Missing Link in Sleep, TMJ & Orthodontics Course (HBP2):

Advanced Training in Homeoblock and POD Appliance Therapy - with Dr Theodore Belfor, DDS & Michal Niedzielski, PT

This advanced training program will be in 4 three-hour sessions, twelve-hours, provided by Theodore Belfor, DDS and Michal Niedzielski, PT on Zoom.

The field of Dentistry is evolving. Not all of us can see this paradigm shift taking place which leads to a systemic functional improvement. The key is to recognize and define physiological cranial positions; their adaptational or pathological strains, and their relation with the position of the cervical spine, airway size, shape and patency, and their dynamic positional sensory maxillo-mandibular interdependence. This understanding is based on the careful evaluation of the pharyngeal airway, tongue posture, the cranio-cervical position, and muscle action of the head and neck in relation to breathing to balance external forces.

We now can observe and understand the face and neck distortions that we have never looked at before in relation to respiration, breathing and posture. Our treatment/dental protocol should combine orthodontics, orthopedics, and movement therapies (osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy, etc.), an intradisciplinary collaborative approach.

1. April 2, 2023 (7am–10am): Who gets treated and Why

A review of the Homeoblock appliance protocol:

  • How to acquire and evaluate the Chimera images

  • Evaluation the head and body posture 

  • The Stomatognathic system in relation to the TMJ, upper cervical spine and occlusion

  • SBS relationship, understanding cranial quadrants in a transverse plane and mandibular positioning as related to the temporal bones and Occipital-Atlanto joint (OA) 

2. April 16, 2023 (7am–10am): Defining and decoding cranial strain from facial images and CBCT data, evaluating but not limited to, the position of the sphenoid, occiput and temporal bones.

Cranial Strains:

  • Left torsion

  • Right torsion

  • Left side bending rotation

  • Right side bending rotation

  • Treatment of all 4 cranial strains

3. April 23, 2023 (7am–10am): Introduction to the body’s asymmetry (Movement, Bio tensegrity, neck and lower back pain, empty spaces)

Force balance; balancing forces of gravity and atmospheric pressure through:

  • The head position on the cervical spine

  • Tongue network + hyoid (five: V, VII, IX, X, XII CN)

  • Cranial - Mandibular - Cervical musculature (XI CN)

  • Dynamic maxillo-mandibular interdependence

  • C1-C2 relationship (instability) and the X CN (Vagus Nerve)

4. May 7, 2023 (7am–10am): The CBCT diagnostic template step by step Patient evaluations

A patient analysis and treatment beginning to end