Neuromuscular Dentistry
Toronto and North York, Ontario
Neuromuscular dentistry is a branch of dentistry that concentrates on identifying the symptoms and problems associated with a misaligned jaw or bite (malocclusion) and then performing treatment to reposition the jaw to its optimal position. Specially trained cosmetic dentists like Dr. Haas in Toronto, Canada use sophisticated equipment to diagnose these problems and suggest different treatment options.
How Neuromuscular Dentistry Differs from Traditional Dentistry
In traditional dentistry, the primary focus is keeping the teeth, gums and jawbone structure healthy and functional. In contrast, neuromuscular dentistry focuses on how the hard and soft tissues (teeth and gums) work together with nerves, muscles, blood flow, circulatory system and nervous system to make the mouth and jaw function properly. Only by understanding this complex relationship can neuromuscular dentists offer relief for clients who have physical discomfort or pain because of a jaw misalignment.
Neuromuscular Dentistry Equipment
The specialized field of neuromuscular dentistry is a complex science that involves the use of sophisticated equipment to find a client's optimal jaw position and diagnose the client's physiological symptoms.
Dr. Haas uses a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit to deliver low frequency electrical impulses to relax the client's jaw muscles and increase blood flow to the area. Once the jaw muscles are relaxed the proper positioning can be determined.
The computerized K7 scanning unit from Myotronics then serves several functions:
- Records the client's ideal jaw positioning
- Develops a 3D model of the teeth, jaw and mouth
- Measures electrical activity in the muscles with an electro-myograph
- Measures jaw joint sounds with a sonograph
Armed with this information, the neuromuscular dentist can determine what types of therapy options would help hold the jaw in its proper alignment and alleviate or eliminate the symptoms associated with this condition.
Symptoms of Jaw Misalignment
Individuals who experience recurring facial, jaw, neck and shoulder problems may be suffering from a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, also called TMD or TMJ. Neuromuscular dentistry techniques can often correct the underlying cause of TMD symptoms by realigning the jaw to its proper position. Symptoms of this disorder can include:
- Pain in the face, jaw, back, neck or shoulder
- Severe headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Jaw popping or clicking
- Stiffness in the jaw muscles
- Ear congestion
- Jaw Clenching
- Teeth Grinding
- Dizziness
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Finger tips tingling
Toronto neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Haas, can bring harmony and balance to your smile. If you are suffering from pain in the face, jaw, neck or shoulder and would like to consider neuromuscular dentistry as a treatment option, please contact our Toronto, Canada office today for a consultation.
