The Discipline of Occlusion Connections
Gneuromuscular Dentistry (GNM)
Measuring the Bite Objectively for Predictable Results
Gnathologics + Neuromuscular = GNM
Do you need a K7 to practice GNM? Read the full answer →
Gneuromuscular Dentistry begins where conventional occlusion ends. Many dentists have heard of centric relation and gnathology — but few have experienced a truly objectively measured, physiologic bite. GNM bridges this gap — assessing gnathic movement, muscle physiology, and temporomandibular joint dynamics with measurement technology and hands-on protocols to achieve predictable clinical results and patient comfort. GNM is the detailed analysis of dentistry based on objective measurements.
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◆ One Case, Documented — The GNM Workflow ◆
A complete full-mouth rehabilitation from the OC files — before, diagnostics, physiologic mounting, wax-up, measured verification, and finish. Click any step to enlarge:
1 · Before
2 · Optimized K7 Bite Registration with J5 Dental TENS
3 · Optimized Bite & GNM Orthotic: Phase I
4 · Modified Fox Plane
5 · Maxillary Mounting: Phase II
6 · Cranial Transfer
7 · Wax-Up at the Optimized Position
8 · Managing the Bite
9 · Physiologic Relationship in 6 Dimensions
10 · K7 Proof — Before / After
11 · After
12 · The Bigger Picture
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How Stable Is Your Case?
This question best represents what GNM is about. GNM Optimized →
“GNM is a measured approach that focuses on stable results.”
This raises a central question for dentists: How can we achieve predictable occlusion if the bite is not stable?
If a mandibular position is not objectively measured, it is ultimately being assumed.
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What GNM Means at OC
GNM is the ADVANCED Clinical Application of Gnathic + Neuromuscular Understanding. At OC, GNM is not just a discipline — it’s a mindset. It’s a new understanding that allows the dentist to see the bigger picture. Seeing the problem — and knowing what to do about it — is the key to diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Without clearly seeing what the measured muscle activity, jaw-positioning data, and joint recordings indicate — cosmetic, restorative, prosthetic, orthodontic, implant, airway, and TMD dentistry will fail.
GNM at OC is about cultivating dentists who don’t just “do dentistry” — they embrace a new way of thinking, unlocking solutions and transforming patient care.
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Evidence-Based by Objective Measurement
Evidence-based dentistry demands objective, measurable, reproducible data. GNM doesn’t ask you to take our word for it — it gives you the instruments to measure it yourself. That IS evidence. That IS science.
See Our Scientific Evidence & Peer-Reviewed Research →
The home of GNM dentistry is at Occlusion Connections, an advanced teaching center in Las Vegas, NV, pioneered and developed by Dr. Clayton A. Chan. Dr. Chan is the originator and author of the term “GNM – Gneuromuscular” (2008) as it is used in dentistry, blending both gnathology (G) and neuromuscular (NM) terms together.
“A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.” — Max Planck
Temporalis and masseter muscle EMG recordings are correlated to first tooth contact at ~10-20 microns using K7 Scan 12. The central nervous system responses before and after clench are also observed before treatment and after GNM occlusion — establishing physiologic rest and stability.
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Defining Gneuromuscular Dentistry
Definition of Scientific Method — Merriam-Webster Dictionary
“Principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.”
Gneuromuscular Dentistry (GNM) clinically is a combined application of refined skill sets based on one’s understanding that are required to effectively treat cases comprehensively. GNM goes beyond the present-day concepts of “Neuromuscular (NM) Dentistry” (note the spelling). GNM is dentistry that focuses on body alignment, optimal mandibular function (quality), and accurate occlusion (quality) that results in optimal function and form (based on objective measurements at the next level). In reality, gnathologics (Gk. study of the jaw) is a missing key to neuromuscular dentistry, and neuromuscular concepts are missing key principles and concepts of gnathological teachings. An emphasis on “quality” of physiologic function and quality of resting modes of the masticatory system beyond an optimally balanced terminal contact position (myocentric) is of significant interest when GNM occlusal principles are implemented. “Myo-function” or “myo-functional” relationships are established based on both gnathic and neuromuscular principles.
- Both Gnathologic and Neuromuscular understanding is required — it’s not a matter of one or the other. It’s BOTH.
- Clinicians need to understand how to optimally apply the occlusal principles in a balanced way, thus “Gneuromuscular Occlusion.”
- GNM is a “Thinking Process.”
- It’s comprehensive, SEEING THE BIGGER PICTURE.
Defining GNM Occlusion
“Gneuromuscular Occlusion (gnathologically driven neuromuscular occlusion) is the art and science of analyzing and determining a starting treatment position where jaw joints and muscles are allowed to adapt to a healing process, eliminating torque and tension in the masticatory and cervical neck. Often times, patients report reduction of headaches, neck pain, and jaw joint relaxation. This position is tested and tried out before any final definite dental work is done.”
— JERRY E.Y. LIM, BDS, FRACDS, SINGAPORE, JULY 25, 2017
Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD)
Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD) implements the SCIENCE of electro-diagnostic measuring technology (such as scans, EMGs, and CMS jaw tracking data) in the dental practice. It focuses on establishing an occlusion based on physiologic parameters between the cranio and mandibular structures that are innervated by the trigeminal system (the 5th cranial nerve). Read more on Defining Neuromuscular Dentistry →
Gneuromuscular Dentistry (GNM) — Clinical Application
Gneuromuscular Dentistry (GNM) relates the CLINICAL application of occlusal therapies (the gnathologics) to TMD, restorative/prosthetics, and orthodontic dentistry, and to their relationship to the central nervous system (CNS) as well as the autonomic nervous system (ANS) based on NMD science and technology. It’s not an academic exercise of knowledge, but rather importantly the skilled application of occlusal management disciplines at the highest level — addressing how the teeth, muscles, and joints optimally move and function (in HEALTH, not in dysfunction). GNM addresses these functional relationships comprehensively as they relate to the bio-physiology and neurology of the masticatory system based on the detailed application and measured assessments (before, mid, and after treatment).
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Another View Point
NM has often, in my opinion, been just too dependent on the TENS-driven, EMG-guided “myocentric” position, leaving too many key principles of classic gnathology out of the “NM mix.”
- TENS alone cannot overcome habitual muscle engrams and para-functional spasm and torque.
- EMGs alone cannot provide a primary reliable measure of optimal lower jaw positioning and muscle health.
- The teeth and the “gearing” they provide must support, stabilize, and balance an “optimal 6-dimensional untorqued jaw” position.
GNM is a clinical investigative process that analyzes and reassesses the diagnostic quality of the patient’s resting and functional modes, as well as implementing specific protocols in reassessing occlusal health provided by the clinician.
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Clinical Focus of GNM: Quality of Functional Health & Attention to Details
These are some of the topics that dentists come to OC to learn and advance their understanding and appreciation of the GNM clinical concepts:
- Recording the Optimized Bite — how to capture a physiologic “Optimized Bite,” both with and without K7 Scan 5.
- GNM vs. NM registration — what GNM bite optimization is, and how it differs from other neuromuscular registration techniques.
- Reliance on EMG values — OC GNM is not dependent on EMG readings to determine an Optimized mandibular-to-maxillary bite relationship in 6 dimensions. We take it a step further. We learn the power of understanding and interpreting the K7 jaw tracking data to determine the most optimal VDO, AP, and frontal/lateral mandibular relationships for our patients. This is often missed in most neuromuscular paradigms.
- Interpreting the data — reading the various recordings and measured data is the key to understanding GNM at the next level.
- Reading EMG patterns — high and low EMGs after TENS are diagnostic keys; recognizing these patterns shapes both the diagnosis and how the orthotic is occlusally managed during treatment.
- Electrode technique — proper “B” group placement and cervical monitoring are foundational to accurate scan interpretation and diagnosis.
- Orthotic design — GNM is different. OC’s design parameters address quality functional and resting requirements for healthy cervical muscle health, quality head rotational, side-bending flexion and extension movements, and postural body balance. Without these, masticatory health is impaired.
- Anterior coupling — most conventional NM orthotics our doctors have seen have no coupling, with very poor discluding schemes.
- Occlusal schemes go beyond canine rise. Lateral and protrusive movements with no posterior interferences (Class 4 prematurities) should not exist. OC recognizes posterior interferences incur significant problems to all cases involving occlusal/TMD issues. Proper identification and remedying of Class 4 interfering schemes are key to resolving the mystery of TMD myofascial and cervical pain problems and improving quality health.
- Micro-occlusal adjustment — advanced techniques and protocols that refine anatomic form and function along the optimized myo-trajectory, in both the frontal/lateral and antero-posterior domains.
- Physiologic mounting — mounting casts to a Modified Fox Plane (physiologic) rather than a horizontal level occlusal plane (pathologic) is fundamental to neuromuscular stability.
- And so much more.
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Trained Adaptive Reasoning Comes First
Trained adaptive reasoning in Gneuromuscular Dentistry comes first. Tools and technology become a distant second. GNM uses a “Thinking Process” which doctors learn — not following some cookbook recipe in the use of bio-electronic instruments alone when interpreting the K7 data. It is a refined application in the clinical setting that helps make the OC-trained dentists not robots following a certain philosophy, but rather it trains them to be “thinkers,” analyzers, synthesizers of the findings, discoverers, diagnosticians, and physicians of the mouth at a different level.
“GNM to me is more than just using the tools — although we use them and can’t do without them, but we use them well in a skilled manner with a different way of thinking about the technology than others. It is like a trained violinist who can play concertos and Mozart versus playing squeaky scratchy stringed sounding music with our instrument. Our objective is to help other dentists to master their dentistry. Our Masterclass teachings and instruction is a process. That is what GNM is to me — it’s another level, another spirit, another attitude, another vision, and another perspective that our doctors discover. They say it goes above and beyond what they previously learned.”
— CLAYTON A. CHAN, D.D.S., LAS VEGAS, NV USA
Read more: Defining Gneuromuscular Dentistry →
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GNM: The Discipline That Unlocks World-Class Dentistry
GNM isn’t just another concept — it’s a discipline of dentistry that demands precision, curiosity, and mastery. At its core, GNM applies gnathologic occlusal principles — the very keys every serious student of dentistry must learn if they aspire to become a world-class clinician.
Why It Matters
- Objective Diagnostics: Today’s clinician can record, measure, and correlate abnormal occlusion with therapies in TMD, restorative/prosthetic dentistry, and orthodontics. This isn’t theory — it’s actionable science.
- The Real Difference: Technology is powerful, but it’s the trained clinician’s eye, discipline, and devotion to anatomical detail that transforms data into healing. Mastery of mandibular function isn’t optional — it’s the critical difference that defines excellence in OC teachings.
- Foundational Knowledge First: Learning the six gnathologic occlusal KEYS is non-negotiable. Without them, advanced tools and technology are just noise.
- Technology With Purpose: Jaw tracking (CMS), electromyography (EMG), electrosonography (ESG) and low-frequency Dental TENS aren’t gadgets — using these technologies in combination is the gateway to a better understanding of how muscles respond, how occlusion impacts posture, and how the masticatory system reveals its health through measurable signals.
OC Level 1 — Foundations of GNM: finding the Optimized Bite. K7 jaw tracking with dental TENS distinguishes the habitual closing path from the physiologic, unstrained mandibular position — so the bite is registered to a measured position, not a guessed one, captured with the patient seated upright (not supine) and without the dentist manipulating the mandible.
In Practice, This Is Where GNM Delivers
- Jaw Problems: Diagnose and treat occlusal imbalances with precision.
- Cervical Posture: How occlusion influences neck alignment and overall posture.
- Muscle Activity: Measure and interpret the masticatory response to guide therapy with confidence.
GNM is the bridge between science and artistry, technology and touch, data and discernment. It’s where you stop practicing dentistry as a routine — and start practicing it as a discipline.
See the three types of dentists — and where you stand on the path →
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Three Clinical Questions GNM Answers
What goes unrecognized goes untreated.
Without a greater awareness that certain musculoskeletal occlusal problems exist, dentists will not see the key issues to treat effectively — this unawareness limits their treatment planning.
Gneuromuscular Dentistry recognizes and values the use of computerized mandibular scanning (CMS), electromyography (EMG), electrosonography (ESG) and low-frequency dental TENS, as a scientific basis to apply the principles of occlusion to enhance a more complete perspective of occlusal management (gnathologics) without guessing where one’s bite should be. It plays a significant role in dentistry by documenting and recording data to address the following 3 clinical questions:
1
Does your patient experience masticatory dysfunction (physiologic function, impairment, or dysfunction)?
2
Does your patient experience TMJ pain (tenderness and/or discomfort)?
3
Does your patient have TMJ derangement problems (physical abnormal changes to the shape, form, and position of the condyles within the fossa)?
If you answered YES to any one of these three questions, then GNM dentistry is designed to address these factors scientifically, clinically, and practically. It is the clinical application of both technology and hands-on skills, attention to occlusal details, and experience that makes any patient case successful and relevant to today’s practitioner. Read more: What Does the K7 Technology Measure? →
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A Note from Dr. Chan
NOTE: GNM is not the answer for everything and for everyone. What drives me to post on GNM is because from my own experience I have observed that the blend of gnathology (clinical application) and the neuromuscular (bio-physiologic science) protocols might offer a better result than just one or the other approach. In my own practice and experience, when I implemented both these approaches and techniques meticulously, I have found that by applying all that I have learned and recognized over the years, these approaches have been more effective for my patients in answering the clinical questions and concerns we are faced with. That does not mean that the “GNM approach” or “every GNM dentist” can cure every TMD patient. Most dentists are genuinely concerned for their patients and strive to do the best to help them, but every dentist — including myself — knows and admits that he/she has limitations and has cases they cannot resolve regardless of the approaches they take.
GNM is a logical and scientific approach that addresses all three disciplines effectively from a comprehensive restorative/prosthetic perspective, an orthodontic/orthopedic perspective, as well as a TMD pain perspective.
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
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Continue Learning
Six paths deeper into the GNM discipline — choose your door.
◆Foundational Principles
◆Clinical Application
◆Differentiation
◆For Patients and Referrals
◆The Curriculum
Updated: May 28, 2026
Written by Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S. — Founder and Director, Occlusion Connections | Las Vegas, Nevada