The jaw joint (or temporomandibular joint) is not a fixed hinge, but a more complex structure where the location of the axis of rotation changes and simultanously translates as the jaws opens.
Meet Philip H. Levy, DDS
Developer of the "Levy Lingual Shelf," and a noted lecturer, teacher and clinician, Dr. Levy has made an intensive study of the stomatognathic system.
A 22-page monograph by Dr. Philip Levy explanding upon his presntation in the Symposium on "An Alterable Centric Relation In Denistry." Includes case studies of patients and follow-up care for up to 11 years post-treatment.
Dr. Philip Levy was a Guest Editor for a Symposium on "An Alterable Centric Relation In Denistry" published in the July 1975 issue of the Dental Clinics of North America.
The issue includes 10 articles contributed by respected educators and researchers in the fields of physiology, anatomy, endocrinology, and history.
Meet Philip H. Levy, D.D.S.
1923-2014
Philip H. Levy is a dentist who was in practice for many years on Long Island NY. His practice was limited to orthodontics, temporomandibular joint and associated neuromuscular disorders. The experience of treating patients, many with chronic TMD, and observing first-hand their suffering was the impetus which led Dr. Levy to the study of the stomatognathic system.
He has been a guest lecturer across the U.S. as well as in Israel, Turkey, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, France, Britain, etc.
Dr. Levy is perhaps best-known as the developer of the “Levy Lingual Shelf,” two small “shelves” bonded to the lingual side of the upper incisor teeth. He developed the device to facilitate orthodontic correction of deep skeletal bites and its effectiveness has won wide acceptance by orthodontists and others in the dental community. It is also useful in treating TMJ problems.
He is passionate in his belief that only dentofacial orthopedists (orthodontists) who have jettisoned dogma and embraced the reality of physiological concepts should treat TMJ disorders and no one else. Only orthodontists have the means to reposition the mandible and alleviate TMJ problems -- unlike chiropractors, physical therapists and other health practitioners.
Chronology Overview
Dental Mechanic, Brooklyn vocational training center
U.S. Army Air Force 1944 - 1946. Served with occupation forces in Japan. Honorably discharged.
Graduate BS, Long Island University, 1948
Graduate, New York University College of Dentistry, 1953
Assistant Professor, Fixed Partial Prosthesis, New York University College of Dentistry
Assistant Professor, Continuing Education, Boston University College of Dentistry
Postgraduate Lecturer, Continuing Education, New York University College of Dentistry
Associate Director, Abe Stark Philanthropics Orthodontic Clinic, Brooklyn, NY
Orthodontic Consultant and Clinical Instructor, Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
Publications (Partial Listing)
“A Form and Function Concept of Occlusion and the Maxillo-Mandibular Relationship”
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, February 1975
“Clinical Implications of Mandibular Repositioning and the Concept of an Alterable Centric Relation”
The Dental Clinics of North America, July 1975
“Physiologic Response to Dental Malocclusion and Misplaced Mandibular Posture: The Keys to Temporomandibular Joint and Associated Neuromuscular Disorders”
Basal Facts, The International Journal of Biologic Stress and Disease, 1981
“The Levy Lingual Shelf”
The Journal of The American Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics, June 1984