When the teeth, facial muscles, and temporomandibular (jaw) joint are out of alignment, the painful symptoms of what is often called “TMJ” or “TMD” (temporomandibular joint syndrome dysfunction) often arise. While traditional dentistry evaluates primarily teeth, bones, and gums, neuromuscular dentistry works with hard tissues, soft tissues, muscles, and nerves. By correcting the misalignment, neuromuscular dentists reduce stress on the muscles connected to the jaw and the hard tissue within the jaw joint itself. Experts believe that the majority of TMD pain originates from stress and tension in muscles, caused by their relationship to the body’s bone structure.

The goal is to reduce stress on the muscles of mastication (chewing) by realigning the position of the jaw in relation to the teeth to restore proper jaw function. Neuromuscular dentists use non-surgical means to relieve jaw, head, headache, and neck pain that are associated with jaw dysfunction.

Dr. Hanson first determines the optimal position of the jaw by measuring the relaxed position of the head and neck muscles, and then repositions the jaw to achieve those exact measurements. Up to 85% of TMD symptoms can be resolved by properly realigning the jaw through non-surgical means and without the need for ongoing use of prescription drugs.

You can expect Dr. Hanson to ask the following questions:

• Is your pain of dysfunction occurring on one side or both sides of the jaw?
• What are the common symptoms that recur?
• If there is pain, is it acute or generalized over a wide area?
• Have you had past injuries to the jaw?
• Do you have a history of arthritis or joint inflammation?
• Is there a possibility of infection or nerve related issues?
• Do you experience popping, clicking, or grating noises from the jaw?