Frequently Asked Questions
About Neuromuscular Dentistry (2/4)
HOW Can NMD Benefit My Patients and My Practice?
Here's what leading clinicians have to say about Neuromuscular Dentistry and Myotronics instrumentation:
"Whatever I have done for Neuromuscular Dentistry in the past 24 years, I have done with a full heart and a sincere belief that this is how dentistry should be practiced."
BARRY COOPER, DDS
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Oral Biology and Pathology
School of Medicine, State University of New York, Stonybrook
"Since incorporating Neuromuscular Dentistry and Myotronics instrumentation into my practice, my entire perspective of my diagnostic and clinical skills has changed. I now have the ability to measure, record, analyze, and store physiologic data and anatomic function to better provide predictable comprehensive dentistry."
JOSEPH M. BARTON, DMD, Jacksonville, Florida
WHAT Is TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation)?
Neuromuscular Dentistry begins with the true relaxation of the muscles through the use of TENS. TENS is a widely used term, but as used in Neuromuscular Dentistry it is more properly called ultra-low frequency electrical muscle stimulation. This safe, battery operated device delivers a mild electrical stimulus to the muscles via neural pathways. The stimulus induces involuntary contraction of the muscles controlled by the facial (7th) and masticatory (5th) cranial nerves.
Jankelson, B, Sparks, S, Crane, P. Neural Conduction of the Myomonitor Stimulus: A quantitive analysis. J. Prosth. Dent. 334:3, pp. 245-253, 1975
Williamson, E, Marshall, D, Myomonitor rest position in the presence and absence of stress. Facial orthop. & TM Artography, Ed: Williamson, 2:2, 1986
Eble, OS, Jonas, IE, Kappert, HF Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): It's short-term and long-term effects on the masticatory muscles J. Orofac. Orthop. 61:2, pp. 100-111, 2000
WHY Use TENS?
Muscles of the face and neck are often "programmed" (propriocepted) to control head and mandibular posture in a way that accommodates occlusion, even though that particular occlusion may be less than ideal. The Neuromuscular Dentist wants to relax these often tense muscles to find their true resting state and establish the occlusion at that position. It is extremely difficult to voluntarily overcome this proprioception, so "TENS" is used. A secondary use of low frequency stimulation is to achieve drug-free pain relief of pain of muscular origin.
WHY Use Myotronics TENS?
Myotronics TENS products, the Clinical Myomonitor and the Home Treatment unit BNS-40, are backed by a history of safe, effective use since 1966. The only fixed-rate device of its kind that provides true bilateral, simultaneous stimulation, the Myotronics products provide stimulus at a fixed rate of once every one and one-half seconds (or 40 times per minute).
The Myomonitor's "3rd electrode" ensures safe and simultaneous stimulation of masticatory muscles. In addition, the stimulation of the Myomonitor propels the mandible upward from rest position and registers a physiologic occlusal position with ease and accuracy. The Model J5 Myomonitor, with its two sets of leads, offers the ability to stimulate four sites simultaneously. The second lead set is most often used when it has been determined that there are postural influences on the occlusion. Being able to relax both masticatory and cervical/upper thoracic muscles simultaneously saves valuable time for the office and the patient while insuring optimal relaxation for occlusal diagnosis. Fail-safe circuitry and the fixed low frequency rate provides the ultimate in safety.
WHY Is Evaluation of Physiologic Function Important?
The state of the teeth and the joints very often cause the muscles to accommodate. Evaluation of the hard tissue alone does not provide insight to the true status of the occlusal system. This is why the Neuromuscular Dentist uses objective, scientific documentation methods in the comprehensive evaluation of occlusion. Through the use of jaw tracking, electromyography and joint sound recording, a complete analysis of the function (or dysfunction) of the masticatory system is accomplished.
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Dr. Molly Rodgers, General Dentist - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Edmonton Alberta, Canada.
