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What is it? Simply put, this type of dentistry is an approach that starts with the muscles of the jaw and face in their most relaxed position. This position is called 'physiologic rest'.
Why is this important? Patients who are Neuromuscular Aesthetic Dentistry candidates often have had years of problems with the relationship of their teeth, muscles and jaw joints. Some patients clench, grind, have neck pains, TMJ pain, vertigo, or any number of other signs and symptoms that leave them uncomfortable or unhappy with their smiles. Others have beautiful, straight, perfectly aligned teeth, but they're suffering from migraines. There are also those that never have any pain, but they've worn their teeth down to a flat plane. The key here is that their muscles are not happy in their current functioning position.
How is this different from other types of dentistry? This approach starts with the muscles of the jaw and face in their most relaxed position (physiologic rest). Physiologic rest is achieved by using technology called ULF-TENS. ULF-TENS stands for Ultra Low Frequency-Transcuteneous Electrical Neural Stimulation, but don't let this term intimidate you. Simply put, the ULF-TENS ('TENS') unit is a way to relax muscles by rhythmically pulsing them. Rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles by increased blood flow and pumping out waste products. "TENSing" also helps with pain relief by stimulating the body's production of endorphins, the body's natural anAesthetic .
What are the Goals of neuromuscular therapy and what is the course of action?
1. Relieve muscle spasm & pain (as described above)
2. Stabilize the bite: Combining the TENS unit and computer called "K-7"; the most ideal bite position can be found and recorded. A temporary bite splint, known as an orthotic, is worn over the teeth. This orthotic allows for bite adjustments to be made without touching the teeth (until the bite is stabilized). Orthotics are typically worn for at least 3 months. They are comfortable, allow for normal speech and typically aren't noticeable to other people. Once symptoms are relieved, decisions can be made about how best to permanently adjust the bite to the correct position.
3. Long term management: There are a variety of ways to correct the bite in a more permanent way. Four of the most common options are outlined below.
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Coronoplasty/Equilibration
Coronoplasty is smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite. It is a simple procedure that does not require anesthesia and can be used when the bite is only slightly misaligned.
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Removable Overlay Partials
These are permanent orthotics that usually fit over the back teeth and are designed to maintain an aligned bite.
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Reconstruction
This approach involves building the teeth to the muscles' ideal position by using crowns. This permanently realigns the bite and provides structural support for the jaw.
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Orthodontics (Braces)
When the teeth are healthy, they may be moved to the optimal position using braces.
The beauty of Neuromuscular Aesthetic Dentistry is that NO PERMANENT CHANGES are made to the teeth until the proper comfortable bite has been achieved.
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