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Dental Appliances & the Fixation of the Hard Palate

  • Writer: M Victoria Cadorín
    M Victoria Cadorín
  • Jul 9, 2020
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 2

There are many dental appliances and procedures that involve the fixation of the maxillary and palatine bones (these are paired bones, making up the hard palate, part of the roof of your mouth). In craniosacral work, we understand that fixing the palate from side to side applies pressure to the craniosacral system. Eventually, this pressure could potentially develop a variety of symptoms in the rest of the body.


Typical dental appliances that attach to both sides of the hard palate:

  • Any type of arch

  • Any type of expander

  • Any type of retainer

  • Braces

  • Headgear

  • Bionator, Biteplane, Fan-Type, Forsus Springs, Pendulum/Pendex, Myobrace, etc.

  • Upper dentures / partial dentures

  • Upper mouth/night guards

  • Bridges that cross the intermaxillary suture (fixing the two top front teeth)



It's relevant to highlight the importance of developing a dialogue between dentists, craniosacral therapists and patients. For those who seek holistic care, it is recommended to find practitioners who are open to considering "the whole picture". To get curious and open their vision to alternative methods that are non-invasive and potentially more effective.








First, a basic anatomical understanding of the craniosacral system:

The upper teeth are anchored in the maxillary bones, commonly known as the upper jaw (these two bones are “fused” at the intermaxillary suture), which articulate posteriorly with the sphenoid bone, which articulates with the occipital bone at the spheno-basilar joint, and the base of the occiput articulates with the first the cervical vertebra. The whole craniosacral system (including the cranium, the spine, the sacrum-coccyx) are in very close relationship with each other, not only describing joint by joint but mainly connected via the intracranial and intraspinal membranes (the meninges). These membranes attach to different parts of the CS system creating perfect balance between the structures. Think of "tensegrity".

By reviewing all the parts of the system, we may begin to get a sense that by applying pressure to one structure, we may see implications in other areas of the body.



Second, a brief introduction to the principles of the Craniosacral System:

In cranial work, practitioners look to find freedom, mobility and good communication between any bones and all the different types of tissues in the body.

There is a rhythm that we listen to, which follows a pattern of “flexion & extension”. It is different from the idea that we have of flexing forward and hyper-extending. It’s a subtle movement that can be felt with very precise and well trained hands, a rhythmic movement that permeates the whole body. And it is called Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM).

  • The PRM is influenced by five components. These phenomena are expressions of involuntary physiologic motion within the central nervous system and its adjacent anatomy: The Inherent Motility of the Brain and Spinal Cord The Fluctuation of the Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) The Dynamic Shifting of Tensions in the Dura Mater The Articular Mobility of the Cranial Bones The Respiratory Motion of the Sacrum Between the Illia

Video credit: Lyons Institute with instructor Judah Lyons: https://lyonsinstitute.com/



Third, an insight to the implications:

The maxillary and palatine bones move as the rest of the body does, in flexion and extension. If these bones are fixed together, then they may not be able to follow their physiological rhythmic motion. This means that the sphenoid may also be partially restrained, and consequently the occiput, as well as the rest of the spinal column and the sacrum/coccyx. The flow of cerebrospinal fluid may be affected. The restriction of proper physiological function could potentially create symptoms anywhere in the body - and it could add more pressure to an already existing cranial pattern.

This is the main reason why teeth go back to being crooked after braces are removed; if the cranial pattern is not resolved, the symptoms may return.



Lastly, a recommendation:

Find a Craniosacral Therapy practitioner that you resonate with and get to know this amazing discipline. Reexamine long-term restraints and interventions that are of invasive nature, especially in children.

Children are very fluid beings and have, like all of us, infinite potential to heal.

Even if you choose to use an appliance, you could still support the course of that treatment with cranial sessions so that the pressure of each adjustment is easier to bear and the deeper tensions are still being addressed. This work can be an amazing complement to other protocols.


Once you jump on the craniosacral therapy train, you will discover a new understanding of how your system works. With each session you gradually remember how to listen to your own body, the patterns of tension you may be holding, and your deeper needs for healing.

That is the beginning of the healing path.



 

For more information, please read John Upledger’s article “The Potential Impact of Orthodontia on Whole-Body Health”. Upledger is the father of Craniosacral Therapy, he was the first one to notice what the implications of fixing the maxillae are:

You may also read this case study on braces in teenagers: https://www.iahe.com/docs/articles/cst-and-headaches-from-dental-braces.pdf

 
 
 

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