Electromyographic Analysis (EMG)
We use an Electromyographic Analysis (or EMG) to measure muscle activity on head and neck muscles both at rest and in function. This is done by placing computerized sensors on the skin allowing us to accurately monitor muscle activity.
Hyperactive muscles are common for patients experiencing pain symptoms associated with TMJ problems. Imbalances between right and left sides of the same sets of muscles are also typical. The EMG system is a safe and comfortable method do help detect such issues and getting to the root of a TMJ issue.
Jaw Tracking
This state-of-the-art jaw tracking system helps diagnose TMJ Dysfunction (TMD) by tracking the jaw movement.
Research shows that there are certain jaw movements which show very specific types of TMJ dysfunction. For example, limited opening and closing or locking, jaw opening deviations and deflections, and restricted side-to-side jaw movements. All of these indications are widely accepted and published criteria for diagnosing TMD.
Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
The Joint Vibration Analysis (or JVA) has been accepted by the American Dental Association to help provide a fast, non-invasive method to accurately diagnose TMJ function and demonstrate the severity level of the problem.
Pharyngometer
Pharyngometer is non-invasive and only takes a few minutes. The patient sits upright and places the pharyngometer in their mouth. The patient then moves their jaw backward and forward, while sound waves measure airway volume. This locates the most unstable and narrow portions of the airway. This procedure allows for a precise fitting of an oral appliance for treatment. The pharyngometer is used to measure the best jaw position for maintaining an open and stable airway.
Rhinometer
The rhinometer gathers information using acoustic reflection. Sound waves are sent up the nasal passageway and are reflected back to accurately map out the topography of the nasal airway. This allows clear identification of the location and severity of any obstruction in the airway. The test is completely non-invasive and takes 30 seconds to complete.
Posture
Posture and your bite are closely related. One affects the other involving muscles in the neck, back, pelvis, and legs.
Poor posture can place unnecessary wear and tear on your joints and cause your muscles to suffer. Your teeth are what determine how your bite goes together. Your bite then determines the position of your jaw, and in turn, the position of your head on your spine.
The teeth are part of your skeletal system and if/when improperly aligns, there is often a compensating effect on the rest of your body. The human body will adjust itself, involving the muscles in the neck, back, and even those of the pelvis, legs, and feet. Most postural problems can be improved at any age, yet the longer the problem exists, the more difficult it will be to correct.
Symptoms of a poorly postured bite include:
- Numbing or tingling sensation in the hand
- Pain in the jaw, head, neck, shoulders, back
- Difficulty clearing the ears
- One shoulder being higher than the other
- Breastbone muscles feel tender to the touch- Pant legs must be hemmed to different lengths
- Heels wear unevenly
Bite Splints
Bite splints (plates) are effective in relieving TMD symptoms.
A bite splint provides an acrylic platform to bite against. Some bite plates move the mandible to a new position.
Generally, splints are worn part-time and for most people night time seems to be the best time to wear them.
NTI-TSS System
The NTI-TSS System is a type of mouth guard that is placed on the patient's upper teeth. This lets the lower jaw rest in its proper place and causes the teeth to subside from being able to clench together.
If you experience chronic headaches, please ask your doctor because the NTI-TSS System could work for you.
TENS
Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS): This system delivers a precise, regulated, bilateral rhythmic stimulus to both head and facial muscles.
This controlled bilateral stimulation promotes muscle relaxation for relief of symptoms associated with muscle spasms common to some types of TMJ dysfunction.
When pain results from a muscle spasm, TENS offers a safe, drug-free method of treatment relieving many head and neck discomforts through muscle relaxation.
