Neuromuscular Dentistry & TMJ Syndrome Relief
What Is Neuromuscular Dentistry?
Neuromuscular dentistry is a sub-field of dentistry that deals with the complicated interactions among the jaw, muscles, nerves, and teeth. When these parts are in disharmony, it results in chronic pain, tension, and varied health problems, primarily related to the jaw, neck, shoulders, and head.
At Briarwood Dental, we apply neuromuscular techniques for bite analysis, misalignment correction, and the ensuing long-term relief of discomforting symptoms..
Understanding TMJ Syndrome (TMD)
The temporomandibular joint is the name of that joint which is responsible for attaching the jaw to the skull. Every time you speak, chew, or yawn, you use this joint. When that joint is put into strain, becomes inflamed, or becomes misaligned, TMJ disorder is then developed (also known as TMD).
It is more widely spread than you are likely to think, especially considering signs and symptoms that exist but do not usually point toward anything related to the jaw.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
If you experience some of the following symptoms-listed below, more likely than not you have some TMJ problems:
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- You may hear clicking or popping noises when opening or closing your mouth.
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Difficulty chewing or having a jaw that locks either open/closed
- Neck and shoulder tightness
- Worn-down teeth due to grinding or clenching
Many patients go for years without realizing that their headaches, poor sleep, and facial tension could relate to their jaw alignment. Neuromuscular dentistry would address the problem at the source.
What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?
There can be confused local functions for the TMD which can present; Some of them include:-
- Improper bite or jaw alignment
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Jaw Injury or trauma
- Stress creating muscle tension
- TMJ arthritis
- Dentition that is missing or misaligned enough to disrupt bite mechanics
After any such disturbance in the system, it produces a snowball effect across your whole musculature, the joints, and the nerves.
Benefits of Neuromuscular Dentistry
Pain Relief
Most patients report a significant reduction in jaw pain, headaches, neck tightness, and related symptoms.
Balanced Bite
Bringing your bite into harmony reduces tooth wear, clenching, and discomfort.
Better Sleep
TMJ issues often cause restless sleep and grinding. Proper alignment promotes deeper, more restful nights.
Improved Facial Comfort
You’ll feel less tension across your face, jaws, and shoulders — helping you feel more relaxed overall.
Targeted Treatment
No guesswork. We use advanced tools to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort.
Neuromuscular Dentistry vs. Traditional Dentistry
Traditional dentistry looks mostly at the teeth and gums.
Neuromuscular dentistry, on the other hand, evaluates:
- Jaw joint position
- Muscle activity
- Head and neck alignment
- Nerve feedback
- Natural resting posture of the jaw
By treating your bite as part of a broader system, we can address the true source of chronic pain, rather than just treating surface symptoms.
Our Neuromuscular Dentistry Approach
At Briarwood Dental Care, we take a whole-mouth, muscle-guided approach to TMJ pain and jaw dysfunction. Our goal isn’t just to fix teeth — it’s to bring your entire bite into balance so your muscles can relax and your body can heal.
Step 1: Full examination
We start with a full evaluation of your jaw joint, bite, and surrounding facial muscles. This employs procedures such as jaw tracking, muscle tension measurements, and digital scans to assess parameters such as your resting bite position and jaw movement.
Step 2: Relaxation of muscles (TENS therapy)
We use a gentle device known as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to relieve the tension in jaw muscles. This gives us a clearer view of where your natural and comfortable bite should be located.
Step 3: Bite Repositioning
If it is found that your bite is misaligned, we prepare a detailed treatment plan. This may require a neuromuscular orthotic (bite splint) or orthodontic adjustment or help through restorative work to align the bite under pressure.
Step 4: Long-term solutions
Whatever your need, we shall offer a permanent solution-whether just a simple splint or a complete mouth rehab-that stabilizes your bite and keeps pain away.
Is Neuromuscular Dentistry Right for You?
You may benefit from a neuromuscular evaluation if you:
- Wake up with jaw stiffness or headaches
- Notice clicking or popping when eating
- Suffer from unexplained neck or facial pain
- Feel like your bite is “off” or uneven
- Have worn-down or cracked teeth from grinding
- Experience ear pressure, ringing, or vertigo
If you’ve seen doctors or taken medications for facial or jaw pain with no relief, the issue could be bite-related.
Our Technology Makes the Difference
At Briarwood Dental Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to support neuromuscular analysis, including:
- EMG (Electromyography) – to monitor jaw muscle activity
- TENS unit – for safe, effective muscle relaxation
- Computerized jaw tracking – to map bite movement in real time
- 3D digital scans – for precision in splint design and restorations
Reclaim Comfort, Naturally
You don’t have to live with daily jaw pain, tension, or migraines. At Briarwood Dental Care, we help you realign your bite, relieve muscle strain, and rediscover what comfort really feels like.
If you’re ready to explore neuromuscular dentistry and see how it can change your life:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the treatment hurt?
Not at all; the majority of patients experience relaxation immediately from muscle relaxation therapy and find the process comforting.
Q: Are braces or surgery inevitable?
No; the majority of cases can be treated by non-invasive devices or adjustments. We will discuss every option in consultation.
Q: How long does one wait for results?
For some patients, a single session provides relief while others may require several weeks of a custom orthotic to let the muscle adjust.
Q: Is this covered by insurance?
It would depend on the provider and plan. We’re happy to check your benefits and walk you through coverage options.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you’ve got a cavity or a chipped tooth or just want to replace an old metal filling, composite fillings are ideal.
Let’s get your smile looking and feeling its best again.
Because your smile deserves the best — naturally.