Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the activity of he the muscles that move the jaw, because we now know that the jaw MUST be in a comfortable and relaxed position in order to not be in conflict with the teeth and temporomandibular joint.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (also known as TMD or TMJ) is a chronic condition that may take years to develop. People who suffer from TMD have a structural imbalance in their jaw-to-skull relationship, caused by a bad bite. This condition causes the following:
Alteration of the position of the temporomandibular joint by placing excessive pressure on the joint and tissues around them.
Twisting the jaw into a strained position. This further affects the muscles in the face, back, neck, and shoulders.
You may be a candidate for neuromuscular dentistry if you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular basis. These are common symptoms that occur when the teeth, jaws and muscles are in conflict:
Headaches or migraines
Unexplained loose teeth
Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
Cracking, chipping or breaking dental restorations
Dr. Bondad is specially trained to diagnose and treat neuromuscular and TMJ dysfunctions with the use a number of sophisticated instruments. We locate your position of maximum jaw comfort, where your jaws, teeth and muscles can cooperate harmoniously.
The first stage involves using a device called a myomonitor to relax your jaw muscles by using low frequency and rhythmic electrical impulses. The increased blood circulation during this procedure also aids in further relaxing your jaw muscles. Once this is achieved, Dr. Bondad will use a specialized computerized jaw tracking device known as a K-7 to confirm and record this new comfort position for you. We can later duplicate this by using models of your teeth.
We find that many patients experience a moderate to significant change in their facial appearance following completion of the treatment. Patients with recessed lower jaws may have a new profile, accenting a stronger jaw line and chin. Areas of the jaw that may have protruded excessively will be pulled back into alignment. In addition, the restorations necessary to correct the bite will be created with consideration to the aesthetic result of the smile. Not only will this procedure correct pain, it will give patients the smile they have always dreamed about.