Neuromuscular dentistry is the science of using the relaxed position of the muscles of the head and neck to place the jaw in the optimal physiologic position for comfort and function. Over thirty years of research and clinical experience has shown this technique to be highly effective in treating patients with various levels of head and neck pain. It is also used in finding the optimal jaw position before restorative dentistry and greatly increases the longevity of the restorations.

Neuromuscular dentistry has brought an entirely new level of predictability to the treatment of head and neck disorders through the utilization of objective, scientific, measurable data that serves as the foundation for diagnosis and treatment. Previous treatment approaches comprised of many subjective, un-substantiated opinions on the proper jaw position based upon educated guesses and trial and error… resulting in misdiagnosis and misguided treatment.

The process involves using sophisticated computerized diagnostics and bio-electronic instrumentation to record and interpret temporomandibular joint sounds(Sonography), muscle activity(Electromyography EMG), the path of the jaw movement in multiple dimensions(Computerized Mandibular Scanning), and trans-cutaneous neural stimulation(TENS).

Combined with tomography(specialized jaw joint x-ray) this information allows us to find the most relaxed physiologic position for the jaw and determine the best bite for comfort and aesthetics.

What is TMJ/TMD ?

Temporomandibular joint disease(also known as MPD,TMD or TMJ) affects 60 million people. It is a chronic degenerative disease that may take years to develop. The underlying structural imbalance of the jaw to skull relationship may result in pain, tension or spasms of the head, neck or jaw. Broken fillings, broken or chipped teeth and worn teeth can also result from an improperly aligned bite relationship.

If you have any of these symptoms:

• Headaches
• Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
• Neck, shoulder or back pain
• Cracked or broken dental restorations
• Pain or soreness around the jaw joints
• Facial pain
• Unexplained loose teeth
• Congestion or stuffiness in the ears
• Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joint
• Limited movement or locking jaw

We may be able to help you

To correct TMJ/TMD, the jaw is brought back into a proper, muscularly balanced position, through sophisticated computer analysis. In most cases, we can do this without surgery or braces.

Please call us at 770-952-1212. We invite you to talk with us about how neuromuscular dentistry can enhance your life.