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 Neuromuscular dentistry is the art and science of using the relaxed position of the muscles of the head and neck to place the jaw into an optimal physiologic position. Thirty years of research and clinical experience have shown this technique effective in treating patients with various levels of head and neck pain. It is also used in finding the optimal jaw position before restorative dentistry and greatly increases the longevity of restorations and natural dentition.
The underlying conditions that cause these signs and symptoms are structural, biochemical and emotional. Underlying structural problems are most always present and these lead to over activation of the jaw, head and neck muscles.
Over a period of time structural problems can lead to pain, tension, and spasms, call for a consultation today to see if we can help you to.
Neuromuscular dentistry differs from “traditional” dentistry as it places the emphasis upon the activity of the muscles that move the jaw. Traditional dentistry does not consider the role jaw musculature plays in providing a comfortable bite. It uses the present alignment of the jaw as a reference point in the tooth alignment. Neuromuscular dentistry recognizes that the muscles that move the jaw must be in comfortable, relaxed position so they are not in conflict with the teeth and joint. We use a number of sophisticated instruments to find the position of the jaw that allows the jaws, teeth, and muscles operate in harmony.
The first goal of Neuromuscular dentistry is to find the position of the jaw where the muscles are relaxed and rest. This is a three-dimensional position in space, and is often irrespective to the position of the teeth.
We use a device called Myo-monitor to relax the muscles. It is a low frequency T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) unit. This device delivers a mild electrical impulse to the muscles that move the jaw. The rhythmic pulsing (once every 1.5 seconds) relaxes the muscles. In addition to relaxing the muscles, it sets up ideal muscle function by increasing blood flow, flushing out toxins. We often find that after 45 minutes of stimulation, the muscles are in their ideal position. Once we have verified the comfortable position of the lower jaw, we can fabricate an orthotic that allows the jaw to close to this ideal position. In this position, the muscles are at an ideal length and will not go into spasm. Muscles will heal, pain trigger points will go away, and joint capsules will heal. The orthotic is used for three months to stabilize the bite and insure that all symptoms are gone.
At this point a decision is made to wear the orthotic indefinitely, have orthodontics done to move the teeth to this ideal position, have one or two arches of teeth restored, or to adjust the bite to this ideal position. |
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