Neuromuscular Dentistry focuses on the healthy relationship among the teeth, jaw joints, and head and neck muscles. A problem bite occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly. This can cause sore and stiff muscles and joints and cause headaches, muscle pain, and jaw pain. Further, it can lead to damage of your teeth and jaw joints. It can also shorten the life of your dental restorations. With new techniques and technologies available at McKenzie Dental Centre, we can diagnose the problem and help you achieve healthier and more comfortable muscles and jaw joints, and a more comfortable bite.

Neuromuscular treatment is often completed in two phases. The first phase is to relieve pain and stabilize your bite. Once the more comfortable jaw position is achieved, a custom orthotic is made. You’ll wear the orthotic for several months, or indefinitely. Second phase treatment involves a permanent solution to fixing the bite, either with orthodontics, or implants, crowns and bridges.

The benefits of neuromuscular dentistry range from reduced discomfort (resulting from an improved bite), to longer lasting dental restorations. Another benefit is to reduce wear on natural enamel due to a decrease in nighttime habits such as clenching and grinding.