TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are caused by the misalignment of the jaw resulting in popping or clicking when opening or closing the mouth, tension or pain in the surrounding joints, muscles, and tissues, and frequent headaches or migraines that can be treated through neuromuscular therapy. This kind of therapy involves a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of the TMJ disorder, and different treatments often consisting of muscle exercises and stretches, stabilization splints, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications such as pain killers or muscle relaxants. The goal of neuromuscular therapy for TMJ is to increase the functionality of the joint while reducing discomfort and pain in the joint itself as well as the surrounding affected areas. This would involve addressing the root of the issue, whether it is caused by posture, a frequent activity, or other, and fixing the alignment of the jaw to allow the patient to use the TMJ normally again.

Neuromuscular dentistry is the bridging of medicine with dentistry by approaching dental and oral health as a system rather than focusing primarily on the teeth and gums. Oral and dental health depends heavily on the functioning of how the jaw, teeth, gums, and surrounding muscles, tissues, and joints work together. If one part is faulty, the entire system suffers. The field of neuromuscular dentistry specializes in the alignment of the jaw, which is affected by all of the surrounding facial muscles, jaw joints, and teeth, taking a physiological approach to dental hygiene.

Neuromuscular disorders can cause discomfort and pain that can be chronic and all result from poor jaw alignment. If you suffer from difficulties opening and closing your jaw, along with pain or tension in the surrounding joints as muscles, and experience frequent headaches or migraines, it is possible that you are suffering from a neuromuscular disorder. Some symptoms that are associated with TMJ disorder include jaw pain, ear aches, headaches, should or neck pain, locking jaw (either open or closed), inability to open the mouth wide, pain while chewing, popping or clicking noises when the jaw is opening or closing, tinnitus, swelling in the face, or a change in how the teeth fit together. All of these symptoms can have a huge impact on your quality of life as a functioning jaw is what allows us to eat, speak, and even sleep comfortably. A neuromuscular dentist will be able to rehabilitate your jaw alignment, alleviating you from this discomfort and pain while treating the problem at its source and ensuring the health and care associated with normal dental hygiene work. Since neuromuscular disorders directly affect your bite and dental hygiene, neuromuscular dentists provide treatment that takes care of all related parts to fix the system as a whole and understanding how it all influences the functioning of other parts.

Real Smile Dentistry works directly in collaboration with the TMJ Research Foundation to provide advancement and knowledge to others on how neuromuscular dentistry is able to make a massive impact in the world of dental hygiene. Our highly qualified and experienced team of dentists provide care with an extensive knowledge of neuromuscular disorders and are pioneers in the field. Whatever your dental and oral health needs require, we are able to provide impeccable care with your health, safety, and comfort being our top priority.

To learn more about treatment , please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Miami Beach, FL and North Miami, FL. We serve patients from Miami Beach FL, Greater Miami FL, Midtown FL, Miami Shores FL, Aventura FL, Wynwood FL, Little Haiti FL, Dodge Island FL, North Miami FL, Pinewood FL and surrounding areas.