The Neuromuscular Approach

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

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.

Older treatment philosophies and approaches which pre-date modern high-speed computing power, relied heavily on subjective methods and assessments. Modern neuromuscular dentistry approaches utilize sophisticated computerized diagnostics and bio-electronic instrumentation, to record and interpret joint sounds, muscle activity, and jaw movements, all in real time. Sonography, Electromyography EMG, Computerized Mandibular Scanning CMS, and Trans-Cutaneous Neural Stimulation TENS are all used to diagnose and treat TMJ/TMD problems.

These newer approaches allow us to find the most relaxed physiologic position for the jaw and determine the best bite for comfort and aesthetics. To correct TMJ/TMD and to guard against further damage, the jaw is supported in a proper, muscularly balanced position, determined with advanced computer analysis. In most cases, this can be done without surgery or braces.