Find relief from pain and live life without discomfort

Disclusion Time Reduction Therapy

Using advanced technology to help you achieve a balanced bite.

What is DTR Therapy?

Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy is an innovative and specialized dental treatment that uses the latest technology to relieve oral pain and discomfort. TMJ specialists recommend DTR Therapy for TMJ disorders to relieve symptoms such as headaches, pain in the jaw and facial muscles, locked jaw, and more. At Pittsburgh Dentist, Dr Alexandra George is one of only a few doctors in the world who is certified to perform DTR Therapy.

Did you know…

There are approximately 15 million Americans who suffer from some sort of bite disorder. Conditions can range from minor pain or discomfort to more debilitating symptoms that can affect a person’s everyday life. For many patients, Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy is a great option for addressing their symptoms.

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Is DTR Therapy right for you?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may benefit from DTR Therapy:

  • TMJ/D symptoms and/or diagnosis
  • Bite feels off/pain after dental work
  • Bite feels off/pain after braces or Invisalign
  • Unanswered questions and misdiagnosed pain

Your treatment plan

DTR Therapy involves the latest technology to identify where friction and stress are causing muscles to hyperfunction into a painful state. With this information, we can effectively adjust teeth into a balanced bite without the use of appliances, medication, injections, or surgery. DTR Therapy is a minimally-invasive solution that can help relieve you of pain and discomfort in 1-3 appointments.

How DTR Therapy works

DTR therapy uses Tekscan and EMG technology to provide us with accurate measurements of a patient’s bite and identify contacts that may be leading to hyperactive muscles, breakage, and TMJD symptoms. DTR Therapy works by:

  • Measuring pressure, timing, and muscle activity.
  • Making accurate micro-adjustments with the data gathered. 
  • Achieving a better-balanced bite and more functional bite activity.

When the timing and force of your bite are not aligned, the jaw muscles become overworked and lead to jaw pain, headaches, and neck tension. DTR Therapy allows us to have a more comprehensive view of the joint and accurately identify where the uneven pressure is located. Patients can expect to see results after just one appointment, often reporting a reduction in discomfort, pain, and popping/clicking of the jaw.

DTR Therapy to treat TMJ disorder

DTR Therapy can be a successful temporomandibular joint disorder treatment. One of the most prominent symptoms of TMJD is chronic occluso-muscle pain that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Muscular symptoms of TMJD are prompted by hyperactive muscles in the jaw from prolonged disclusion time, surface friction, and occlusal obstructions during normal day-to-day movements, such as eating and talking. 

In this case study featured in the National Library of Medicine, a patient with prolonged disclusion time is treated with DTR Therapy. T-Scan technology accurately measured occlusal contact time and bite force of four muscles that are activated when chewing and biting. Using this data, enameloplasty (the removal of tooth enamel in small amounts) was performed, which successfully reduced the patient’s disclusion time and relieved discomfort. 

Contact us for a consultation

DTR Therapy is not limited to treating TMJD. Some symptoms of TMJD, such as jaw pain and headaches, can be caused by other dental and health conditions. At Pittsburgh Dentist, we operate with a ‘complete dentistry’ approach that involves a more in-depth look into the mechanical functions of the mouth, your overall health history, and any underlying conditions that can impact oral health.

With this approach, we can correctly diagnose the problem and create a treatment plan that is customized specifically for you. Your jaw is an important structure and one that we don’t often realize how much we use until consistent pain disrupts our ability to eat, speak, sleep, and function. If you’re currently living in consistent pain and discomfort, we can help you find relief. Contact us for your first consultation.

Dr. Alexandra S. George, Cosmetic Dentist

Advanced DTR Education

Dr. Alexandra has attended the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and has completed more than 400 education hours, becoming one of the few dentists in the world to earn the LVI Fellow distinction. Dr. Alex received her certification in Disclusion Time Reduction Therapy, making her one of 36 certified doctors in the world.

You deserve a beautiful and healthy smile. Schedule your consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DTR Therapy?

Disclusion Time Reduction (DTR) Therapy uses the latest in Tekscan and EMG technology to identify where friction and stress are causing facial muscles to hyperfunction. By using digital occlusal analysis data to evaluate muscle activity, we can accurately determine and measure contacts that are over-engaging. These movements are what can lead to hyperactive muscles and TMJD symptoms.

Is DTR Therapy the same thing as equilibration?

No, occlusal equilibration involves reshaping the teeth, so they fit together nicely. It does not address the timing of sideway movements, which is why DTR Therapy is so effective at identifying friction and stress in the jaw. DTR also utilizes EMG to allow proper tracking of the jaw muscles. 

Does DTR Therapy hurt?

No, DTR Therapy doesn’t hurt, and no anesthetics are needed. DTR Therapy can eliminate pain caused by TMJD symptoms. 

Does my insurance cover DTR Therapy?

DTR Therapy is typically not covered by insurance. We are able to submit to your dental insurance and if there is any coverage, they will reimburse you directly. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the DTR Therapy procedure. Be sure to check with your insurance whether your coverage includes DTR Therapy.

What can I expect with DTR Therapy?

DTR Therapy is done in a comfortable and relaxed environment with Dr. Alex, one of the few dentists in the world who is certified to complete DTR Therapy. We use Tekscan and EMG technology to provide us with accurate measurements of a patient’s bite and identify contacts that may be leading to hyperactive muscles, breakage, and TMJD symptoms. 

DTR Therapy works by:

  • Measuring pressure, timing, and muscle activity.
  • Making accurate micro-adjustments with the data gathered. 
  • Achieving a better-balanced bite and more functional bite activity.
How long does it take for the full procedure?

The first DTR visit is 90 minutes. We then schedule the patient 1 week later and then monthly visits for about 2-3 months. It all depends on the severity of the case and how well the body heals. 

Is everyone a candidate for DTR therapy?

No, Dr. Alex needs to examine the jaw and teeth to determine if you are a candidate. 

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