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Dentists disagree on TMD because they start from different theories. Understanding the three main schools of thought — and what each one gets right and wrong — is the first step toward understanding why GNM offers a more complete answer.
- Perspective on muscle balance
- Examines pain patterns from trigger points
- Muscle changes do not necessarily involve increased EMG activity – hypomobility,
- Tight muscles lead to altered TMJ mechanics – altered degenerative changes in joints
- Malocclusion can result in tight muscles
- Most of the symptoms are due to stress, tension or emotional upset
- Leads to increased muscular activity
- Nocturnal bruxism
- Psychological testing – stress related behavior, anxiety and poor coping skills
- Eventually bruxism and clenching lead to changes in the dentition and muscles
- Leading to TMJ disorders, muscular imbalance and eventual malocclusion.
- Use of splints to prevent premature contact
- Relief can be obtained by revising occlusion – Two schools of focus:
- Occlusal disharmony causes the muscular dysfunction
- TMJ mechanics
- Cause of premature contact is due to trigger points in the muscles – Relieve muscles before splinting
- Prolonged dental work, stress or trauma – malocclusion can perpetuate trigger point activity
- Proprioception/muscle disturbance can cause malocclusion and altered TMJ mechanics
Read More On — TMD Theories & Confusion:
- Prevalent Philosophies of Treating TMJ →
- Bio-Physiologic Neuromuscular Perspective →
- Bio-Psychosocial Perspective →
- Causes of Myofascial Pain Dysfunction →
- TMJ Care and Management Guidelines →
- Chronic Head Pain: Sufferers in Distress →
- Psycho-social Intervention for Chronic Orofacial Pain →
Read More On — The GNM Solution:
- Gneuromuscular vs. Neuromuscular Dentistry →
- GNM is Not the Same as NM →
- Computerized Electro-Diagnostic Instrumentation →
- Who Are the GNM Dentists? →
Read More On — The Original Science Behind GNM:
- Why OC is Different — The Original Science Behind GNM Dentistry →
- Why Anterior Deprogrammers Fail the Complex TMD Patient — And What GNM Does Instead →
- Why Posterior Occlusal Support Matters — The Neurophysiologic Explanation →
Ready to Train:
Written by Clayton A. Chan, D.D.S. — Founder and Director, Occlusion Connections | Las Vegas, Nevada
6170 W. Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89146 | Telephone: (702) 271-2950
Quality Function, Quality Health, Quality Life
Leader in Gneuromuscular and Neuromuscular Dentistry