Neuromuscular Dentristry

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the correction of jaw misalignment to determine the optimal position of the jaw in order to correct misalignment and adjust how the upper and lower teeth come together (occlusion). By realigning the jaw joint through the use of cosmetic dental restorations, tooth recontouring (equilibration) or orthodontics, stress can be relieved from the jaw muscles and can eliminate painful symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD).

What differentiates neuromuscular dentistry from other theories of occlusion that may guide dental treatment is its emphasis on gravity as determining the bite, as well as where the jaw muscles are most relaxed.

In addition to X-rays or digital radiographs that reveal the position and condition of the jaw joints, neuromuscular dentistry use several diagnostic technologies in order to determine the ideal position of your jaw to relieve TMD symptoms. These technologies include:

• Computerized equipment to record the resting position of a person’s jaw movement and how it closes
• Electromyography (EMG) to measure the stressed and relaxed positions of a person’s jaw muscles, and to identify structural defects in the jaw joint
• Sonography, and/or Joint Vibration Analysis to record jaw joint sounds and determine the presence of abnormalities

Neuromuscular Dentistry Treatments

If the jaw is not properly aligned, neuromuscular dentistry may help identify the precise cause of the problem which could be the jaw joint, muscle or tooth position. Treatment plans developed by neuromuscular dentists are designed to correct bite abnormalities by allowing the jaws to go to their optimal positions for the long term.

For example, neuromuscular dentists assert that muscle pain and spasm can be relieved using Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (ULF-TENS). This treatment involves placing electrodes on your jaw, neck and shoulder areas that transmit mild electrical stimulation to repeatedly contract the jaw muscles in order to relax them.

Adjustments to a person’s bite can be accomplished using an oral appliance — such as a splint or mouth guard — until the bite has been permanently stabilized. Or, orthodontic work may be required to ensure proper alignment, in addition to dental restorations such as crowns, or tooth recontouring (equilibration).

Make an appointment today at Parkview Dentistry to see if Neuromuscular Dentistry is right for you: 480.836.1551.