Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular Dentistry Defined
Family dentistry is the area of dentistry that concentrates primarily on maintaining optimum health of teeth and gums. With cosmetic dentistry, aesthetic and functional aspects are given equal importance as the teeth and gums are reshaped to improve appearance and health. Neuromuscular dentistry is different from these traditional dental areas. It focuses on correcting bite imbalances to ensure efficiency and functionality of the teeth, as well as to alleviate the painful or destructive symptoms of a bad bite. As the importance of the jaw joint becomes recognized by more dental professionals, the importance of offering neuromuscular services is also becoming more apparent.
About Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ) is a broad term for a variety of jaw joint problems. When a person is suffering from TMD/TMJ, the upper and lower jaws tend to fit together incorrectly, a condition known as an “imbalanced bite.” Neuromuscular dentistry is performed to help you seek relief from the symptoms of TMD, which include:
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Tooth loss
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Ringing ears
- Tingling under fingers
This is accomplished through the precise repositioning of the lower jaw. A balanced bite is the ultimate goal of neuromuscular treatment. Our TMD team works with state-of-the-art jaw joint mapping technology to diagnose and treat the cause of your imbalanced bite. Read about TMD symptoms and treatments.
Our Neuromuscular Team
Dr. Mike Deldar as fellow of International College of Cranial Mandibular Orthopedics and also Las Vegas Institute (LVI)-trained neuromuscular dentists who have years of experience treating neuromuscular problems. At the Indianapolis-based Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry & TMJ, everyone on our entire team is knowledgeable in the application of innovative neuromuscular treatments. We have seen the difference a balanced bite can make in a person’s daily life, and we have the experience needed to help resolve all of your TMD/TMJ issues.
Neuromuscular Treatment Options
Dr. Deldar’s treatment method for TMD symptoms follows three steps. First, he will work to relieve your symptoms. This is generally accomplished using a TENS unit (Ultra Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation). This machine relaxes your jaw muscles by increasing blood flow. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, which helps relieve your pain.
Second, Dr. Deldar will use a temporary appliance called an orthotic to stabilize your bite. An orthotic is a plastic mouth piece worn over your lower teeth. With this non-invasive procedure, Dr. Deldar easily adjusts your orthotic without making adjustments to your teeth until the appliance stabilizes your bite.
After your bite has been stabilized, the third and final treatment method involves permanently correcting your bite. This can be accomplished in several different ways:
- Coronoplasty/Equilibration – smoothing and reshaping your teeth’s enamel to correct your bite. This method is most effective for bites that are only slightly misaligned.
- Removable Overlay Partials – permanent orthotics that fit over the back teeth to maintain an aligned bite.
- Reconstruction – makes your teeth higher using crowns. This will permanently realign your bite and give you structural jaw support.
- Orthodontics – braces can be used to move your teeth into their ideal position.
Learn more about neuromuscular dentistry and how it may be able to help you improve your dental health. Please contact our Indianapolis cosmetic dentistry team today to set up a personal consultation.
Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry & TMJ
(800) 499-2141
14753 Hazel Dell Crossing Ste. 700 | Noblesville, IN 46062
(at the corner of 146th and Hazel Dell)
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