The Kois deprogrammer is a removable dental appliance that temporarily relaxes the jaw muscles to help a dentist evaluate the patient’s natural and most comfortable bite position. By “deprogramming” the jaw’s muscle memory, it helps diagnose and treat bite problems, jaw pain, and worn teeth.
A DEPROGRAMMER CAN BE USED TO:
Diagnose bite problems
The deprogrammer helps dentists distinguish between different types of bite-related issues that cause tooth wear, such as occlusal dysfunction or bruxism (clenching and grinding).
Treat TMJ disorders
By allowing the jaw muscles and joint to relax, the appliance can provide relief from the facial pain, headaches, and jaw soreness associated with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).
Plan dental restorations
Before a dentist rebuilds or restores teeth with crowns, veneers, or bridges, the deprogrammer ensures the new work is based on a stable, natural bite position.
Find a stable bite
The appliance is a reliable tool for determining centric relation (CR), the stable, most comfortable position of the jaw joint.
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH YOUR DEPROGRAMMER
- Duration: The deprogrammer is typically worn for a few weeks to a month, though the exact time depends on the individual case. It is usually only removed for eating and cleaning.
- Sensation: While generally comfortable, some patients may experience initial soreness in their chewing muscles as they relax. Speech may also be temporarily affected.
- Temporary change: Any changes to the bite caused by wearing the device are temporary. A few hours after taking it out, the jaw muscles will revert to their old biting pattern. The deprogrammer is a diagnostic tool, not a permanent solution.
Why special training is needed
Comprehensive treatment planning:
The Kois deprogrammer is one tool within a larger, systematic approach to diagnosing and treating complex restorative and occlusal problems. The training focuses on teaching dentists a reliable, evidence-based method for treatment planning.
Complex diagnostics:
The deprogrammer helps the dentist determine the jaw’s most relaxed position, known as “centric relation”. The dentist must be able to accurately identify when the jaw muscles have been successfully deprogrammed and can repeat this new bite position.
Identifying root causes:
Dentists must learn how to differentiate between various types of occlusal attrition (tooth wear), such as bruxism (clenching and grinding), occlusal dysfunction, or a constricted path of closure. The deprogrammer helps reveal the specific issue, but the dentist’s training determines how they interpret that information.
How it works
Developed by Dr. John C. Kois, the device is a custom-fit, retainer-like piece that covers the roof of the mouth and features a small ramp behind the front teeth.
- When a patient closes their mouth, only the bottom two front teeth can touch the appliance’s ramp. This contact prevents the back teeth from meeting and interlocking in their old, habitual position.
- With the back teeth separated, the jaw muscles can relax over several days or weeks, releasing any tension or learned biting patterns.
- Once the jaw muscles are fully relaxed, the patient’s lower jaw naturally settles into its ideal position relative to the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ).
- The dentist can then accurately record the jaw’s new, relaxed position. This is the foundation for creating a permanent solution to stabilize the bite.
DEPROGRAMMER INSTRUCTIONS
The Kois Deprogrammer is a removable orthodontic retainer-like appliance which your dentist uses to
diagnose any bite problems you may have. It allows your jaw muscles to relax and function independently
from their usual position associated with your current bite.
After a period of wearing the Kois Deprogrammer your former muscle memory pattern will be erased.
As a result, your new bite can be determined and recorded.
Once your lower jaw has fully relaxed and any symptoms you might have had are resolved, your dentist will be able
to provide you with treatment options which place your bite in this new more comfortable position.
What is involved in my wearing a Kois Deprogrammer?
Your Deprogrammer will need to be worn for a period of two to four weeks.
During that time it is important that you wear the Deprogrammer as much as possible in order to allow the jaw muscles to relax or deprogram, and change to a new closing bite position that you go to every time.
Exceptions in wearing are eating or cleaning your teeth, or special occasions.
How will my Kois Deprogrammer feel in my mouth?
The Deprogrammer is designed to feel as comfortable as possible.
There may be some initial speech changes, but within a few days these will disappear as your jaw muscles and tongue will have adapted.
Soreness of the chewing muscles may initially occur but these will go away as the muscles relax.
If you are clenching on the Deprogrammer your lower teeth may become sore.
How much will my bite change?
Usually a very small amount, although the improvement in the feel of
your bite after wearing the Deprogrammer for a period of time may be clearly noticeable.
What happens if I decide not to proceed with treatment after wearing my Kois Deprogrammer?
Your chewing system will allow the change in your bite to adapt back to your original bite after a few hours of leaving the Deprogrammer out of your mouth.
How do I care for my Kois Deprogrammer?
Clean the Deprogrammer every time you clean your teeth by gently brushing it with a small
amount of toothpaste on your tooth brush.
Rinse with warm water and if leaving out of your mouth keep it safe in its retainer box.
