What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
 To understand Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD), it helps to first know
a few things about your occlusion or “bite”. You occlusion
is the way that your upper and lower teeth fit together. The muscles
of your head and neck posture your jaw and hold the lower teeth close
to the upper ones. You don’t consciously hold your jaw in this
position – it is “programmed” in your brain. Even though
the present position “programmed” by your brain seems like
it would be the optimal position, it is not always the best one for you.
Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD) is a term
applied to techniques that expand upon the more traditional approach
to dentistry that is more mechanically oriented. NMD places the occlusion
where the muscles that control jaw position are at their best for optimal
function and comfort.
Is Neuromuscular Dentistry for You?
There are always options to consider when you are choosing dental treatment.
After initially evaluating your situation, your dentist or treatment
counselor will discuss those options with you. NMD becomes one of your
options when/if you are contemplating aesthetic or cosmetic, reconstructive,
or orthodontic dental procedures.
Additionally, NMD techniques are used to treat patients that suffer
from TMJ-like symptoms and to aid in establishing the occlusion for dentures.
It is in these cases that establishing the optimal occlusion becomes
so important. This is when choosing neuromuscular techniques may have
a substantial and positive impact on the outcome of treatment. The relaxed
jaw position gives us an added insight that may allow for a faster completion
and improve final treatment results.
How Muscles Affect Your Occlusion
Your jaw posturing muscles may be over-worked in attempting to maintain
your present "programmed" position, even when you think
they are relaxed. This condition can lead to a variety of problems
including
a less than ideal bite, muscle pain or dysfunction, or jaw joint
problems. The Neuromuscular Dentist determines the jaw position that
is associated
with relaxed posturing muscles and adjusts or alters your occlusion
(bite) to that position.
How the Muscles Are Relaxed
 Because the muscles controlling the jaw are subconsciously "programmed" by
the brain, most individuals have difficulty consciously reaching a
truly relaxed state. To help your muscles reach that relaxed state,
a device called the Myomonitor is used to deliver gentle electrical
stimulation to your muscles.
The Myomonitor is a battery operated electrical muscle stimulator. Mild
electrical stimulation is delivered through adhesive patch electrodes
attached over nerves that control specific facial muscle groups. The
virtually painless stimulus delivered by the Myomonitor will cause your
facial and jaw muscles to twitch or pulse once every one and one half
seconds. After about 40-60 minutes, this electrically induced "exercise” will
allow your muscles to overcome their programming and go to a relaxed
state.
 Getting the Bite Right
Now that your muscles are relaxed, the Neuromuscular Dentist will confirm
and record the relaxed position of your jaw by placing a fast settling
putty-like material between your teeth. We can now compare
your usual occlusion (bite) with the relaxed jaw position to evaluate
if your jaw is presently in a near optimal position and determine
whether the occlusion should be adjusted.
Home Treatment
The BNS-40, a small portable version of the Myomonitor, is available
for home use. We may provide one or prescribe one for you.
The BNS-40 is often prescribed for patients who may  experience head
or facial pain. If the cause of pain is muscle spasm, the home treatment
unit may prove highly effective in breaking up the spasm and providing
relief without the use of drugs. The BNS-40 may also be used to "pre-condition" your
muscles before coming to the office, saving you valuable
time in the dental office.
Please contact us if you have additional questions
about the uses of this device.
back to services
Information courtesy of Myotronics-Noromed, Inc.
|
