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I believe CLENCHING can be resolved, but it requires detailed and specific applications of a proper made and designed orthotic/occlusion that is done to an “Optimized Bite” position…then coordinated properly with the right chiropractor to balance out the cervical neck, etc., muscles and surrounding supportive bones.

“Doctor, I no longer clench like I was before.  This orthotic feels better in my mouth than out.”

Many of my patient’s including a number of dentists who have TMD come to me and many have clenching issues… and after GNM orthotic treatment they all say they are no longer clenching.

Some have taught that clenching is due to the unresolved peripheral central nervous system (CNS) issues.  While others question what is causing the central nervous system to be unrested?

Clenching and grinding can come about because of:

1. the occlusion needs more detailed adjusted (premature occlusal interferences) or
2. if the bite is correctly detailed then, clenching comes from the hip and pelvis out of alignment and or
3. neck is not resolved which can contribute to grinding problems….
4. if those are all confirmed optimally balanced and stress should be considered as an emotional factor.

From my clinical experience I have observed that people will clench when:

1. The vertical dimension of occlusion is over closed – lack of vertical support between the teeth which are designed to support proper muscle fiber length of the masticatory system.  The muscles are foreshortened, unrested, this they will over strain and over work.
2. When occlusal contact premature interferences exists and are undetected.  Often times these micro occlusal interferences are often undetected by the dentists since standard methods use for detecting occlual problems are not sufficiently identified at a micron level.  Usually habitual voluntary closing patterns (engrammed muscle memory) will avoid these hidden occlusal prematurities, thus the bite/occlusion may appear balanced, but a detailed analysis will indicate otherwise.
3. When the mandible is opening and closing posterior to an optimal myo-trajectory jaw closure pattern.  Hyper muscle strain and tension will result in the jaw and head regions because the masticatory system lacks optimal occlusal support.  (An isotonic state of the muscles, teeth and temporomandibular joints system) is lacking.
4. Sacrum-iliac (pelvis) bones are out of alignment.  Contributing strained muscles that connect the sacrum, lumbar to the occipital muscles of the head and neck will contribute to imbalances to the masticatory (mandibular – lower jaw) system, thus further clenching can ensue.
5. Emotional stressors.