DR. MARION: THE DENTAL ANTHROPOLGIST

Dr. Louis Marion is one of the first dentists who studied both prosthodontics and dental anthropology. He draws from both disciplines to address the root cause of disease rather than simply treating symptoms.  He considers possible effects on the entire body as a system rather than as unrelated organs. In this respect, Dr. Marion practices what is commonly referred to as functional dentistry.  For example, whereas conventional dentistry might aim to simply treat decay with fillings, functional dentistry goes well beyond this to learn what factors encouraged the decay in the first place.  In assessing certain risk factors, he strives to implement helpful steps in each patient’s treatment plan to mitigate those risks, fight disease, and create a state of health that requires no further intervention.  This way, Dr. Marion strives to improve longevity by addressing all factors, even those from beyond the mouth taking in consideration other systemic diseases and other ways to encourage total-body health, not just oral health. 

Dr. Louis Marion’s Approach to Occlusal Disease

Unfortunately, fewer and fewer dentists are omitting the study of occlusion.  Occlusion is the way the teeth come together.  Occlusion can affect a broad range of symptoms and diseases, including:

• Joint pain and Headaches

• Neck and back pain

• Sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing

• Gum disease and Dental decay

It can also affect various aspects of your appearance:

• The aesthetics of your smile and your face

• The function of your teeth during speech and chewing

• Wrinkles around your eyes, forehead, neck, and mouth

Occlusal dysfunction is often overlooked in a typical dental practice.  If the bite is not considered and addressed, patients will continue to suffer needless disease in the mouth and in the body.  But once occlusal dysfunction is identified and addressed, the progression of disease can slow or come to a halt, and true health and healing can commence.

In 2002, Dr. Marion presented his research on occlusion at several national and international meetings.  At first, it was controversial and highly debated as he proposed specific equilibrations and adjustments in order to promote longevity of all restorations and teeth. Sometimes that includes a simplified orthodontic movement called Invisalign. Now his methodology of treatment is accepted widely as helping the stability of both restored and non restored teeth alike.