Neuromuscular Dentistry
Body Mechanics and Stability
Where Your Smile Begins
Calgary, Alberta
We now know that neuromuscular problems are not simply limited to the jaw joint area. Spinal misalignment, postural issues, muscle problems, and other body issues can have an effect on your bite. At Southcentre Dental Clinic, we study, evaluate and treat the comprehensive body issues that contribute to jaw joint disorders. We look at the body as a whole in order to help each patient eliminate painful neuromuscular symptoms and restore a healthy, balanced bite.
Dr. Cload performs a comprehensive exam, including the following body mechanics and stability testing, to ensure a proper TMJ/TMD diagnosis. Treatment options may include chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, dental restorations, orthodontics, and other therapies based on the evaluation findings.
Postural evaluation — Dr. Cload will assess the patient’s posture in relation to the lower jaw, neck and cranium to identify any problems. If chiropractic issues are suspected, Dr. Cload may refer you to a NUCCA chiropractor for an in-depth analysis before you seek neuromuscular dentistry treatment. If you come in to see us and your shoulders are not even, your hips are rotated or, one leg is longer than the other we need to correct this. The affect this misalignment will have on your overall posture from the way your teeth fit together to how your head sits on your shoulders to how you stand is unbelievable.
Muscle evaluation — the muscles of the jaw, neck, head, back and extremities play a role in the health of a patient’s bite. An evaluation of muscles dynamics will be performed to ensure proper contraction and expansion and spot any underlying problems that may be contributing to a bad bite.
Craniocervical evaluation — Dr. Cload will evaluate the skull and cervical components in order to identify any signals of distress.
Neurological evaluation — Special attention is paid to the nerves that carry out movement in the head, neck and back. In some cases, neurological issues may present symptoms similar to TMJ/TMD.
Neuromuscular evaluation — Our Calgary neuromuscular team uses technology to track and evaluate the inner workings of the jaw joint, including muscle, bone, and ligament activity. Using computer technology we can measure and study the pattern of your jaw opening and closing through its full range. We can also find the point at which your muscles are the most relaxed and asymptomatic by measuring the muscle activity of the key muscles that control the movements.
If you’d like to learn more about neuromuscular dentistry, please visit the TMJ/TMD Questions page.
For a dental team that cares about your total smile health, consider Dr. Steven Cload’s Calgary, Alberta, dentistry practice. Please call or e-mail us today to set up a new patient consultation and see what everybody’s been smiling about.
