Neuromuscular Dentistry
and Beyond
at the Center for Holistic Dentistry

   Traditional dentistry assumes the bite of the teeth to have developed correctly. Efforts to replace, restore, or straighten teeth are performed at the bite position that is "habitual" for the patient, without awareness of the impact this may have on the patient's health. This can contribute to many different health problems  because of the relationship between our physical and physiologic dimensions.          

    The term "Neuromuscular Dentistry"  describes a more advanced approach to restorative dentistry and orthodontics that places emphasis  upon the function of the muscles that move the jaw. Neuromuscular dentistry recognizes that the muscles that move the jaw must be in a comfortable, relaxed position in order to not be in conflict with the teeth and joint. This encourages better posture and can assist in the resolution of chronic physical complaints elsewhere in the body.
    The first goal of Neuromuscular Dentistry is to find the position of the jaw where the muscles are relaxed and at rest. This is a three dimensional position in space and is often irrespective of the position of the teeth.
    In our practice we go beyond the limits of even this advanced approach; with our training in Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, and Cranial Sacral Therapy, we also concern ourselves with the balance and  integration of all structures of the body.

To establish  a healthy bite we may employ the The Biopak System,  a device that is used to record the position of the jaw where the muscles are relaxed and at rest and transfer it to casts or models of your teeth.

The Computerized Jaw Tracker utilizes a magnet placed in front of your lower front teeth and a sensor array to measure and record this ideal position in three dimensions. The Eight Channel Electro-myograph is used to verify that this new position results in decreased muscle activity. Muscle activity is measured by recording the amount of electrical activity in individual muscles.

 
Joint Vibration Analysis another parameter that is measured. Sensitive microphones that look like headphones are worn over the joints. These measure joint vibrations associated with sound and tells us when they occur in the opening and closing of the joints. These vibrations can then be analyzed  to determine the condition of tissues within the TM Joints
A device called a Bio-TENS is used to relax the muscles. It is a low frequency T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) unit. This device delivers a mild electrical impulse to the muscles that move the jaw. The rhythmic pulsing (once every 1.5 seconds) relaxes the muscles. In addition to relaxing the muscles, it sets up ideal muscle function by increasing blood flow, flushing out toxins. We often find that after 45 minutes of stimulation, the muscles are in their ideal position.



Once we have verified the comfortable position of the lower jaw, we can fabricate a bite appliance that allows the jaw to close to this ideal position. In this position, the muscles are at an ideal length and will not go into spasm. Muscles will heal, painful trigger points will go away, and joint capsules will heal. This bite appliance is left in place for three months to stabilize the bite and insure that all symptoms are gone.

At this point a decision is made to either wear the orthotic indefinitely, have orthodontics done to move the teeth to this ideal position, have one or two arches of teeth restored, or to adjust the bite to this ideal position.

Common symptoms that occur when teeth, jaws and muscles are in conflict include:

  • Headaches
  • Loose teeth
  • Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth or fillings
  • Clenching or grinding
  • Notches at the gum line on the sides of teeth
  • Pain or clicking and popping in joints
  • Shoulder, neck, and back pain
  • Numbness in arms and fingers
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Facial pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pain and sensitivity in teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Ringing or congestion in the ears

Most people who clench or grind their teeth are completely unaware that they have a problem.  If you have any of the above symptoms you may have TMJ dysfunction syndrome. Treatment is safe and gentle, especially if you catch it early enough to avoid permanent long term damage.

If you experience or have experienced any of the above symptoms or problems, they may be due to improper jaw alignment, muscle or joint problems. We would love to hear from you.  e:mail us at drlernerdds@verizon.net or call 914-245-4041