When to Visit a Neuromuscular Dentist

In today’s hectic world, headaches, neck and shoulder pain are almost inevitable. We often brush this pain aside because we don’t seem to have time to properly deal with it, aside from taking aspirin or other pain relievers. However, you may want to visit a neuromuscular dentist if you suffer from:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Pain in the face or jaw
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Sensitive teeth
• Locking or clicking jaw
• Teeth that are worn or cracked
• Depression
• Ringing in the ears

These symptoms, whether together or separate may be an indication that you have something wrong with temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint in your jaw. Problems associated with the TMJ may be the result of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). A neuromuscular dentist specializes in addressing the symptoms and the underlying cause of TMD.

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Neuromuscular dentistry is becoming a more popular treatment option for people who suffer from any or all of the symptoms above. These problems are typically created by a misalignment of the jaw, occurring at the temporomandibular joint. A neuromuscular dentist will use a variety of techniques to treat and fix the problem.

Typically a neuromuscular dentist will use specialized computer instruments to measure a patient’s jaw motion and placement. After several tests, they can determine what is called a “physiological rest,” which shows the best alignment of your jaw when resting.

Once the dentist finds this “physiological rest,” they will then create a device called an orthic which will be worn for a period of time, usually spanning from three to six months. This device has to be worn 24 hours a day to properly realign the jaw. After this period of time, an “orthopedic aligning appliance” will be used to finish correcting the teeth and jaw placement.

Neuromuscular dentistry costs are higher than traditional dentistry treatments, but because many people suffer pain on a daily basis from a misaligned TMJ, the cost is worth it. There is no reason to go through life suffering from daily headaches or sensitive teeth.

If you are one of the many people in Chicago who suffer from migraines or other symptoms related to TMD, please contact the experienced neuromuscular dentists at the Colonial Dental Group. We can assess your condition and work with you on a specialized treatment plan designed for your specific needs.