Neuromuscular dentistry is a dental treatment philosophy to correct a “misalignment” of the jaw at the temporomandibular joint. D^r Audet uses several computerized instruments to measure your jaw movements and jaw muscle activity to determine the extent of your problem and to establish a “physiologic rest position” for the jaw.

When the harmony between teeth, facial muscles and jaw is broken, many symptoms can appear and disturb your comfort.
Here are some examples :
 Headache
 Jaw pain
 Clicking of the jaw
 Limited jaw movement
 Ear congestion
 Vertigo
 Tinnitus
 Difficulty swallowing
 Clenching of the jaw
 Facial pain
 Sensitive teethe
 Difficulty masticating
 Neck pain
 Posture problems
 Numb fingertips
 Anxiety or insomnia

At Studio Dentaire Art-Dent we have several ultra specialized technologies that allow D^r Audet to find the optimal position to reduce or eliminate your symptoms and re-establish the harmony between your teeth, muscles and jaw. You will then find a good quality of life in order to masticate well and smile again.

Sonography : Measures vibrations from the joint when you open and close your mouth to identify joint derangements.

Electromyography (EMG) : Placing surface electrodes over the jaw muscles that pick up electrical impulses and send them to the recording instrument. It is used to measure the activity in muscles during various movements.

Kinesiography (K7) : Specialised computer that analyzes mandibular movements (how you chew) three dimensionally.

Tens : Ultra low frequency electrical stimulation of the muscles to relieve muscle spasms and pain and help establish “physiologic” jaw position.

Once the rest position of the jaw is determined, the patient undergoes extensive restorative dental procedures or orthodontics to maintain this new position.

Have you ever noticed one of these symptoms in your mouth ? Abnormal tooth wear, tooth or restoration fractures, teeth loss, headaches (due to muscular tension), decrease in occlusal dimension, jaw problems and clicking of joints, pressure otitis (earache), vertigo, difficulty when chewing or swallowing, premature aging of the face, reduced opening of the mouth, lordosis (head positioning too forward), numb fingertips, migraines, etc... We would not associate many of these symptoms with poor oral function, but this was before the arrival of neuromuscular dentistry... The pain would often be treated with anti-inflammatory and pain medication.

With the help of high technology equipment (K7 and Tens), neuromuscular dentistry enables a balance between muscles, articulations and teeth. This form of dentistry is a global approach which therefore collaborates with other health professionals using the same approach for optimum rehabilitation.

Occlusal Splint
An occlusal splint is an acrylic dental appliance which can be worn during the day or night to prevent the upper teeth to come into contact with the lower teeth. It is used to help people that suffers from bruxism (teeth grinding) and TMD (jaw dysfunction).

The splints are custom made from molds of your teeth to maximize comfort and retention.

Role of the occlusal splint
A person with bad jaw position can develop important neuromuscular problems. These problems can manifest itself as migraines, worn teeth from grinding, loose teeth, and pain and tension in the facial muscles and joints. When the neuromuscular symptoms get more severe you can see joint clicking, pressure otitis (earache), neck and shoulder pain and reduced opening of the mouth.

Function of the occlusal splint for these problems
To absorb some of the constraints from bruxism and clenching.
To loosen the jaw and to calm the tension.
To relieve the joints (TMD) and to lessen the pain.
To limit the progression of teeth breakdown by bruxism and bone joint.