Do you suffer from chronic pain including headaches or migraines, soreness in your jaw, painful chewing or back pain? Have you been to you doctor, chiropractors, physical therapists and other specialists for treatment but the problem hasn’t been resolved?
You may be suffering from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder and the solution may be neuromuscular dentistry.
Symptoms of TMJ
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
- Cracking, chipping or breaking dental restorations
- Pain or soreness around the jaw joints
- Pain in teeth that seems to move around
- Neck, shoulder or back pain
- Facial pain
- Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
- Limited movement or locking jaw
- Numbness in your fingers and arms
- Congestion or stuffiness of the ears
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the relationship of your jaw position, bite and teeth.
A truly healthy and comfortable smile begins with a physiologically sound bite. When your top jaw is aligned with your bottom jaw, your bite is in its optimal position and the muscles will be calm and relaxed.
When the alignment is off, called malocclusion, painful symptoms can result.
Through neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Villaroman Jr. and Dr. Hayashi can determine the optimal position of your jaw; then gently and non-surgically reposition the jaw to achieve those exact measurements.
How is TMJ Diagnosed?
Dr. Villaroman and Dr. Hayashi are highly trained in the care and treatment of TMJ problems in a patient with malocclusion and uses state-of-the-art technology to aid in accurate diagnosis. This technology includes:
TENS Unit
Dr. Villaroman and Dr. Hayashi first use a TENS unit to electronically massage the muscles of your head and neck. The TENS unit stimulates your jaw with low frequency pulses to help the muscle completely relax and find its most comfortable state.
Jaw Sonography
Sonography non-invasively reveals jaw joint noises that occur during jaw movement. Such noises are a sign of malocclusion (a poorly aligned bite).
Myotronics K7 Evaluation System
Dr. Villaroman and Dr. Hayashi use the Myotronics K7 Evaluation System to track the position of your jaw at rest and in motion. This sophisticated computer program records and interprets TMJ sounds, masticatory (chewing) muscle activity (EMGS) and the path of movement the jaw follows in function.
Using these technologies, Dr. Villaroman and Dr. Hayashi can determine the most comfortable, functional and optimal position for your bite.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with malocclusion, Dr. Villaroman and Dr. Hayashi will recommend a treatment plan that will correct your bite and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Treatment plans may include:
Dental Restorations – Dental restorations, including crowns and veneers, can be placed on your teeth to raise or lower areas of your bite, creating a natural position for your jaw.
Orthotic (either removable or fixed) – An orthotic is an appliance worn over your teeth to comfortably align the jaw and ease any muscle tension. You wear the orthotic until your jaw “trains” itself to return to its correct position.
Coronoplasty – Coronoplasty reshapes the biting surfaces of the teeth with heavy polishing in order to remove any interferences that deflect the jaw as it closes to its optimal biting position.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation – A Full Mouth Rehabilitation restores every tooth in the mouth to its optimal size, shape, width, length and position to correct the bite.
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You don't have to live with TMJ and TMD symptoms. Call or email our Modesto neuromuscular dentist at Modesto Smiles for expert TMJ / TMD diagnosis and treatment.
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