Guide · Glossary
Key terms, simply explained
The most important terms from dentosophy and biofunctional dentistry, each in two or three sentences. Terms from the Dentosophy Academy's teaching model are marked as such.
Dentosophy
A functional approach within dentistry that emerged in France from 1984 (Dr. Michel Montaud, Dr. Rodrigue Mathieu). It looks at breathing, swallowing and chewing together with how the jaws relate to the skull, and works with the balancer and daily exercises. German: Dentosophie.
Biofunctional dentistry
Brings three disciplines together: dentosophy (function), biological dentistry (biocompatible, metal-free materials) and micronutrients. Complements orthodontics rather than replacing it.
Balancer
A soft, removable double mouthpiece made without individual impressions, descended from the Soulet-Besombes activator. In dentosophy it is used for exercises during the day and worn at night.
Craniofacial system
Skull, jaws and face as one connected system, including the muscles and the functions of breathing, swallowing and chewing.
Spheno-basilar synchondrosis (SBS)
The junction of the sphenoid and the occipital bone at the skull base, in front of the spine; often called the spheno-basilar symphysis. In the Dentosophy Academy's teaching model, its position determines how the upper and lower jaw relate.
Cranial strain
A displacement at the spheno-basilar synchondrosis, i.e. a skull base that is not in a neutral position. A term from the teaching model.
Sphenoid (os sphenoidale)
The bone at the centre of the skull base to which the other bones of the skull align.
Occipital bone (os occipitale)
The bone at the lower back of the skull that forms the spheno-basilar synchondrosis with the sphenoid and on which the spine begins.
TMD (temporomandibular disorder)
Umbrella term for functional disorders of the jaw joint and chewing muscles, such as clicking, pain or limited mouth opening. German: CMD (craniomandibuläre Dysfunktion).
Bruxism
Unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, during the day or in sleep.
Myofunctional therapy
Exercise-based therapy of the oral and facial muscles: tongue rest posture, swallowing pattern, lip closure, nasal breathing. Usually guided by speech therapists or myofunctional therapists.
Tongue rest posture
Where the tongue rests when not in use. Considered functionally favourable: against the palate, behind the upper front teeth.
Mouth breathing
Habitual breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, during the day or in sleep.
Occlusal splint
A plastic splint that separates the upper and lower teeth. It interrupts grinding and clenching patterns and protects the teeth; in the dentosophy teaching model a passive aid, because it does not train the muscles.
Orthodontics
The dental specialty for misaligned teeth and jaws, for example with fixed or removable braces.
KIG and IV
KIG: the German orthodontic indication groups used to classify cases for statutory health insurance. IV: Swiss disability insurance, relevant to coverage of certain orthodontic treatments.
Lateral cephalogram (FRS)
A lateral X-ray of the skull used to measure how the upper and lower jaw relate to the skull. FRS is the German abbreviation.
Panoramic radiograph (OPG)
A panoramic X-ray showing teeth, jaws and jaw joints in one image.
Airway dentistry
An orientation in dentistry, widespread in the United States, that centres on the airway: nasal breathing, tongue posture, jaw development and sleep-related breathing.
Posturology
The study of body posture and what influences it, such as bite, head position and foot position. Posturological tests with the balancer are part of the dentosophy training.