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.
It’s Time For Dentistry’s Awakening!
Physiologic diagnosis and treatment concepts in dentistry have been known and published for longer than 30 years.
For example, in The Dental Clinics of North America, July 1975 issue: “An Alterable Centric Relation in Dentistry.”
The theme of this symposium was supported by all 10 of its respected basic science academic contributors. This comprehensive and definitive body of work has NEVER been cited, reviewed or referenced in the dental literature.
WHY ?
Re-Examining A Flawed Fundamental Concept in Dentistry of an “Unalterable Centric Relation”
The stomatognathic system constitutes and is the foundation of dentistry. Its composition involves the mandible, temporomandibular joints, the teeth, cradling muscles and ligaments as well as respiratory aspects. The temporomandibular joints comprise a part of that system -- but only one part.
Dentistry’s preoccupation with and over-emphasis of the joint’s role and function is unwarranted. It has led investigators into a blind alley; as a result, the history of many promulgated treatments are compromised, ineffectual -- or worse, they often create iatrogenic problems for multitudes of patients. Many, because the dentist’s lack of understanding of cause and effect, are condemned to a lifetime of palliative pain management.
It need not be so!
The Mandible’s Posture IS Physiologically Alterable
See more about this patient’s treatment. 
Before the start of treatment, this patient was compelled to wear an orthopedic neck brace and suffered a multitude of severe TMD symptoms. As post-treatment photographs show, her facial profile, dental occlusion and total symptom elimination have dramatically improved this patient’s life.
Centric Relation is Without Question Alterable - Another Actual Patient Showing Mandibular Repositioning
See more about this patient’s treatment.
This patient exhibits a severe Class II Division I malocclusion with the following TMD symptoms.
- Almost constant neck pain present for a number of years (patient has received frequent chiropractic treatments in the past).
- Undiagnosed headaches of long standing, made tolerable with analgesics.
- Opening clicks of both TMJ.
Patient had been advised to undergo orthognathic surgery in order to achieve improved dentofacial cosmetics and function.
Two Patients Don’t Prove The Concept
The two patients presented on this page are only the tip of the iceberg. More carefully documented case histories and patient records point to the validity of an alterable centric relation within the framework of the stomatognathic system--
Read Dr. Levy’s Monograph
Read Food for Thought
Read Static Centric Relation