Neuromuscular Dentistry & TMJ Dentist

Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades & Brentwood, California

Neuromuscular Dentistry: Health solutions that go far beyond mouth and jaw pain 

It’s very apparent that the way your teeth fit together (your bite or occlusion) has a profound influence on how you look. What you may not know is that this can have an even more profound influence on how you feel.

When teeth fit together properly, your muscles can relax and the joints of your body align correctly. When there is misalignment of your teeth, your muscles accommodate, that is, they compensate. As a result:

• Your muscles never quite relax, which can cause headaches or neck and shoulder pain
• Your joints can be pulled out of alignment, which can cause or contribute to TMJ and a host of other discomforts and health problems.

Why See a Neuromuscular Dentist?

Neuromuscular Dentistry works with balancing the teeth, muscles and joints. When these three systems are working harmoniously, you look and feel better.

The Right Bite

Your normal bite may not be the optimal bite for your best health. Your bite can be out of alignment for a number of reasons. However, with Neuromuscular dentistry methods, Santa Monica TMJ dentist Dr. Brightleaf can determine your correct bite and assist you in achieving it.

This can be as simple as painlessly grinding down a high point on a tooth or filling, or creating a special oral appliance called an orthotic to assist your muscles in readjusting. There are also other more long-term options utilizing porcelain veneers, caps and porcelain crowns that will support realignment of your mouth, jaw, and, as a result, your entire body.

Whole Body Health - Treating TMJ

Neuromuscular dentistry can alleviate discomfort and suffering from a wide variety of symptoms. These include:

Can You Benefit from Neuromuscular Dentistry?

Contact our office to set up an appointment with TMJ dentist Dr. Brightleaf to explore whether Neuromuscular dentistry might be the missing piece in your overall health improvement program.