What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Applying the techniques that expand upon the traditional mechanical approach to dentistry.
Neuromuscular Dentistry is the science of dentistry that embodies accepted scientific principles of patho-physiology, anatomy, form and function.
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NMD objectively evaluates the complex relationship between teeth, temporomandibular joints and the masticatory muscles in order to achieve an occlusion that is based on the optimal relationship between the mandible and the skull - Neuromuscular Occlusion.
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The goal of the Neuromuscular Dentist is to relax the muscles controlling jaw position to establish a true physiological rest position upon which treatment considerations are based.
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In summary, NMD is the science of occlusion encompassing not only the teeth, but the objective evaluation of the status and function of the jaw muscles and joints — before, during and after treatment — to achieve the optimal result.
Is Neuromuscular Dentistry for you?
Many individuals do not realize that muscles play an important role in dentistry.
There are always options to consider when you are choosing dental treatment. After initially evaluating your situation, your dentist or treatment counselor will discuss those options with you.
NMD becomes one of your options if you are struggling with the following:
Additionally, NMD techniques are used to treat patients that suffer from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) like symptoms and to aid in establishing the occlusion for dentures.
Additionally, NMD techniques are used to treat patients that suffer from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) like symptoms and to aid in establishing the occlusion for dentures.
It is in these cases that establishing the optimal occlusion becomes so important.
This is when choosing neuromuscular techniques may have a substantial and positive impact on the outcome of treatment.
The relaxed jaw position gives your dentist an added insight that may allow for a faster completion and improve final treatment results.
Feel free to discuss these options further with our dental professional to determine if Neuromuscular Dentistry is right for you.
Do you have headaches? Limited jaw opening? Facial pain? Neck or shoulder pain?
You could be suffering from TMD or Temporomandibular Disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of TMD
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Headaches
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Jaw joint pain
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Jaw joint noise or clicking
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Limited mouth opening
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Ear congestion
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Dizziness
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Ringing in the ears
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Difficulty swallowing
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Loose teeth
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Clenching or grinding
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Facial pain
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Sensitive teeth
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Chewing difficulties
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Neck pain
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Postural problems
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Tingling of the fingertips
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Hot and cold sensitivity of teeth
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Nervousness or insomnia
How do we diagnose TMD and jaw alignment problems?
We perform examinations to diagnose jaw alignment problems.
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We may ask you to perform an examination to test how your teeth, mouth and facial muscles work together. If there are catches, locks, clicks and pops when moving your jaws, these can be signs of alignment problems. The tests are "non-invasive" - there are no injections, there is no pain.
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Other tests can be used such as, full-face XRays, MRIs or CT Scans, sonography, electromyography (EMG) and computerized test equipment to measure and determine possible neuromuscular or jaw alignment problems.
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We utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.
