Neuromuscular Dentistry
TMJ/TMD Treatments
Where Your Smile Begins
Calgary, Alberta
If you are experiencing migraine headaches, there’s a close Calgary neuromuscular dentist who may be able to offer relief. Migraines can be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a bad bite. Shoulder pain, sore neck muscles, tooth problems, earaches, and other TMJ / TMD symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort and may signal a TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) problem.
Dr. Cload uses his extensive training at the Las Vegas Institute to help patients identify and treat neuromuscular problems. Our highly skilled TMJ team will focus your treatment on obtaining a relaxed, natural resting position for the muscles of the jaw. The main objective is to realign your bite to this optimal physiological position. Relaxed muscles will help relieve the pain and discomfort of TMJ.
"Dr. Cload literally gave me my life back. I had spoken with all the top dentists in the city. He was the only dentist that could find my bite and relieve me of all my symptoms. - Elizabeth
First, a Diagnosis
To begin, Dr. Cload needs to confirm a diagnosis of TMJ. Using state-of-the-art technology, the Alberta neuromuscular team will determine if your symptoms are caused by a bad bite. If so, the next step is to predict and design your optimal jaw position in order to correct the bad bite.
Next, a Custom Treatment Plan
The goal of neuromuscular dentistry treatment is to both relieve the symptoms and restore a healthy bite. Once the jaw is realigned, the neuromuscular signs of distress should be a distant memory. At Southcentre, we believe in starting with the most conservative realignment option in order to provide our patients with the most comfortable treatment possible.
First, Dr.Cload will attempt to provide relief of your symptoms by using a technology called ULF-TENS (Ultra low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation). Basically, ULF-TENS very gently pulsates the muscles of your face, and the rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles by increasing the blood flow and pumping out waste products. ULF-TENS also will help with pain relief by stimulating production of endorphins, the body’s natural anesthetic.
Phase I Treatment - Bite Stabilization
Next, Dr. Cload will use advanced computer technology to determine the most relaxed bite position. A device known as an orthotic is constructed and worn over the lower teeth. An orthotic is a very small clear plastic device that helps train the jaw and its muscles to find the natural resting position. It is easily removed for eating and brushing. At this point nothing is permanently done to alter your teeth or your bite. The goal is to provide relief from pain while at the same time proving that the new bite is stable. It is not uncommon for TMJ suffers to experience dramatic relief of symptoms after receiving an orthotic. Once the symptoms are relieved and the bite is stable, Dr. Cload will move to the next step and permanently adjust your bite to the correct position.
Phase II Treatment- Permanent Solutions
There are a variety of ways to correct your bite in a more permanent way depending upon your particular condition.
Coronoplasty/ Equilibration – This is the simplest way and is used when the bite is only slightly misaligned. Coronoplasty involves smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct your bite and requires no anesthetic.
Permanent Orthotic – Orthotics are bonded to your teeth and designed to maintain the relaxed natural bite.
Reconstruction – This approach includes layering porcelain onto the teeth to maintain the bite. This is a wonderful option that also aesthetically corrects teeth at the same time. Reconstruction is used if the misalignment is large or the teeth are heavily worn done.
Orthodontics (Braces) – When the teeth are healthy, we can move them into the ideal relaxed position using braces. Read about Invisalign clear braces.
Find out more about TMJ/TMD and how neuromuscular problems are solved with treatment in our Body Mechanics and Stability section.
Don’t take chances with jaw joint pain or other symptoms. Choose an LVI-trained cosmetic dentist who can help you improve your smile appearance and balance your bite for ultimate comfort. Please contact Southcentre Dental Clinic in Calgary, Alberta, today to set up a neuromuscular dentistry consultation.
