If you’re living with a bad bite, also known as malocclusion, you may be wondering what can be done to help. Often the result of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, this condition can cause pain, additional dental wear, and difficulty eating and speaking. Thankfully, there is help for these conditions in the form of neuromuscular dentistry. While not officially recognized by the American Dental Association, it has been shown to provide benefits in jaw position adjustment treatments. Evidence continues to mount, showing the efficacy of this practice, and we’re proud to offer it at our clinic.
What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry is a field of dental medicine focused on realigning the jaw to produce a balanced bite. This realignment takes place at the temporomandibular joint and starts with measurements of the motion of the jaw and muscles obtained through the use of a variety of computerized instruments. As part of your treatment, you may undergo the following tests or treatments:
- Jaw Tracking – This process creates a three-dimensional profile of the movement of your jaw through the use of a headset and magnet. The magnet is placed on your lower front teeth and is used to record the movement of your lower jaw.
- Electromyography – Through the placement of electrodes over the muscles of the jaw, electrical impulses are picked up and relayed to a recording instrument. These measure how much activity can be detected in the muscles when moving the jaw.
- Sonography – This process detects and measures the vibrations that occur when the mouth is opened and closed. Analysis of these measurements can determine if there is a derangement in the joints.
- TENS – TENS units are used to deliver electrical stimulation to specific muscles and nerves with the goal of easing muscle pain and spasms. In neuromuscular dentistry, they’re used to adjust the position of the jaw until it is physiologic.
The purpose of neuromuscular dentistry is to correct issues with malocclusion and restore a clean, even bite. The cost of neuromuscular dentistry varies depending on the specific needs of the patient and how quickly progress is seen from them. It is essential to set appropriate expectations regarding the length of time that can be involved in achieving the desired results, and the fact that it varies from case to case.
Finalizing The Procedure
Once the treatment is completed and the symptoms have been successfully reduced or eliminated, the next step is finalizing the results. This step can involve the use of orthodontics, the placement of crowns, or altering the shape of some of the patient’s teeth.
If you have more questions about neuromuscular dentistry and what it can do for your oral health, contact Superb Dental Care today. You’ll be scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Reynaldo Barbon, including consultation on what treatment options are available and whether they’re appropriate for your case. Don’t hold off another day, start working towards a properly aligned bite that’s free from the pain and discomfort often associated with malocclusion. Call us in Pasadena, CA, and get started today!
