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From both an esthetic and functional aspect, the decision of where to build a new bite is paramount to the success of the treatment in advanced restorative dentistry. This decision is based upon the research, science, and technology commonly known as neuromuscular dentistry. Different from “traditional” dentistry, this technology places an emphasis on the muscles that move the jaw, where as traditional dentistry uses the position that the teeth come together and the position where the jaw is positioned in the joint space, as a reference point to restore the teeth.
In order to not conflict with the teeth and joint, neuromuscular dentistry recognizes that the muscles that move the jaw must be in a comfortable, relaxed position. Because of excessive muscle activity or a poor bite position that might lead to destruction of teeth, many people require advanced restorative treatment.
Common symptoms that occur when teeth, jaws and muscles are in conflict include:
- Loose Teeth
- Grinding
- Headaches
- Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth of fillings
- Clenching
- Worn or notched areas at the gumline
- Numbness in arms and fingers
- Pain or clicking and popping of the joints
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- Shoulder, neck, and back pain
- Facial Pain
- Pain behind the eyes
- Crowded teeth
- Pain and sensitivity in teeth
- Ear symptoms
- Receding gums
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8 Channel Electro MyoGraph
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Finding the position of the jaw where the muscles are relaxed is the first goal of neuromuscular dentistry. This is a three-dimensional position in space that is often irrespective to the position of the teeth.
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To find the position of the jaw where the joints, teeth, and muscles will operate in harmony, we utilize a number of sophisticated instruments and technology. The first of these is a device called the Myo-Monitor. The Myo-Monitor is a low frequency T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation) unit. It delivers a mild electrical impulse to the muscles that move the jaw. The rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles and sets up ideal muscle function by increasing blood flow, flushing out toxins. Usually, the muscles are in their ideal position after 45 minutes of stimulation.
( Myo-monitor pictured at left ) |
After that occurs, we use the K-7, our computerized diagnostic equipment to record this position and transfer it to models of your teeth. This Computerized Mandibular Scanning Unit utilizes a magnet placed in front of your lower teeth and a sensor array to measure and record this position in three dimensions. The eight channel Electro-myograph is used to verify that the new position results in decreased muscle activity. Muscle activity is measured by recording the amount of electrical activity in individual muscles.
Another parameter measured by the K-7 is sonography. Helping to evaluate joint damage, it can measure where sounds and pops occur when opening and closing the joints. |
K-7 Sensor Array
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After we verify the comfortable position of the lower jaw, we can fabricate an orthotic (a plastic retainer type appliance) that allows the jaw to close to this position. In order to stabilize the bite and insure that all muscles are comfortable and symptom free, the orthotic is usually worn for three months.
At this point, a decision is made about the orthotic. You can wear the orthotic indefinitely, have orthodontics done to move the teeth to this ideal position, have one or both arches of teeth restored, or use it to adjust the bite to this ideal position. Contact our office for more information on neuromuscular dentistry.
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