TMJ stabilization and remodeling: occlusal plane, posture, MRI and splints

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, obstructive sleep apnea surgery, and craniofacial deformity correction. Clinical Professor at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics. Full-time private practice at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

Over 46 years of clinical, teaching, and research experience in complex maxillofacial surgery. Recognized internationally as the world's leading surgeon in TMJ revision surgery and orthognathic surgery, having completed more revision surgeries than any other surgeon globally. Sponsored and directed a Fellowship Program in TMJ and Orthognathic Surgery at Baylor University Medical Center for 28 years (until recently), training hundreds of oral and maxillofacial surgeons from around the world. Innovator and developer of numerous surgical techniques, philosophies, and evidence-based treatment protocols used worldwide in TMJ surgery, orthognathic surgery, and sleep apnea surgery.

Inventor of multiple surgical devices and total joint prostheses including TMJ Concepts patient-specific total joint replacement systems. Developed surgical protocols for managing complex TMJ pathology including internal derangements, degenerative joint disease, ankylosis, condylar resorption, and congenital deformities. Pioneer in simultaneous TMJ reconstruction with orthognathic surgery achieving functional occlusion and facial aesthetics in single-stage procedures. International lecturer presenting at major conferences worldwide on TMJ surgery innovations, revision orthognathic surgery, and airway surgery for sleep apnea.

DMD. Board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Recipient of prestigious William J. Gies Award and W. Harry Archer Award, two of the highest honors in oral and maxillofacial surgery, recognizing major contributions to the specialty. Co-author of two textbooks on TMJ disorders and orthognathic surgery. Co-editor of two additional textbooks. Author of over 45 book chapters. Published over 225 peer-reviewed scientific articles and over 150 scientific abstracts. Active Principal Investigator on multiple IRB-approved research studies at Baylor University Medical Center including outcomes for TMJ reconstruction with all-titanium alloy components, metal hypersensitivity in TMJ patients, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis treatment. Extensive publication record documenting long-term outcomes of TMJ reconstruction, orthognathic surgery protocols, and treatment of complex craniofacial conditions. Patients travel from across the world to Dallas for complex TMJ and orthognathic revision surgeries. Voted among leading maxillofacial surgeons in the world by colleagues. Listed in Who's Who in the World.

Dr. Levy received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Union College and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University where he went on to serve as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Care and Applied Practice Administration and Behavioral Sciences. He maintained a private dental practice in New York City for 17 years. He completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neurophysiology at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and received a Certificate of Training in Human Investigations from the School of Medicine at OHSU. Dr. Levy’s sensory-physiology research program explored the mechanosensory mechanisms that underlay mastication. He served on the faculty at OHSU as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Structure and Function, Department of Integrative Biosciences, Department of Prosthodontics and the Department Community Dentistry. He is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker that regularly presents CE courses focusing on the physiology anatomy, biomechanics and treatment of occlusion. Dr. Levy maintains a private dental practice in Portland, Oregon. His dental practice focuses on occlusion, restorative dentistry, TMD and airway disorders. Dr. Levy founded Levy Occlusion Seminars in 2018.

Received his M.D. Degree from the University of Genoa in 1980 and specialized in Odontostomatology in 1983.

In 1982/83 he taught "Prosthesis and Biomechanics" at the Ligurian Regional Training Course of Dental Technology sponsored by EEC.

He was a Lecturer on "Dental and maxillofacial prosthetic Clinical Medicine I" at the Institute specializing in Odontostomatology of the University of Genoa during the years 1983/84/85/86.

In the years 1983 to 1986 and 1990 to 1992 he was Head of a "Prosthesis Department" at the Clinic of Dentistry of the University of Genoa

In 1988/89/90/97/98 he obtained an integrating contract as a Professor for the "Prosthesis Course" which is part of the Graduation Course of Dentistry and Dental Prosthesis.

In 1996 he obtained his Ph.D. Degree, Siena University, Italy.

From 1994 to 1999 he was Head of the Gnathology Department at the Clinic of Dentistry of the University of Genoa, Italy.

He has achieved the Master in Posturology near the University “La Sapienza” in Rome in 2005

Since 1982 Dr. Silvestrini has been engaged in research in gnathologic and prosthetic fields which, in 1986, led to the design and implementation of a completely automated metal etching and electroplating system for the Maryland technique, provided with error correction.

In 1992 he developed an easy-to-use postural platform “ScanPosture®” for an immediate differential diagnosis, to be used by the Dentists for a gnathologic evaluation of their patients.

In 1993, he developed a new tooth-implant design for a correct distribution of occlusal loads between natural abutments and fixtures which has been subject matter of research and verification through simulation with computer-finished elements. This study was made in cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering, University of Genoa, and with the contribution of two Engineers who received their Research Doctorate in "Computational Analysis of Structures" and "Structural Engineering", respectively, from the "Construction Theory Institute".

In 1988 he devised an original system to be applied to a semi-individual articulator, based on Monson's theory for the individual definition of occlusal plane compensation curves “Calottometer®”.

This system was developed over the years and realized in 1995 in cooperation with the firm Girrbach-Artex, Pforzheim, Germany, a world leader in the sector of articulators.

Teacher at IDRR since 2004 "Indian Dentist Research & Review", www.idrr.org , India, on topics of gnathology and posturology in India, United Arab Emirates

In 2008 found the cultural association Global Occlusion Easy Learning and the related site www.globalocclusion.com to develop and share gnathology research and up-to-date knowledge between corses and brainstorming in a special net of specialists.

Actually is Adjunct Professor at University Jaume I, Castellon, Spain from 2018

He is author and co-author of more than one hundred publications and 15 books, over two hundred conference at national and international Conventions. Private practice in Genoa, Italy.

In 2019 publish your book “Trattamento semplificato in Gnatologia” (Italian) and “Tratamiento simplificado en Gnatologia” (Spanish version).

Member of the Columbia Society of Orthodontics.

Director of the Roth Williams Center of Functional Occlusion, Columbia.

Visiting Professor, University of the North.

National and international lecturer.