Dan Mannikko, DDS | Reno/Tahoe’s Neuromuscular, TMJ, and Cosmetic Dentist.
A Neuromuscular Approach To Orthodontics
Neuromuscular Orthodontics brings a whole new dimension to this area of dentistry. Straightening teeth has been the hallmark of this specialty in dentistry, sometimes at the expense of losing teeth or possibly creating more instability in the relationship between the upper to lower teeth. Traditional orthodontic training is based on the assumption that wherever your bite falls is naturally the correct position. In a perfect world devoid of environmental impacts, poor diet, or airway obstructions, this might be true. The problem is, these real-world influences dramatically affect the growth and development of the face and upper and lower jaws and can lead to imbalances in their relationship to each other.
If we consider the teeth, numerous muscles that move and position the lower jaw, neck and face as well as the joint in front of the ear (TMJ) together create a chewing and skeletal support system. The need to bring to teeth together for chewing, swallowing and talking is so strong that the body will often do so at the expense of the muscles and joints, beyond their adaptive capacity. Once this threshold is reached or passed, breakdown of the system ensues. Jaw joint deterioration, muscle pain and fatigue, tooth, gum and bone loss occur. Orthopedically balancing all the components of the system is the first critical step. Once this balance is achieved, we can administer orthodontics to maintain this healthier position permanently. Consider balancing your system as a whole for optimal long term stability and health.