Neuromuscular dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry is an approach to dental treatment that focuses on the correction of jaw misalignment. Neuromuscular dentists work on the assumption that teeth, muscles, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and nerves all work together in harmony when the jaw is properly aligned.

Principles of Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular dentistry considers disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as systemic in nature, believing that issues with the muscles of the jaw or the alignment of the teeth can affect the entire musculoskeletal system. The principle is that a misaligned jaw can cause a variety of symptoms that may seem unrelated, including:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Earaches
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo

Diagnostic Techniques

Various diagnostic tools are employed in neuromuscular dentistry, including:

• Electromyography (EMG) - To measure the electrical activity of the jaw muscles.
• Sonography - To detect sounds from the TMJ.
• Jaw tracking - To analyze the movement of the jaw.

These technologies assist in diagnosing TMJ disorders and in determining an optimal jaw position.

Treatment Methods

Once a neuromuscular dentist has diagnosed a patient, treatment may proceed with one or several of the following methods:

• Occlusal adjustment - Reshaping the teeth’s surface to correct the bite.
• Orthotics or Mouthguards - Custom-made devices worn to gently realign the jaw.
• Full mouth reconstruction - Restoring the teeth to the correct neuromuscular position.
• Orthodontics - Aligning the teeth with braces or other dental devices.
• Massage therapy and physical therapy for the jaw muscles.

Controversy

The practice of neuromuscular dentistry is not without its critics. Some dental professionals argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of neuromuscular dentistry and that traditional methods of treating TMJ disorders are preferred. Nevertheless, many patients have reported relief from chronic pain after receiving neuromuscular dental care.