Neuromuscular Dentistry

Traditional dentistry has, in the past, focused on the restoration of your teeth based on and around your natural bite.  However, Neuromuscular Dentistry evaluates the muscles and joints in addition to the teeth to establish optimal occlusion (bite) for function and comfort.

Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the ball and socket joint just in front of your ears, which connects your jaw to your skull, it is one of the most complex, utilised and powerful joint and muscle relationships in your body.  It is this joint that enables you to talk, eat and move your jaw from side to side.

Temporomandibular Joint disorder (TMD) is the term used when your teeth and jaw are out of their correct alignment and may be the cause of a variety of significant oral and general health problems.  Recurring headaches, especially after sleep, migraines, facial, neck and shoulder pain can all be symptoms of a misaligned bite and jaw.  You may have limited jaw movement or hear a clicking sound when you eat, yawn or speak.

There are several oral health factors, which can contribute to the development of TMJ disorders including:

  • Missing teeth allows adjacent and opposing teeth to move out of alignment
  • Repetitive strain on the jaw muscles caused through stress or physical activity
  • Clenching and grinding of teeth (Bruxism)
  • A fracture or dislocation of the jaw caused by an accident or sport injury
  • Degenerative bone disorders, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment for a TMJ disorder at Dental Clinique takes a holistic approach as many TMJ disorders are only temporary and therefore simple treatment methods are often the most appropriate and effective.

Following a thorough examination, a treatment programme is developed and although relief may be experienced quite quickly, if your TMJ problem has developed over a period of time it may take some time to fully complete your treatment.

Your treatment plan may consist of one or several of the following methods:

  • Bite plate – A custom-made acrylic splint used to reduce the pressure placed on the jaw and teeth.  Usually worn at night when your bite force is greater than when you are awake.  These will need to be adjusted regularly and monitored as your bite and jaw position changes during your treatment and should not have any influence on the positioning of your teeth
  • Cold or warm packs – Placing a cold or warm compress over the tender areas of your jaw muscles can assist with muscle relaxation and bring relief
  • On-site physiotherapy – Gentle massage of your jaw joints and muscles to help stimulate blood flow and aid in eliminating pain and stiffness in your jaw and neck.  Instructions on effective head and neck exercises
  • Diet – Changing your diet to include soft foods and cutting your food into smaller pieces to reduce the force required to chew.  Avoiding hard, chewy, sticky foods and chewing gum
  • Stress management – Learn and implement effective relaxation therapy techniques to reduce stress and strain caused from clenching muscles

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that can take several years to develop.  If you or a member of your family experience recurring headaches, schedule a comprehensive assessment appointment with your Dental Clinique dentist.

There are many benefits for patients who undergo treatment for TMD, from decreased or eliminated pain and discomfort to better overall health and longer-lasting dental restorations.

At Dental Clinique, we use state-of-the-art computerised equipment to measure and study the pattern of your jaw opening and closing.  From this we can determine the best possible restorative treatment for your complete oral health, ensuring the highest levels of dentistry available to our patients.