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TMJ/TMD/Neuromuscular Dentistry
Chicago, Illinois
What is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry is a branch of dentistry that treats not only your teeth and gums, but also your jaw joints and its muscles, nerves and ligaments. When the jaw joint is normal, your teeth come together in a comfortable bite. When your jaw joint is impaired your teeth cannot close in a comfortable position, which causes your jaw muscles to continually try to correct the problem. This creates chronic stress.
Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction is pain which develops around the jaw and its associated muscles. TMJ disorder can make speaking, chewing, swallowing and facial expressions strained and uncomfortable.
This chronic pain, as well as other TMJ complications, makes TMJ the third largest health problem in the United States. Approximately 40 percent of all chronic pain syndromes are concentrated in the head and neck areas. Fifteen percent of TMJ disorders are genetic; 85 percent are acquired. Some estimates suggest that 20 percent of all Americans possess some symptoms of TMJ.
TMJ/TMD/Neuromuscular Dentistry Treatment
In most cases, TMJ involves resting and/or balancing the joint. If symptoms occur only infrequently, the treatment may be something as simple as a warm, moist compress. In more complex cases, a mouthguard may be created in order to reposition the jaw, relieving stress on the muscles and teeth.
The mouthguard is called a neuromuscular orthotic and it is usually worn full-time. It creates balance between the teeth, muscles and joints. Usually, it is worn for three to nine months, and it may be used in conjunction with chiropractic care, physical therapy or massage therapy.
After that first procedure, a second procedure is then undertaken. This second procedure attempts to permanently stabilize the temporomandibular joints in one of several ways:
- A semi-permanent splint: This is a neuromuscular device which is worn in the mouth, sometimes for years.
- Comprehensive orthodontics: In an effort to move the teeth into the appropriate position, orthodontics devices may be worn for anywhere from a few months to a few years.
- Reconstruction: There are numerous cosmetic dental techniques that can fix a variety of alignment problems. Although some of these procedures can be expensive, they can be very effective. From sedation dentistry to porcelain-ceramic technology, your entire dental landscape can be improved, and usually in less time than you’d think!
TMJ/Neuromuscular dentistry – Choosing a Neuromuscular Dentist
A neuromuscular dentist has specific, additional training above and beyond a normal dentist. Dr. Emery has been trained to treat TMJ at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. If the TMJ is the result of a tooth-related alignment problem, a TMJ-trained dentist is often the perfect place to start. Your dentist will be able to discuss several very effective treatment options with you.
Frequently Asked TMJ/Neuromuscular Questions >
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in Chicago, please call or e-mail
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(773) 883-1818
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