Neuromuscular Dentistry in Jacksonville Beach, FL
Neuromuscular dentistry may sound intimidating, but it is a sophisticated approach that requires advanced training to fully understand and utilize. This specialized branch of dentistry focuses on the relationship between the jaw muscles, jaw joints, and upper and lower teeth.
Candidates for neuromuscular dentistry often suffer from jaw pain, chronic headaches, or facial pain. Some may not experience pain but have significantly worn teeth due to improper alignment. Other common symptoms include clenching, neck pain, TMJ disorders, vertigo, and dizziness. By applying the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, a neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Sox can help alleviate these symptoms and establish a well-functioning oral system that supports proper jaw movement.
Diagnostic Tools
Neuromuscular dentistry begins with finding the most relaxed position of the jaw muscles and jaw joints. This relaxed state, referred to as physiologic rest, is crucial to ensuring a comfortable, effective bite. To achieve this, Dr. Sox is one of few Jax Beach dentists who uses a TENS unit, which sends low-frequency impulses to the jaw muscles and joints, promoting muscle relaxation. These impulses stimulate endorphin release, encourage relaxation, increase blood flow, and flush out toxins, all of which contribute to the overall health of the facial muscles and temporomandibular joint.
After a few minutes of TENS treatment, physiological rest is achieved. The next step involves using a K-7 unit to record the ideal jaw position, which helps determine the best treatment approach. Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint dysfunction are often related to poor positioning, so it’s important to address these issues from the start.
Neuromuscular Treatment
Once Dr. Sox has relaxed your facial muscles and recorded the optimal jaw movement, she will design a custom oral appliance to hold your jaw in place. This orthotic device works by gently “reprogramming” your jaw muscles and stabilizing your bite. Comfortable and discreet, this appliance allows for normal speech and typically isn’t noticeable to others.
The beauty of neuromuscular dentistry is that no permanent modifications are made to the upper and lower teeth until a stable, comfortable bite is achieved. The appliance serves as a temporary solution that helps alleviate jaw pain and correct bite abnormalities, giving Dr. Sox time to evaluate a long-term treatment plan.
The most common neuromuscular treatments include:
Coronoplasty/Equilibrium: Coronoplasty involves reshaping tooth enamel to correct the bite. This procedure can be done when the teeth are only slightly misaligned, and no anesthesia is required.
Removable Overlay Partials: Dr. Sox creates a permanent orthotic that fits comfortably over back teeth to maintain a properly aligned bite.
Reconstruction: Crowns can be used to rebuild the back teeth to the muscles’ ideal positioning and provide structural support for the jaw.
Orthodontics (Braces): Using traditional braces or Invisalign clear braces, orthodontic treatment can move healthy teeth into their optimal alignment, reducing strain on the jaw muscles and improving jaw movement.
Neuromuscular Massage
In addition to orthotic treatments, Dr. Sox may recommend neuromuscular massage to alleviate muscle spasms and treat facial, neck, shoulder, and back pain. Recognized by the American Academy of Pain Management, this technique alternates pressure on areas of the body that are experiencing muscle spasms. By releasing built-up lactic acid and improving oxygen flow to the muscles, this massage provides relief for up to two weeks.
This therapy helps manage jaw pain, discomfort from temporomandibular disorders, and even symptoms related to poor posture. By addressing muscle tension, it aids in restoring balance to the temporomandibular joint and promotes overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Neuromuscular Dentistry in Jacksonville Beach, FL
Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialized field that focuses on the alignment of the jaw muscles, jaw joints, and teeth. For patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), this approach helps to address pain, discomfort, and misalignment in the jaw. Through techniques such as the TENS unit, it relaxes the jaw muscles and promotes a balanced bite, allowing for a more comfortable, functional relationship between the upper and lower jaw, ultimately relieving symptoms associated with TMD.
In neuromuscular dentistry, dental restorations like crowns and braces play a crucial role in restoring the function and alignment of the bite. Once the optimal position of the jaw is determined, dental treatments such as coronoplasty or orthodontics can be used to realign teeth and create a balanced bite. These procedures ensure that the dental restorations fit correctly within the neuromuscular framework, reducing strain on the jaw muscles and alleviating discomfort caused by misaligned tooth position or bite abnormalities.
A balanced bite is essential in neuromuscular dentistry because it ensures that the jaw joints, muscles, and teeth work together in harmony. When the bite is misaligned, it can lead to a variety of issues, including temporomandibular joint dysfunction, muscle pain, and poor jaw movement. By focusing on neuromuscular occlusion, neuromuscular dentistry helps position the lower jaw in its optimal place, relieving stress and promoting overall jaw health, preventing further complications like headaches and neck pain.
In neuromuscular dentistry, a misaligned lower jaw can lead to discomfort and complications such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). By assessing the relationship between the jaw muscles and joints, neuromuscular dentistry can determine the optimal position for the lower jaw. Through treatments like custom oral appliances, orthodontics, and dental restorations, the position of the lower jaw can be adjusted to restore proper function and alleviate symptoms such as jaw pain, clenching, and muscle spasms.
Neuromuscular dentistry considers the impact of bite alignment on the overall health of your teeth and gums, which can indirectly affect periodontal disease. When your bite is misaligned, it may cause uneven pressure on certain areas of your teeth, leading to gum recession or inflammation. By achieving a balanced bite through orthodontic treatment or other dental restorations, neuromuscular dentistry helps distribute pressure more evenly, reducing the risk of periodontal disease and promoting healthier gums and teeth.
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