Chirodontics

This is the interconnection of the body and stresses and distortions contained therein and the complimentary distortions seen in the bones of the skull and the associated asymmetries in the facial and cranial musculature.

Chirodontics was developed by Dr.Bob Walker, a chiropractor, and over time he noted these patterns and associated issues and by working in conjunction with dentists and others he collaborated in resolving problems for patients. Using sophisticated measuring equipment (see Biopac) he could isolate and measure both the problem accurately and measure the improvements. He also integrated nutrition into treatment as poor nutrition will impede healing and the maintainence of health. (See Chirodontics nutrition website)
The whole body approach is one where the dental problems are seen as part of the whole and failure to look so widely will lead to failure or limitation of treatment.

Having completed a full diagnostic workup that takes in a great deal of information, this is then analysed. The distortions identified and their relevance noted.

The problems are then broken down into cranial, dental and respiratory issues as the structural ones and these are accompanied by the nutritional and neurological issues.
These are addressed in a progressive sequence starting with looking at the dental jaw joint (TMJ). Because this is so highly innervated not addressing any internal damage or malfunction will ensure that the neurological input will overwhelm any treatment done elsewhere.
Once that has been stabilised the rest of the face and the skeleton can be addressed. This is done in a three phase approach.

Phase I

1. Stabilise the TMJ.
2. Establish proper posterior Vertical
3. Establish proper Mandibular position.
4. Level the maxilla temporarily (RPY)

Phase II

1. Balance the Eyes – Roll ‘cranially’
2. Balance the Eyes  - Yaw “Cranially”
3. Develop Arch positions “Cranially”.
4. Develop Arch Forms     “Cranially”

Phase III

1. Develop Dental “Tooth Position”
2. Develop Dental Form and final Vertical Dimension
3. Establish Final Occlusion and Functional Movements.

These are the three phases and they are accompanied by nutritional and neurological treatment as well.

Structural treatment is not limited to dental but includes podiatry to ensure the legs and therefore the sacrum is level and therefore the torso has few strains and torsions in it.  There must be Cranial Sacral Treatment to allow the dura or protective surrounding layer of the brain and spinal cord to function and not have impediments. 
Cranial Respiration. As you inhale and exhale there is more than just the chest moving. The entire skull too should more in a predictable manner. This is called Cranial Respiration. The skull is made up of many bones joined together along slightly mobile joints called sutures. As the skull moves, it will flex along these lines and a few specialised joints such as the Clivus or ‘base of the skull.  The Skull will extend on inhalation and contract or flex on exhaling.  The skull must be free to do this and restrictions will cause issues in neurological activity and in moving the CSF (Cerebro-spinal fluid) around the brain.

While this can be improved with orthotics in both feet and in the mouth, this is cumbersome and incomplete. This is why Chirodontics was developed to make long term improvements in the underlying structure.