TAG Appliance – Tic Active Guard

Turning to Experience in Dentistry to Help People with Tourette Sydrome

Dr. Balanoff is passionate about helping those suffering the effects of Tourette Syndrome. The TAG Appliance is not FDA cleared but new research points to a possible treatment option.

Learn more about the Science behind TAG

Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders are increasingly recognized among school-aged children.

T.A.G. Rx Form for Dental Offices

 

Dr. Balanoff Has Over 30 Years Of Experience In Dental Orthotic Design, Research & Implementation. He is passionate about helping those with Tourette Syndrome.

Call Dr. Bill directly to discuss how the TAG appliance works at 954-683-2693

Dr. Balanoff is happy to discuss treatment options with parents and will speak directly with their dentist. Please reach out…

Published in the Peer-Reviewed Dental Journal: Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry

New Research Published: January 2019

Summary of Research Study

Improved Yale Total Tic Severity Score Due to Craniofacial Manipulation With an Oral Appliance

Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorders are increasingly recognized among school-aged children. These conditions are characterized by the presence of involuntary and repetitive vocalization and/or movement, known as tics, the onset of which can be spontaneous or may be preceded by premonitory urge. This study evaluated a novel treatment approach using the concept of cranial facial manipulation with an oral appliance known as the Tic Guard to determine its safety and efficacy in the treatment of these disorders.

All research, results, and intellectual property were donated to the Tourette Associates of America.  Our goal is to help the further study and development of a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatment for patients with Tourette Syndrome.

The Fitting Process

What Patients & Dentists should expect during the fitting appointment.

We will do our best to explain the TAG fitting process and what is required. This includes technical information for the prescribing Doctor. Sometimes patients, parents, doctors and their clinic team need better clarification.  Always remember, we are only a phone call away.

This can be an emotional and hands-on event for patients, parents and practitioners. Patience with the patients is very important.

That is why Dr. Balanoff prefers to speak with every doctor before the patient appointment. His time is free for both patients and doctors.

3 things we tell patients to expect from the the prescribing dentist

First

Dentists will take Upper and Lower Impressions of the teeth and gums using Polyvinyl Siloxane (PVS).  Some offices will take digital impressions and send the digital file to the lab. However, the bite registration is still analog. A bite registration material is required and will be physically shipped to the lab.

Second

Establish the Vertical Dimension for the TAG Appliance (Doctor Directions Below)

Third

Take a Bite Registration (BR) in PVS. Wax does not work very well and is not recommended.  You must get an accurate recording of the vertical dimension (VD) when the tics are at least prevalent.    (The BR must allow us to articulate the model.  We need the BR to allow the models to be tripoded for an accurate representation of what is happening clinically.)  Please make sure that both the anterior and posterior areas are recorded.

How do you determine the correct vertical dimension to mitigate tics?

First...

Count the number of vocal and motor tics for two minutes with nothing in the patient’s mouth. Record that measurement.

Second...

Place a tongue depressor between the upper and lower jaw just mesially to the mesial marginal ridge of the first molar. Count the number of vocal and motor tics for two minutes with the tongue depressor between the jaws of the patient’s mouth.  Record that measurement.

Next...

Place two (2) tongue depressor between the upper and lower jaw just mesially to the mesial marginal ridge of the first molar. Count the number of vocal and motor tics for two minutes with the tongue depressor between the jaws. Record that measurement.

Then...

Place three (3) tongue depressors between the upper and lower jaw just mesially to the mesial marginal ridge of the first molar. Count the number of vocal and motor tics for two minutes with the tongue depressor between the jaws.  Record that measurement.

Repeat...

Continue placing additional tongue depressors and opening the vertical dimension until there is NO FURTHER improvement in the mitigation (decrease) of both motor and vocal tics.

Finally

Record the OPENED VD with PVS

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