Neuromuscular Dentistry Specialist

What is Neuromuscular dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry, also known as neuromuscular dentistry, is a type of dentistry focused on addressing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and fixing malocclusions, also known as bad bites.

TMD are disorders of the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles, and associated nerves. TMD causes symptoms such as:

• Chronic facial pain
• Headaches
• Jaw soreness or discomfort, especially in the morning or evening
• Jaw popping or clicking
• Jaw locking
• Teeth clenching or grinding
• Ringing in the ear or earaches (not associated with ear infections)
• Pain that spreads behind the eyes to the face, shoulders, neck, or back
• Dizziness
• Tooth sensitivity (not related to oral health disease)
• A change in how the upper and lower teeth fit together
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers

Neuromuscular dentistry corrects TMD, bad bites, and their associated symptoms by adjusting the jaw. 

Is Neuromuscular dentistry right for me?

To determine whether or not Neuromuscular dentistry is right for you, your Maryland Smile Center team begins by conducting several tests to find the root of your pain. These tests include:

Jaw tracking

During this test, the team uses magnets to draw a 3D model of the jaw that highlights any deformities.

Sonography

Sonography tests measure the vibrations and joint sounds of your jaw as it opens and closes. This helps your team identify where your jaw isn’t properly functioning.

Electromyography

This test uses electrical impulses to track your jaw muscle movements and to find any structural defects in the jaw joint.

How does Neuromuscular dentistry work?

To treat whatever is causing your disorder, the team seeks to restore your jaw to its “Neuromuscular rest position.” The Neuromuscular rest position is where the jawbones sit when your head is upright, and your jaw muscles are in a relaxed, natural, and unstrained posture.

The practice offers Neuromuscular dentistry solutions such as:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Orthodontics
• Restorative dentistry

The team determines the best treatment for you based on your unique medical history and jaw alignment.

If you’re suffering from the symptoms of a bad bite or TMD, find out if Neuromuscular dentistry is right for you. To set up a consultation with Maryland Smile Center, book an appointment online or by phone today.