DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY OF THESE?
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Clenching or grinding of the teeth
- Limited mouth opening
- Frequent ear congestion or dizziness
- Neck Pain
- Popping or clicking in the jaw joint
- Pain in the jaw joint
- Tingling of the fingertips
The way the upper and lower teeth come together (your bite or "occlusion") is part of a system of teeth, muscles, and joints. If they do not fit properly, the muscles and joints attempt to accommodate, working very hard to get them together. A misaligned bite often leads to muscles that are overworked and fatigued when they should be relaxed. This can lead to various problems which are often times referred to collectively as TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint/Temporomandibular Disorder). Neuromuscular Dentistry considers the entire system that controls the positioning and function of your jaw.
To provide you with an optimum bite that gives you a beautiful smile as well as healthy muscles and joints, Dr. Hall will evaluate and study the complex relationship between your teeth, jaw joints, and muscles. Dr. Hall can then work to establish a jaw position based on a harmonious relationship of the three main factors affecting occlusion - the teeth, muscles and joints. The resulting relaxed position is called the neuromuscular bite.
Especially if you are considering major dental procedures (veneers, smile make over, multiple crowns) or if you suffer from head/neck pain, wearing of your teeth or other "TMJ" symptoms, you owe it to yourself to discuss the option of establishing a precise bite with Dr. Hall. This is when choosing neuromuscular techniques can have a positive and long-term impact on the outcome of treatment.
How is Neuromuscular Dentistry Performed?
Neuromuscular dentistry is performed in phased therapy. The first phase begins with the relaxing of the muscles around the jaw with the use of a TENS device (myomonitor). The myomonitor is a battery operated electrical muscle stimulator that delivers very mild stimulus to the muscles of the head and neck allowing them to relax. This relaxed position is the physiological/comfortable bite which we want to maintain. Once this new bite is established , you will be given an appliance called an orthotic to keep your bite in this new position. The second phase of treatment comes after a thorough evaluation of this new bite which takes a few months. The second phase of treatment will include either:
- Long-term wear of the orthotic
- "Equilibration" into your new bite
- Orthodontics - braces
- Reconstruction of teeth to maintain this proper new bite
If you have any questions about any of this or want to schedule a complimentary consultation please call us or click here to schedule an appointment.