What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular Dentistry is the area of dentistry that evaluates the role of your facial muscles and joints to ensure your bite is optimal for comfort and function.
If these facial muscles, nerves and joints are not functioning correctly then you can experience a number of symptoms as a result.
Many patients have suffered from this pain or discomfort for a period of time but are unaware of the cause.
The symptoms can be one or more of the following:
- Headaches
- Jaw joint pain or clicking
- Limited mouth opening
- Ear congestions or pain
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Hot and cold sensitivity
- Clenching or grinding
- Facial pain
- Sensitive teeth
Having completed the exclusive Neuromuscular training via The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies we use state-of-the-art technology to determine if your symptoms are caused by an incorrect alignment of your jaw structures. We are able to find what your correct jaw position should be using computerised jaw tracking instruments that record jaw movement, resting position, and path of closure.
We are also able to test your muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions, along with this we will measure the jaw-to-skull relationship to check for any structural imbalance. Jaw joint sounds are collected to detect any abnormalities and x-rays of the jaw may be taken to help evaluate the condition and positioning of the joint.
Once this information is collected we can then advise and recommend a course of treatment to correct the problems that have developed.Treatment varies from simple bite adjustments to complex reconstructions. Each treatment will be recommended after careful study of your detailed assessment.
Neuromuscular treatment can include:
- Muscle Relaxation – Muscle relaxation using TENS stimulation can be an effective, drug free treatment to relieve pain. This relief is only temporary though, and is likely to return unless the underlying problem is addressed.
- Coronoplasty – slight re-contouring of your teeth to correct your biting position.
- Neuromuscular Orthotic – This is an appliance that is worn to serve as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. It will assist in aligning your jaw to the determined neuromuscular position, alleviating your symptoms.
- Neuromuscular Orthodontics – The alignment of teeth and your jaw using either fixed and/or removable appliances.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction - Restoration of your teeth with respect to function and aesthetics at your correct neuromuscular position.
Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies is the world’s premier post-graduate dental teaching center. LVI specialises in training the best cosmetic (or aesthetic) and neuromuscular dentists.
Practicing dentists from all over the globe come to LVI to advance their education, knowledge, and expertise. Graduates of LVI are among the finest, most progressive dentists in the world.
Founded in 1995, LVI was established to educate, guide, and support dentists in the delivery of the most advanced, superior, patient-based care possible.
Excerpt from www.leadingdentists.com