Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Treating Health Problems through Neuromuscular Dentistry

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Do you suffer from any of the following?

*Headaches
*Pain in and around your jaw
*Clicking or popping in your jaw
*Snoring
*Dizziness
*Grinding or clenching your teeth
*Stiff or sore neck and shoulder muscles
*Toothaches or sensitive teeth unrelated to cavities or gum disease
*Clogging or stuffiness in your ears
*Abnormal tooth wear at the gum line or a loss of tooth enamel

If so, you may want to consider Neuromuscular Dentistry. This is a technique founded on the belief that a healthy smile begins with a healthy bite. It determines the optimal physiological position of the jaw by measuring the relaxed position of head and neck muscles—then repositions the jaw to achieve those exact measurements.

Neuromuscular treatments stabilize the muscles that control the jaw. These muscles are used when chewing and swallowing. Muscles that are not stabilized create uneven tooth wear and fractures, headaches and a host of physical and dental disorders. These conditions, however, can be changed by adjusting the bite through orthodontics or porcelain restorations to bring the teeth to the correct position. By fitting the patient with dental restorations, areas of the bite can be precisely raised or lowered to create a naturally comfortable muscular position for the jaw. In most cases, the jaw can be repositioned without surgery or braces. When the optimal correction is achieved, patients experience a range of benefits, including decreased or eliminated pain and discomfort, as well as better overall health and longer-lasting dental restorations.

Neuromuscular evaluations begin with treatments using advanced computerized equipment that measure when the muscles are relaxed. Once the muscles are relaxed, the ultimate stress-free position of the jaw muscles can be determined. An orthotic appliance or dental restorations can then be used to help reposition the bite and stabilize the facial muscles in a comfortable position. Neuromuscular treatments can also prevent the teeth from shifting which could lead to future problems.

Many of our patients have shared with us that after neuromuscular treatments have been completed their headaches disappear and they no longer need pain medication. They also report that they tend to experience a more restful sleep too. For many, neuromuscular treatments drastically improve their lives.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.