This
difficult word outlines the study of jaw and mandible-related problems.
More simply, grathology investigates the problems of proper bite
fitting. When extending the field to adjacent areas like articulation
of the jaws, head, neck, ears and shoulders, it takes the name of
craniocervicomandibular Disorders (CCMD). The field further extends
to other sectors which, at first glance, seem not to be related
like posture, balance system, headache, sight, thus embracing a
field known as posturology. Furthermore, gnathology tries to codify
what is physiologic, that is to say the models to be adopted for
patient's rehabilitation. It seems unbelievable, but opinions are
still conflicting and, therefore, the schools of thought are proliferating,
in their attempt to find in either direction the truth on dental
occlusion. Unfortunately, the holistic vision of the problem is
quite complex and still practised by only a few professionals, and
still fewer are those who rely on scientific instruments for diagnosis
and to check the treatment. As a famous American gnathologist said:
"what has been measured is a fact, what has not been measured is
an opinion!" It is a little like diagnosing a bone fracture first
and then the correct bone knitting without having ever taken an
X-ray! Gnathology is very difficult and complex; therefore, the
clinical experience, an in-depth study of the problems to be faced
and the resort to specific therapeutical diagnostic instruments
are of basic importance.
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