What
Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry treats the mouth and face muscles. The jaw and muscle physiology is unique for every person. Neuromuscular treatment and diagnosis is customized for every patient and involves the study of your unique oral health and history.
Muscles that are out of alignment can contribute or cause a wide assortment of problems including: headaches, gum disease, chipped and worn teeth, hearing and ear problems (dizziness, chronic ear infections, ringing), tingling in the fingers and arms, painful teeth, facial pain, neck and back pain, sleep problems, painful clicking or popping jaw joints (TMD).
Healthy muscles work in harmony to allow the jaw to rest comfortably. Muscles and nerves that guide and control the jaw can get strained, spastic, sore, and tense. These strained nerves and muscles can contribute a significant amount of tension and pain, increasing discomfort in and around the jaw. When muscles rest correctly and are in alignment, much of the pain and tension experienced is lessened.
Medical history is important when performing neuromuscular dentistry because breathing problems, allergies, and upper airway obstruction are all taken into account. Dental history is also paid particular attention to because casts made of the teeth determine the extent of the problem.
What Can a Neuromuscular Dentist Do For You?
Identification of the truest neuromuscular rest position is the most critical step in neuromuscular dentistry. This position is where the muscles around the jaw are relaxed and function most efficiently.
Since most pain comes from unhealthy, misaligned, or injured muscles, correcting the muscle placement and function greatly reduces pain. When the rest position is correctly identified, appliance therapy can be used to permanently guide and stabilize the jaw, alleviating pain and other TMD/TMJ symptoms.
Cosmetic dentists who use neuromuscular dentistry techniques in their treatments can reduce the chance of suffering from TMD/TMJ symptoms after a cosmetic dentistry treatment. They will also use state-of-the-art computer technology to track the movement of the jaw, detect clicking and popping sounds, and determine the optimal position for your jaw.
One of the most important attributes to look for when searching for a neuromuscular dentist is their training. A cosmetic dentist who performs neuromuscular dentistry should be highly trained in treating and diagnosing TMJ/TMD.
TMD/TMJ can develop over many years, and many people suffer from TMJ/TMD symptoms for long periods of time before seeking a neuromuscular dentist for help. Few healthcare professionals (physicians, dentists, chiropractors, osteopaths, etc.) have the proper training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ/TMD.
The best way to determine if your TMJ/TMD symptoms can be alleviated through neuromuscular dentistry is to schedule an initial consultation with a Boston area neuromuscular dentist. Use the CosmeticDentistryInBoston.com recommendation if you are seeking a cosmetic dentist who performs neuromuscular dentistry.
If you are concerned about sore or irritating jaw or face muscles, you may need the help of a neuromuscular dentist. Click Here for tips on finding the right cosmetic dentist who specializes in neuromuscular dentistry.