Example Cases

 

In this section Dr. Hegyi demonstrates the evaluation and treatment of three patients with similar and common type problems. In each case, the patient’s most important issues are pain and damaged teeth resulting from biomechanical disharmony, together with an unattractive smile. However, despite having similar problems, after considering each patient’s unique conditions and goals, Dr. Hegyi and the patient together decide that different treatments are appropriate in each case.

 

Two of the patients (Debbie and Eric) were documented in video on DVD’s produced in 2004 and were treated very conservatively with RedAddibration treatment and composite restorations. The third patient’s case was detailed in an article published in 2009 and involved more extensive treatment including RedAddibration and ceramic restorations. In each case, the patient’s problems, objectives, and methods of evaluation and treatment are covered.

 

Before viewing these videos and article, it is important to understand that they were originally produced to teach dentists and are technical in nature. However, they are still an excellent source of information for any patient with similar problems or goals. Because the two video cases are over seven hours in length they are presented in both complete and edited versions. The complete versions provide many step-by-step details of evaluation and treatment – parts of which are not important for patients. The edited versions contain segments from each DVD that have been selected to provide a brief overview of key elements of each case.

 

Before viewing these videos, there are also some important terms used in these videos that need clarification – the terms “Equilibration”, “Occlusal Dysfunction” and “Constricted Function”. The method of treatment used in these videos to correct the occlusion or bite referred to as “equilibration” (which generally involves only removal of tooth structure) is now referred to as “RedAddibration”. This is a new term that Dr. Hegyi felt was important to create, as it describes a more conservative method of developing biomechanical harmony by involving a combination of REDuctive and ADDitive reshaping of teeth.

 

The terms “Occlusal Dysfunction” and “Constricted Function”, referenced in the videos, are terms originally developed by Dr. John Kois, from Seattle, Washington. Dr. Hegyi has replaced these terms with “Posterior Dysfunction” and “Anterior Dysfunction”. These later terms are described in Dr. Hegyi’s article “A Classification System for the Management of Biomechanical Factors in Dentistry”.

 

While there are many important points that can be learned from these cases, three of the most important ones are that:

 

  • Even when similar problems exist, each patient’s unique circumstances and goals affect the type of treatment that is best for them.
  • Biomechanical disharmony is an extremely common problem whose implications affect many quality of life issues, ranging from head and neck pain to the appearance of a smile.
  • When biomechanical issues exist, the DATA Appliance is an invaluable tool for both evaluating and treating patients (note: when the videos were produced, the DATA appliance was referred to as a “Kois Deprogrammer”). It is important to understand that, while a DATA Appliance is not needed in every case, it would not have been possible to provide the treatments performed in these cases without it.

 

It is our hope that you find these cases both informative and helpful.

Ideal Fuction & Esthetic Treatment – An Article: This detailed article covers the complete evaluation and treatment of a patient with many different issues, including face and head pain, an unattractive smile, and problems chewing.

Creating Harmony & Esthetics – Key Video Segments: This included highlighted segments of the complete series and is likely suited for most patients.

Creating Harmony & Esthetics – Complete Video Series: This complete series contains approximately seven hours of video that was originally produced to train dentists.