Neuromuscular Dentistry-Boulder CO

Comfortable Muscles Are Happy Muscles

Neuromuscular dentistry is the science of finding the most comfortable at-rest position for your head and neck muscles. Dr. Kupka and her team work with patients to help alleviate symptoms of jaw joint and muscle disharmony (often referred to as a “bad bite” or “TMJ”) with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment.

According to the TMJ Association, over 10 million Americans are currently suffering from TMJ/TMD.

Most everyone has TMJ – that is, the Temporomandibular Joint, although not everyone has TMD, the disorder.
 
TMD is the condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, an umbrella term for many muscular or alignment issues which may be causing pain or discomfort or be damaging chewing or swallowing function. Although this problem is often misdiagnosed and left untreated, choosing a dental practice that also specializes in neuromuscular dentistry can help you identify the condition and get treatment before serious and often painful side effects occur.

At the office of Dr. Carolyn Kupka, we believe your smile is multi-dimensional, and that paying attention to all of the elements that come together to create your smile is the only way to deliver true and complete dental care. Most people don’t realize how much these second and third dimensions — the muscles and the joints — impact the health and wellness of their smile. Neuromuscular problems can have a negative effect on shoulder, hip and neck alignment, and can cause serious postural issues, affecting how you sit, stand and carry yourself.

TMD can affect the airway and breathing patterns, forcing patients to change their head and neck positioning in order to swallow more comfortably. In some cases, TMD patients may experience changes in their posture as a way of subconsciously responding to the airway blockages. Many painful neck conditions are directly related to your bite.
 
Symptoms can be very inconvenient and uncomfortable, and may include:

•    chronic pain in the jaw, teeth, face, head, neck, shoulders or back
•    snoring or sleep apnea
•    changes in posture
•    breathing abnormalities
•    headaches and/or migraines
•    grinding or clenching of teeth
•    loose or tender teeth
•    wear on teeth
•    hot or cold sensitivity of teeth
•    tooth loss and frequent cavities
•    frequent ear infections
•    numbness and tingling in the arms or fingertips
•    depressive episodes
•    clicking or popping of the jaw
•    difficulty chewing
•    difficulty swallowing
•    ringing in the ears or ear pain
•    dizziness
•    nervousness or insomnia

Dr. Kupka believes that with the right jaw tracking technology and muscle/teeth-focused treatment, patients should not need surgery to alleviate the symptoms. The key to finding  a neuromuscular dentistry solution involves balance and muscles in harmony with the bite.

Through state-of-the-art 3-D jaw tracking and analysis, we can determine the optimal rest position of your jaw, and redirect and guide your muscles into their more neutral and natural position. By realigning the muscles in your jaw into physiologic rest, the pain and symptoms most often disappear.

Learn more: TMJ/Jaw Joint Treatments

If you’ve experienced any signs of TMJ disorder, visit our Boulder dental office for experienced TMJ diagnosis and treatment. Call or e-mail our neuromuscular team today for a personal consultation.