Neuromuscular dentistry is the term used when assessing the function of your jaw joints and muscles and places the jaw into its optimal position, relieving the symptoms associated with TMJ.

General dentistry focuses primarily on the teeth, bones and gums; neuromuscular dentistry concentrates on the hard and soft tissues, muscles and nerves. Hard and soft tissues have a complex relationship and neuromuscular dentistry works to make that relationship a harmonious one.

When your jaw is misaligned, both the hard and soft tissues are affected and can cause headaches, jaw pain or popping sounds in the jaw joint, ringing in the ears, neck and shoulder pain. In many of these cases these symptoms are a result of TMJ temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Firstly, we measure the relaxed position of your jaw to determine its normal position. Then we can work to realign your bite and restore the teeth and jaw joints to their optimal position. Once the bite is realigned and the jaw is in place, the pain that was once there will subside.

We use state-of-the-art technology to determine if your symptoms are caused by malocclusion (bad bite) and if so, what your optimal jaw position should be.

Using computerised jaw tracking instruments to record jaw movement, resting position and closure position, Electromyography is used to measure your jaw’s muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions. We will also measure your jaw to skull relationship to see if there is a structural imbalance. Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) is used to measure jaw joint sounds to detect any abnormalities. Additionally, radiographs of the jaw joint may be taken to help evaluate the condition and positioning of the joint.

Various symptoms may occur in your jaw joint and facial muscles including:

• Headaches
• Grinding of teeth
• Dizziness
• Pain or soreness in and around the jaw joints especially upon waking
• Ear aches, stuffiness or ringing in the ears
• Numbness in the fingers and arms
• Limited jaw movement
• Clicking or popping sounds in your jaw joints
• Jaw locking- open or closed
• Pain behind the eyes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Neck, shoulder or back pain
• Facial pain
• Unexplained loosening of the teeth
• Worn tooth surfaces
• Broken or chipped teeth

Neuromuscular dentistry is often just the first step to restoring your dental health, however is could possibly be considered as the most important.

If you suffer from any of the above condition, neuromuscular dentistry may be of benefit to you. Talk to the team at Smile Dynamics today and discover how they can restore your bite, relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.