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If you suffer from any of the wide range of TMD symptoms, schedule an comprehensive TMJ exam with Dr. Maryam Motlagh. 

 

As needed, we use advanced diagnostic modalities such as computerized jaw analysis, sonography, electromyography (EMG) or CT scans so we can evaluate your jaw function, muscle activity and TMJ health more thoroughly.

The TMJ treatment process is different for everyone. We start with a comprehensive exam to find the root cause of the problem and often address the issue with a multidisciplinary approach, bringing other specialists on board to decide the best treatment plan.

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For the first 3 months we focus on non-invasive techniques to reprogram and relax the jaw muscles using functional oral appliances. Once the TMJ symptoms are alleviated, the patient has the option to use the appliances long term, transition into orthodontic treatment for long term stability or receive restorative treatment as needed.

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    • Dr. Maryam Motlagh, D.M.D
      • 6 min read

    Sitting Down With Dr. Maryam Motlagh, Co-Founder and CEO of Myoaligner®

    Updated: Jan 4



    Dr. Maryam Motlagh

    Dr. Maryam Motlagh is a general and cosmetic dentist who specializes in TMJ treatments at her Portland, OR based private practice, Aesthetic Smiles. After decades of treating patients with TMJ and related dental jaw alignment issues, Dr. Motlagh's research lead to Myoaligner® treatment protocols. Based on principles of physiologic & neuromuscular treatment modalities and a comprehensive approach to care, Myoaligner® focuses on relaxing the fatigued jaw and neck muscles using FDA cleared ULF- TENS on the masticatory muscles while maintaining that optimal physiology during function and chewing. Today, I got the chance to sit down with Dr. Maryam Motlagh and talk to her about her research and experience.


    The Interview

    Q: Tell me about your education, where did you study?


    A: I have dedicated my professional life to helping patients improve their smiles and overall health with natural, non-surgical, & bio-remodeling techniques. I sought extensive training in post-doctorate institutes including Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry & Las Vegas Institute (LVI) to help patients alleviate the pain associated with poor bite alignment commonly known as TMJ.


    As a Fellow of International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics, my research has led to Myoaligner®, a company that helps other dentists realign the jaw non-surgically, alleviate TMJ related pain and positively impact patients' lives on a much larger scale.


    Q: What do you consider to be your specialties?


    A: I specialize in cosmetic and restorative dentistry which has led to my nationally recognized Smile Makeovers. The comprehensive approach is the driving force behind everything I do. I believe that beyond providing my patients with a beautiful smile I can also offer treatments that lead to better jaw alignment & improved facial profile. I am passionate about bringing awareness of TMJ/TMD treatments to patients and providers around the world.


    Q: Could you explain what a holistic approach is? Why do you feel it is the best way treat patients?


    A: The holistic approach treats the whole body when addressing a specific symptom. For example, I have a patient who suffers from TMJ. She experiences intense headaches and jaw clicking when she eats & talks. Instead of suggesting she take pain relief medications, I will determine the root cause of her pain. In this case, her pain is caused by the misalignment of her jaw. I can correct her jaw position and that will relieve her from the immediate symptoms she experiences as well as address other issues such as trouble breathing & sleeping, and enhance her facial profile.

    The holistic approach can be utilized in many ways, but I have found it very beneficial in treating TMJ patients. People who suffer from common TMJ symptoms may not even know they have TMJ, which is why I believe education and awareness is critical for both patients and providers.


    Q: Each year, more than 3 million people report symptoms of TMJ/TMD. Can you explain what TMJ/TMD is?


    A: TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint, so technically everybody has TMJ. People associate symptoms like jaw popping, muscle spasms in their face or pain when eating to be linked with TMJ. Actually the correct term is TMD or Temporomandibular Disorder. Usually TMD is caused by misalignment of the upper and lower jaw. It has to do with the orthopedics of the head and neck and is very common is modern society.


    Q: Do you have a solution?


    A: Yes. In my opinion the best solution is a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach because TMD can have different sources. Some people have TMD caused by a bad bite, others cannot breath or swallow correctly which causes mal-occlusion. To have a good orthopedic balance, the bones, muscles and teeth all need to work together in harmony. After years of treating patients suffering from TMD, I have put a multidiciplinary protocol together based on the principles of physiologic or Neuromuscular treatment modalities.


    Q: Tell me more about Myoaligner®.


    A: After learning and practicing a wide range of treatment approaches to TMD, I was looking for a non-invasive solution that could offer patients a balanced bite. After successfully, using Neuromuscular Anatomical Orthotics for over 20 years in my practice, I decided to improve on what I had learned which lead to development of Myoaligner® treatment protocols. Based on nearly 5 decades of existing science and research on physiologic dentistry and the favorable treatment outcome with the Anatomical Neuromuscular Orthotics, I decided to join forces with a group of dedicated professionals to Develop Myoaligner®. We have a portal for providers to get training and we impediment the latest dental manufacturing techniques like 3D Design and 3D fabrication to develop custom dental appliances with the accuracy of nearly 5 microns. I am humbled by the fact that the patent pending Segmented Removable Orthotic Design that I introduced to the field has revolutionized our treatment approach and has been praised by many leaders and educators in the field.



    Q: What is your mission with Myoaligner®?


    A: Our mission is to make this much needed treatment more affordable and accessible to patients, by educating more general dentists globally. I compare Myoaligner® to Invisalign® in the sense that by applying the latest advancements in dental 3D technology, Invisalign® made orthodontic treatment affordable and available in the majority of dental offices around the world. Our mission to do the same for TMJ treatment by helping general dentists implement Myoaligner® treatment protocols in their practice making treatment easy, effective and affordable to their patients.


    Q: Can you give an example of how Myoaligner® products should be integrated into their overall dental care?


    A:I use Myoaligner® appliances for what we call Phase I Orthotic treatments. So if someone has jaw discomfort and pain that might be associated with a bad bite, wearing a bite appliance makes it a non-invasive way for them to test drive the new bite and jaw position. Myoaligner® unique treatment protocols allow patients to chew and function with a new purposed bite before they go into procedures like orthodontics, restorative treatments or surgery to get there.

    Similar to an orthotic in a shoe; you can have muscle spasms and back pain but if you place an orthotic in your shoe it will correct your alignment. Myoaligner® protocols allows us to achieve that in the mouth. Once we correct the alignment then we have a better plan before we start orthodontic or restorative treatment.



    Q: How have you seen this appliance impact your patient's lives? Why should someone choose Myoaligner® over other dental appliances on the market?


    A: It definitely has impacted my patient's lives. I have been using similar appliances for the past twenty years but never thought they were fully effective. They were made with clear acrylic and their were unsightly and bulky in the mouth. Myoaligner® appliances are tooth colored, invisible in the mouth and easy to chew with. I have seen a lot more compliance from patients which will effect the end results. Myoaligner® unique segmented appliances are smaller and more aesthetic than the clear appliances that cover the entire dental arch. Since they are aesthetic and functional, people can wear them all the time. So, just as a cast is effective for a broken leg, Myoaligner® lets us support the jaw in the correct position 24/7 which allows us to see much faster bio remodeling.


    Q: What is your vision for Myoaligner® moving forward?


    A: I hope to make TMD treatment more predictable and affordable for the general public. I know that so many people are affected by TMD worldwide and this is an area in my profession that needs more awareness. Many dentists graduate from dental school knowing nothing about TMD when 25% of the patients in their own practice suffer from it.


    Similar to what Invisalign® did for dentistry- making dental appliances more affordable, providing non-invasive treatments for patients and training general practitioners to be able to offer this treatment- I hope Myoaligner® can do the same. There is a benefit to having orthodontists and general dentists trained on Myoaligner® protocols so we can provide our product to as many people as possible all over the world.



    Keep in Touch with Myoaligner®!

    Visit the Myoaligner® website to stay up to date on all the latest news and advancements happening with Myoaligner®!


    Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and use the hashtag #myoaligner to bring us along on your Myoaligner® journey!


    And of course, visit aesmiles.com to stay up to date on everything Dr. Maryam Motlagh is doing in Portland, OR.




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    • Dr. Maryam Motlagh, D.M.D
      • 2 min read

    What is Myoaligner®?

    Updated: Nov 18, 2019

    The New Generation of Dental Orthotics

     

    The Idea.

    After receiving her post doctorate degree from the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry & Las Vegas Institute (LVI) and International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO), Dr. Maryam Motlagh dedicated her professional life to treating her patients using a holistic approach to identify the underlying causes of every problem rather than solely treating the symptoms. Dr. Motlagh believes that the key to ensuring a healthy body and lifestyle is understanding how a single issue like a bad jaw alignment can have effects on the whole body.


    When Dr. Motlagh saw popular tooth aligners making a big splash in the market, she started to analyze how she could improve their function to be even more beneficial to patients. What she discovered is that the goal of many of these popular clear slingers were cosmetic enhancement, but the symptoms these patients most likely dealt with were not being treated. She decided to make a dental appliance similar to ones already on the market except hers would serve a functional purpose and improve the jaw alignment as well as provide cosmetic enhancement. With this idea, Myoaligner® was born.


    Decades of treating patients with TMJ and related dental jaw alignment issues, Dr. Motlagh's research lead to Myoaligner® treatment protocols. Based on principles of physiologic & neuromuscular treatment modalities and a holistic approach to care, Myoaligner® focuses on relaxing the fatigued jaw and neck muscles using FDA cleared ULF- TENS on the masticatory muscles while maintaining that optimal physiology during function and chewing.


    How it Works.

    Using a he latest in CAD/CAM dentistry Myoaligner helps dentists deliver custom invisible daytime dental appliances intended to address TMJ and related pain, correct bite & jaw alignment, and enhance facial profile. When a patient is approved to move forward with the Myoaligner® process, they go through a 100% non-invasive treatment until they are finally fitted for their very own Myoaligner® appliance. Patients' will be able to eat, talk and function normally during the day with the dental appliance remaining in their mouth. Ultimately, relaxing the facial muscles and realigning the jaw to the correct position should relieve patients from any jaw pain, headaches, poor facial profile or other symptoms caused by jaw misalignment. When the jaw is back in the correct position patients will also notice an aesthetic enhancement in their facial features, such as jaw slimming and facial elongating.


    Who is a Candidate?

    Here is a list of symptoms you may be experiencing. If you recognize any of these, find a Myoaligner® provider near you to discuss further treatment options.

    • Limited movement of the jaw

    • Locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open the mouth

    • Jaw tenderness

    • Pain in the jaw, face, sinus, ear or neck

    • Stiff jaw muscles

    • Clicking sound or popping in the jaw

    • The upper and lower teeth do not fit together

    • Severe pain in and around the ear

    • Headaches

    • Difficulty or pain during chewing

    • Sleep apnea

    • Tooth grinding

    • Unexplained vertigo and tinnitus

    Along with relieving yourself from TMJ pain, you may also just want to use Myoaligner® protocol for aesthetic enhancements. Cosmetically, this may be used for:

    • Non-surgical facelifts

    • Jaw slimming

    • Facial profile enhancement/elongating

    • Bite correction

    Get Started with Myoaligner®.

    Visit the Myoaligner® website to learn more about the treatment process and to find a provider near you!


    • Myoaligner®
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    459 views0 comments
    • Dr. Maryam Motlagh, D.M.D
      • 2 min read

    Smiling: Does It Really Affect Your Mood?

    Updated: Nov 2, 2021



    Charles Darwin and The Facial Feedback Hypothesis

    When you're feeling down, there is always that one person who asks you to smile or tries to get you to laugh. As annoying as it may be, the idea is actually a scientific phenomenon dating back to the 1800's when Charles Darwin took the stance that physical movement directly impacts your psychological state.

    Essentially, Charles Darwin was suggesting that smiling will make you happier.

    Hundreds of years later, scientists are still studying Darwin's case which eventually evolved into the "Facial Feedback Hypothesis" which states that facial gestures will in fact influence emotional experiences in social settings. People who smile will not immediately feel happier, rather people who smile will most likely have a happier experience than those who frown.

    "Say AHHH!"- A Funny Experiment

    In 1988, three scientists by the names of Fritz Strack, Leonard Martin, and Sabine Stepper conducted an experiment to further confirm the ideas behind the Facial Feedback Hypothesis. They asked a group of participants to perform tasks that would allow them to study the capabilities of people who can't use their hands. Obviously, this was just a cover story to deter the participants from knowing the true objective of the tests.

    First the participants were split into groups:

    Group A would hold a pen in their mouth with their teeth (which would force a smile).

    Group B would hold a pen in their mouth with their lips (which would force a frown).

    While holding the pens in their designated positions, both groups would watch a funny cartoon. Ultimately, Group A reported back with more amusement ratings than those in Group B, further confirming the concept of the Facial Feedback Hypothesis.

    The Botox Experiment: Depression and Frowns

    In the early 2000s, a team of researchers lead by Axel Wollmera and Tillmann Krugerb, based at the Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel, Switzerland and the Department of Psychiatry, Medical School Hannover, Germany, expanded on concepts of the Facial Feedback Hypothesis.

    They believed that by injecting Botox into the muscles most linked with frowning and low mood would relax those muscles, almost prohibiting people from performing these actions associated with low mood. As a result, the team did discover that Botox does have a major effect on depression, ultimately blocking the muscles from being exercised.

    Why This Matters in Dentistry.

    Cosmetic dentistry is heavily intended to provide patients with a way to enhance their physical appearance. Whether we recognize it or not, on of the first things we see when we meet someone new is their smile. If you are self-conscious about how your teeth look, you may be less apt to smile; which as the Facial Feedback Hypothesis proves, can negatively influence your overall mood.

    Dr. Maryam Motlagh runs her private practice located in Portland, OR and specializes in Smile Makeovers intended to help her patients not only look better but ultimately feel better. If you live in the Portland area, give Aesthetic Smiles a call to schedule your next appointment!


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    Aesthetic Smiles Center for Sleep & TMJ

    13765 NW Cornell Rd. STE 100 Portland, OR 97229

    (503) 783-8476

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