Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on correcting the misalignment of the jaw. Dr. McConathy evaluates the entire relationship between your muscles, teeth and jaw joints and considers this entire system that controls the function of your jaw to give you the optimum bite. The way your upper and lower jaw come together (your bite) is really important to not only having a beautiful smile but to having healthy muscles and joints.
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TMJ Anatomy
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Myogenous TMD
(Muscle Generated Pain)
- Common with Teeth
Clenching
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Normal TMJ
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| Anterior TMJ Disc Displacement
- Usually no noise
- Usually no locking
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| Posterior TMJ Disc Displacement
- May "clunk" on opening
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| Anterior TMJ Disc Dislocation
- Usually click/pops
- May lock closed
- Usually Pain
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| Posterior Disc Dislocation
- Usually no noise
- Can't close fully
- Teeth don't meet in posterior
- May "lock" half open
- Painful to open and close fully
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Having a bite that is misaligned, where your upper and lower teeth do not come together properly, can lead to a variety of problems. When your upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly your muscles and joints try to accomodate and work extra hard to get them to come together. If you suffer from headaches, neck and/or shoulder pain and you have been clenching and grinding, then the wearing of the teeth will misalign your bite. Correcting a misaligned bite is extremely important to your overall health and well being . You may be a candidate for Neuromuscular Dentistry if you suffer from any of the following symptoms.
Tension Headaches or Migraines
Pain or Pressure in and around your eyes
Sinus Pain and Pressure or congestion
Clicking or Popping of your Jaw
Ringing in your Ears
Grinding or Clenching your Teeth
Pain in and around your Jaw
Soreness in the Neck and Shoulder areas
Tingling of your Fingertips during sleep
We have a machine called a TENS unit or Myomonitor that can find your most relaxed resting point. After the muscles of the head and neck are massaged for an hour we are able to guide your bite into that optimal point of rest. We make an orthotic from that bite so every time you bite down when wearing it you are guided, therefore relieving the stress in your muscles and alleviating a lot of your symptoms. This orthotic can help reposition your jaw into that resting place.
We strongly suggest that people who are suffering from some or all of the symptoms mentioned above, Call and Schedule an Appointment with Dr Jennifer A McConathy so we may evaluate your bite. And Help CHANGE YOUR LIFE!