Cosmetic Dentistry

TMJ / Neuromuscular Dentistry

What is neuromuscular dentistry?

Dentistry starts with the occlusion (the way your upper and lower teeth come together). The occlusion is affected by three factors – the teeth, the muscles and the jaw joints. While traditional dentistry focuses on the teeth. Neuromuscular dentistry embodies all three factors. Simply stated, it is the science which attempts to obtain optimal occlusion through the relaxation of the facial muscles.

Why neuromuscular dentistry?

If your teeth do not fit together properly, your muscles and joints may be overworked, leading to painful conditions such as:

• Headaches
• Jaw joint pain (TMD- temporomandibular disorder)
• Jaw clicking
• Dizziness
• Clenching or grinding
• Facial pain
• Sensitive teeth
• Neck pain

Dr. Strauss will take your history and perform a physical examination of your teeth, head and neck.

If deemed appropriate, Dr Strauss will begin treatment by first taking diagnostic casts or “models of your teeth. These casts offer a convenient way for Dr. Strauss to study your tooth structure and the way your teeth are arranged. Dr. Strauss will also use computerized bite evaluation to assess your bite. This new technology enables Dr. Strauss to record the patient's current or habitual jaw position with several different painless and non-invasive tests.

Next, Dr. Strauss will begin relaxing your muscles around your jaw with the use of a TENS device (Myomonitor). This device is a battery operated electrical stimulator which delivers mild electrical stimulus to the muscles of the facial and jaw area. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax. Dr. Strauss will then record this relaxed jaw position through a bite registration. This is done by placing a fast acting putty between your teeth, then guiding the jaw to the new desired position. Dr. Strauss will then fabricate a clear plastic orthotic appliance that can be worn over the teeth to maintain the optimal bite position. At this point nothing has been done to permanently alter your teeth or bite. You will wear the orthotic for a prescribed length of time to determine if the new jaw position solves the problem or significantly reduces the problem. If after this length of time the problem symptoms subside you may elect to go further and have your natural teeth restored to the new bite. As a possible other alternative, it may be appropriate for you to seek orthodontic treatment to make the necessary changes to your bite. Dr. Strauss has received advanced training in the principles of neuromuscular dentistry from The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He has successfully relieved facial pain by applying these methods.