The secret to a healthy, comfortable, and beautiful smile starts with a sound neuromuscular bite (occlusion).
Neuromuscular dentistry (NMD) begins by relaxing the muscles around the jaw with the use of TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation). The TENS unit is a battery operated electrical muscle stimulator that delivers mild electrical stimulus to the muscles of the facial/jaw area, and possibly the neck and shoulder area. This stimulation "exercises" these muscles and causes them to relax. The optimal bite position is determined by utilizing complex jaw tracking (K7) and EMG monitoring equipment to ensure a comfortable bite.
A plastic appliance called an "orthotic" will be made to keep your bite in its new position. The orthotic is a diagnostic appliance used to obtain and confirm a comfortable and stable occlusion, and it may be worn as an interim step to a more permanent treatment. Permanent treatment may include tooth recontouring, neuromuscular orthodontics, restorative dentistry or a combination of these. The end result will be a comfortable neuromuscular bite.
Are you a candidate for Neuromuscular Dentistry?
There are always several options for you to choose from when deciding on dental treatment. After an initial evaluation, we will discuss these options with you. If you are considering major dental procedures such as reconstruction (including cosmetic dentistry), orthodontics, or dentures, or if you suffer head/neck pain or other "TMJ"-like symptoms, establishing a precise occlusion becomes very important, and is the place to start.