Neuromuscular Dentistry

SUCCESS BASED ON A NEUROMUSCULAR APPROACH!

"Determining a Correct Jaw Position"

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry and how does it differ from common dentistry? Traditional Dentists concern themselves with with only the hard tissues-teeth and joints.. Neuromuscular dentistry goes beyond not only the hard tissues but also the soft tissues-muscles and nerves. It addresses the dynamic relationships related to the physiologic range of motion and body posture. This is based o the ability to objectively measure muscle function and correlate the bite of the teeth to a proper jaw posture and its movements in function.

MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HEAD AND NECK -Determining a proper ja/joint position

Neuromuscular Dentistry emphasizes the need to establish a Bite (Occlusion-Fit of the Bite) based upon,the optimal physiologic position and function of the tempromandibular joints and the optimal resting posture and function of the masticatory muscles at a physiologic rather than a pathologic position.

This approach differs greatly from the common dentistry approach that treats the teeth and assumes the teeth, active muscles, and the jaw joint will accommodate to habitual/acquired Bite. Treating teeth by restorative procedures(crowns, bridges, and restorations) or orthodontics are often overlooked and done without accurately determining a correct jaw posture and proper vertical dimension.

A neuromuscular dentist can determine a proper resting jaw position that affects the facial, head and neck muscles, the teeth as well as the joints.  A physiologic resting position and body posture is often overlooked and not even considered as an important part of the whole dental system.

COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTICS-Objective diagnostics and measurable data

In this day of technology and computerization, Dr. Nehawandian and her team use state of the art technology to find correct and accurate jaw posure substantiated by objective meaureable data of the muscle in the function and at rest.

The following diagnostic tests are used to help identify jaw joint and muscle dysfunction in order to comprehensively treat each case with the most up to date technology.

• Computerized  Jaw Tracking- is used to record jaw movements, range of motion, path of closure, protrusive guidance, rest positions, habitual centric occlusion, and determine freeway space.
• Electromyography- is used to monitor the muscles in function.
• Sonography- records jaw joint sounds and helps detect abnormalities.
• Myo- monitor (low frequency TENS)- is used to relax the hyperactive head and neck muscles.
• Tomography- are special x-rays of the jaw joints to evaluate the jaw joint condition and position.

Finding your neuromuscular jaw position is paramount before a final restorative/orthodontic phase is started to prevent muscular imbalances that would lead to instability of the teeth, supporting bone and compromised posture. A comprehensive analysis and evaluation is higly recommended to assist in accurately diagnosing and developing a treatment plan that can best meet your needs for long term optimal dental health and comfort.