|
Take the self-assessment to
see if you might have the symptoms of a neuromuscular
disorder. Many of Dr. Schwam’s clients come
to him after being diagnosed with a disorder called TMJ. TMJ
problems are often attributed to how the jaw joints
function in relationship to the teeth. As we have seen,
neuromuscular dentistry is a different and more successful
way to treat this type of problem.
Back
to menu
The Neuromuscular
Difference
Rehabilitating teeth can improve the feel and function of your smile; however,
building up or restoring teeth might only help to revert the jaw back to a
habitual position, which is not the proper position. Therefore, relief
from pain can be short lived. Neuromuscular dentistry is focused on returning
your oral function to a proper position that is comfortable for the long-term. The
following information will give you insights into this potentially life-changing
treatment.
Back
to menu
Comprehensive
Treatment Planning
The challenge of modern dentistry is to create lasting, natural looking and
feeling smiles. This challenge results from the need to give someone
a comprehensive solution, when they only expect small ‘repairs’ to
be done.
It is similar to only making patches
to a deteriorated foundation of a building, rather
than complete restoration. Traditional dentistry is
usually focused on fixing localized problems. This
type of treatment only extends the likelihood of dentures
or significant crowning of teeth. These ‘minimal
repairs’ are not long-term solutions for achieving
pain freedom or preserving natural teeth, which are
the kind of results our clients now expect.
Dr. Schwam believes that neuromuscular
dentistry is part of a comprehensive assessment of
oral health. It prepares the foundation of your smile
for the additional benefits of modern restorative and
esthetic solutions. Comprehensive treatment planning
is an investment in the long-term future of your smile
and remaining natural tooth structure. While
not everyone will choose this level of care, we feel
our clients deserve this comprehensive option.
Back
to menu
How Neuromuscular
Dentistry Relieves Pain
Instead of thinking about teeth, imagine yourself riding a bike that has a
good, comfortable and sturdy seat. The longer you ride the bike the more
deteriorated the seat becomes. Depending on the original materials and what
kind of factors affected the materials (weather, each rider’s routines
and size, bumps in the road, etc…) you will see different types of damage. As
the deterioration of the seat increases, riders will need to adjust their sitting
habits.
This adjustment can cause strain on
the muscles. Because these ‘riders’ can
never get off their bikes, they will find the most
comfortable position to sit. This is the ‘habitual’ position
for the riders. In this position, they find some
relief but having the seat in its original condition
would work better. Of course, other ‘riders’ are
forced into this position because of the original design
of their bikes or factors completely beyond their control.
Now imagine your jaw being locked in
the wrong position for many years. When this
occurs, some muscles shrink and others expand. This
causes tension and pain. Getting back to the
habitual position can give some relief. On the
other hand, comprehensive restoration of teeth and
the harmonization of the neuromuscular condition of
your jaw and surrounding muscles through our relaxation
therapies can do much more. Review our neuromuscular
diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
Back
to menu
Are You a Candidate
for a Neuromuscular Exam?
There are two situations where a neuromuscular exam might be recommended. First,
people with head, neck or shoulder pain, chronic sensitive teeth (tooth) to
hot and cold or other neuromuscular discomforts could be helped by this exam. Second,
those considering restorative and/or cosmetic dentistry can benefit from this
comprehensive assessment for preventing neuromuscular conditions from arising. Take
a Self-assessment.
Back
to menu
|
