Neuromuscular Dentistry

Neuromuscular Dentistry

Ronald Konig, DDS - Houston, Texas
713-668-2289 - E-mail

It may sound complicated, but it is really quite simple. If the bite in incorrect, even if the smile looks attractive, trouble is not far behind.

Neuromuscular dentistry is the art and science of using the relaxed position of the muscles of the head and neck to place the jaw into an optimal physiologic position. Twenty-five years of research and clinical experience have shown this technique to be effective in treating patients with various levels of head and neck pain. It is also used in finding the optimal jaw position before restorative dentistry and greatly increases the longevity of restorations and natural dentition.

The process involves using a sophisticated computerized calculation to record and interpret tempromandibular joint (TMJ) sounds, masticatory (chewing) muscle activity (EMGS) and the path of movement the jaw follows in function. This information allows us to find the most relaxed physiologic position for the jaw and combined with tomography (specialized jaw joint x-ray) helps determine the best bite for comfort and aesthetics.

IF YOU SUFFER FROM:

THEN WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU

Tempromandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) also referred to as Myofascial Pain Dysfunction (MPD) or tempromandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). This is a chronic illness that affects 75 million people at any one time. There are many people who have no pain but still have occlusal disease (misaligned bite). Worn, chipped or broken teeth, broken fillings, changing position or shape of the smile are all indications that can benefit from treatment.

As a chronic degenerative disease, it often takes years to develop. We have new techniques and computerized technology that can help many that have been unable to find relief.

People who suffer from TMD have a structural imbalance in their jaw-to-skull relationship. This is caused by a bad bite (malocclusion), which causes the following:

• Alteration of the position of the TMJ placing excessive pressure on the joint and tissues around them.

• Twisting the jaw into a strained position. This affects the muscles in the face, back, neck and shoulders.

To correct this, the jaw is brought back into a muscularly balanced position, through sophisticated computer analysis. In most cases, we can do this without surgery or braces.

We invite you to talk with us about how the neuromuscular approach to your dentistry can enhance your life.

For more information about Neuromuscular Dentistry, click here.