NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY, TMD & TMJ
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Book your TMD/TMJ consultation with Dr. Andrews if you suffer from the following:
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The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are not designed to bear weight, unlike joints such as the hip or knee. This is one reason why joint problems in the TMJ are common. The TMJ is a type of synovial joint, which means it has two spaces filled with fluid—an upper and a lower space, separated by a disc.
Additionally, the TMJ is unique because it connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull, and the two sides of the mandible need to work together perfectly to allow the teeth to align properly when the mouth closes. This is unlike other joints, where bones meet but don’t have to work in sync with a set of teeth.
Additionally, the TMJ is unique because it connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull, and the two sides of the mandible need to work together perfectly to allow the teeth to align properly when the mouth closes. This is unlike other joints, where bones meet but don’t have to work in sync with a set of teeth.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY
Occlusion (bite) is the foundation of dentistry. It is of key importance to the success of every major dental procedure. Occlusion is affected by a triad of factors – the teeth, the muscles and the temporomandibular joints. Traditional dentistry has focused on the teeth – what might be called ‘one-dimensional’ dentistry. Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD) is a term that has been applied to the additional consideration of the ‘second & third dimensions’ – muscles and TM joints. 30 years of research and clinical experience have shown this technique to be effective. NMD is also used in finding the optimal jaw position before restorative dentistry and greatly increases the longevity of restorations and natural dentition.
Jake B.
Dr Andrews & Dona are amazing. Had TMJ to the point where I went to an ENT specialist as I thought I had an ear infection. After 2 years of treatment and care from the team I now have little to no symptoms of TMJ if ever. Also improved dental hygiene and confidence, all thanks to the amazing dental care provided. Highly recommend
Dr Andrews & Dona are amazing. Had TMJ to the point where I went to an ENT specialist as I thought I had an ear infection. After 2 years of treatment and care from the team I now have little to no symptoms of TMJ if ever. Also improved dental hygiene and confidence, all thanks to the amazing dental care provided. Highly recommend
TMJ, TMD, HEADACHES/MIGRAINES AND OCCLUSION DISORDERS TREATMENT
Over 29 million Americans suffer from headaches and migraines; It has been estimated that around 90% of the adult population suffer from various forms of an Occlusal Disorder (grinding and/or clenching, TMD).
Normally, during chewing, muscles of mastication squeeze your jaws with 30-50 pounds of pressure per square inch. But when someone clenches or grinds teeth at night the pressure jumps up to 1000 pounds per square inch. Nocturnal bruxism can destroy otherwise healthy dentition, creating cracks, shortening the teeth due to wear and ultimately - breaking teeth. The most common symptoms are: sensitivity to cold and hot, morning muscles stiffness, pain, cracking and dislocation of lower jaw joints (TMJ), ear pain, headaches & migraines. The latest research data show that as much as 70% of headaches and migraines are caused by grinding and clenching (TMD).
Normally, during chewing, muscles of mastication squeeze your jaws with 30-50 pounds of pressure per square inch. But when someone clenches or grinds teeth at night the pressure jumps up to 1000 pounds per square inch. Nocturnal bruxism can destroy otherwise healthy dentition, creating cracks, shortening the teeth due to wear and ultimately - breaking teeth. The most common symptoms are: sensitivity to cold and hot, morning muscles stiffness, pain, cracking and dislocation of lower jaw joints (TMJ), ear pain, headaches & migraines. The latest research data show that as much as 70% of headaches and migraines are caused by grinding and clenching (TMD).
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NTI Custom Dental Night Guard is a small night guard that comfortably fits over your four front teeth. This night guard is one of the treatment options for TMD. Its patented design keeps your canine and back teeth apart. This separation minimizes the intensity of your nighttime clenching forces.
This relatively inexpensive appliance will save your teeth from destructive force of your muscles, will increase longevity of fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants. Also, it will improve your sleep and will prevent traumatic injury to your jaw's joints. Dr. Andrews uses advanced design (NTI) for his night guards prescriptions. In most cases it is a small, hard appliance placed on the four lower front teeth at night. Fabrication process usually takes 2 weeks and consists of two 30-minute visits. To demonstrate how the NTI works, place your fingers on your temples while biting down on a pencil with your back teeth as hard as possible. The temporal muscles will bulge and contract intensely. Now bite down on a pencil with only your front teeth. Those same temporal muscles remain relaxed. This diminished clenching intensity prevents a hyperactive nerve response. NTI night guard relaxes head and neck muscles, prevents muscle spasm, decreases lactic acid build-up in muscles and prevents trigger points (TrP) formation, thus preventing tension headaches and facial pain syndrome. When NTI custom night guard is worn, due to its advanced design features, it unlocks the habitual bite and allows free movements of the lower jaw. Thus, the better "muscles-friendly" optimal position of the lower jaw is established. Since the NTI night guard is a custom-made appliance, it can also work as an orthodontic retainer, preventing teeth shifting after orthodontic or INVISALIGN treatment. |
TENS - Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation is the valuable diagnostic tool and another treatment option for TMD.
It is used for the following:
It is used for the following:
- To relax chewing and neck/upper shoulder muscles
- To establish a physiologic occlusion (bite)
- To treat TMJ dysfunction and associated pain
- To relieve symptoms associated with muscle spasm (trigger points)
- To increase local blood circulation
- To increase mandibular range of motion
Amber Bennoui
I'm thrilled to share my fantastic experience with Dr. Anton Andrews. Over the past year, he successfully helped treat my TMJ, resolving my jaw pain and limited jaw mobility issues. His insightful suggestions and the custom mouth guard he provided played a crucial role in alleviating my discomfort. Dr. Andrews' expertise and dedication truly made a positive impact on my well-being, I was really worried about my teeth and stress caused to it and happy to be in a much better state!
I'm thrilled to share my fantastic experience with Dr. Anton Andrews. Over the past year, he successfully helped treat my TMJ, resolving my jaw pain and limited jaw mobility issues. His insightful suggestions and the custom mouth guard he provided played a crucial role in alleviating my discomfort. Dr. Andrews' expertise and dedication truly made a positive impact on my well-being, I was really worried about my teeth and stress caused to it and happy to be in a much better state!
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Neuromuscular Orthotic is an intraoral appliance that precisely places the lower jaw into the specific position, according to the diagnostic data, where the chewing muscles and TMJs are in a comfortable physiological equilibrium. The orthotic helps to test this new bite, provides pain relieve and healing. Orthotic Therapy is the advanced Neuromuscular Treatment, utilized when other appliances had failed to provide consistent, profound relief over a long period of time.
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Peter M.
Upon entering the office I was greeted pleasantly and filled out the nifty electronic new patient form- as a tech nerd I thoroughly enjoyed that. I was led into an examination room to a very comfy chair, and waited for Dr. Andrews. Once I met and conversed with him, I knew I was switching to this office. He explained in great detail that the signs of over aggressive brushing in regards to gum recession were different than mine. He noted my teeth were ground down on one side, looked at the way my jaw was set, looked in my mouth thoroughly and asked some more questions. Once completed he explained how grinding causes recession of the gums in great detail; this was a definite change from what I had come from. After setting up an appointment I was off on a treatment plan.
Zip ahead a year and I have a night guard (no more sore jaw!) that I got for far less than my last dentist, have had a cleaning, x-rays done as well as fillings (he caught them very early and filled them without Novocaine (after leaving the decision of if I wanted it to me), it was 100% painless that's how little they were), and am going for my second cleaning in the coming week. I am very happy with not only him, but Dona, his hygienist is awesome as is the rest of his staff. Five stars from a very happy patient