Byron Lew DDS
Specialty:
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Practice Philosophy:
My treatment philosophy is that of seeing the person as a whole.
General dentistry, Orthodontics, TMJ, and Sleep apnea.
Education
New York University College of Dentistry, D.D.S.
Saint John’s University, B.S. Biology
Professional Memberships
Academy of General Dentistry
American Academy of Cranio Facial Pain
International Association of Orthodontics
Dental Organization for Sleep Apnea
International TMJ and Sleep Medicine Network
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
Dr. Lew’s philosophy is that of seeing the person as a whole. Many times dental treatments focus on appearance and esthetics alone. Functional dental health or other health conditions may not have been considered. Many of these dental causes can be classified into three interrelated categories: Sleep disorders, TMJ disorders, and Orthodontic misalignment. These conditions can affect one’s overall health.
TMJ disorders: Headaches and migraines may simply be caused by nighttime grinding or clenching of teeth. The same headaches and migraines may also be caused by nutritional and/or jaw bone infections or allergies and may also contribute to chronic pain of the head and neck. Why not treat the cause?
Sleep disorders: An average adult requires about 15% - 25% REM sleep. During this stage of sleep, hormones are released which allows the organs and tissue to regenerate and heal. Finding and treating the cause of sleep disorders is crucial to improving one’s general health.
Orthodontics misalignment: What do sleep apnea and TMJ have in common? Orthodontics is the common factor. Dr. Lew recommends that children be evaluated as early as age 5 for orthodontic intervention. If a child has mismatched upper and lower jaw sizes waiting until they are teenagers for orthodontics can be too delayed. ADD, ADHD and bedwetting can be a result of poor orthodontic conditions, such as poor airway function and resultant inadequate sleep. Functional orthodontics involves the use of appliances to match jaw sizes, while a child is still growing, towards functional health. Functional orthodontics can also be utilized in adults to treat headaches, TMJ, and sleep disorders.
Dr. Lew’s diagnosis of the person as a whole is a far-reaching goal. Not every health issue has a dental component but a dental cause cannot be ignored in conjunction with medical causes. Holistic health care practitioners and patients must work together towards reaching this lifelong journey of complete wellness.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Byron Lew D.D.S.
EDUCATION
New York University College of Dentistry, D.D.S.
Saint John’s University, B.S. Biology
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Academy of General Dentistry
American Academy of Cranio Facial Pain
International Association of Orthodontics
Dental Organization for Sleep Apnea
International TMJ and Sleep Medicine Network
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
PRACTICE
A multi-specialty Integrative Medical-Dental group practice
