structures dictate our ultimate longevity and beauty. “When the upper and lower jaws are positioned properly, the health and beauty benefits are numerous.” He believes that in order to achieve true beauty, you must correct the underlying structures to give proper support to fuel one’s health. He said that when solving a problem, he never thinks of beauty first, but if he does not get a beautiful result, then something is wrong. Dr. Burch practices what he teaches. He screens for snoring, sleep apnea, jaw posture and anatomical considerations that impinge airway space. In doing so, he evaluates the facial formation for deficiencies. He feels that through proper neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment, he “helps patients live longer, healthier and more energetic lifestyles.” “Our practice is founded on such ideals.” At LVI, there is an enormous focus on life-like aesthetics. Therefore, as a clinical instructor, Dr. Burch teaches aesthetics built upon function. “As another vital aspect of our practice, every aesthetic anatomical detail is important.
A patient’s face and features are evaluated, along with their lip shape and skin tone. The porcelain that is selected is designed to look like natural enamel. We evaluate surface texture, natural characterization, shading and shape of each restoration. We then create a three-dimensional prototype, accounting for engineering and aesthetic concerns. Patients get to ‘wear’ their temporary restorations to ensure they are pleased with the decisions they’ve made. All final aesthetic selections are translated into final porcelain that helps patients achieve the smiles of their dreams. Our practice changes people’s lives by bridging neuromuscular health concepts with aesthetics.”