Why Occlusion Matters
When Thinking About Dentures
Occlusion is the foundation and key to the success of every dental
procedure including dentures. Your occlusion is the way your upper and
lower teeth fit together. The muscles of your head and neck posture your
jaw and hold the lower teeth closer to the upper ones. You don't consciously
hold your jaw in this position - it is "programmed" in your brain. Even though
the present position "programmed" by your brain seems like it would be the optimal
position, it is not always the best position for you.

The Neuromuscular Difference
Because the muscles controlling the jaw are subconsciously "programmed" by the brain, most

individuals have difficulty consciously reaching a relaxed state . To help your muscles reach this relaxed state, a medical device called a Myomonitor is used to deliver gentle electrical stimulation to your muscles. The stimulation is delivered through adhesive patch electrodes attached over nerves that control specific facial muscle groups. The stimulus will cause your facial and jaw muscles to pulse every 1 1/2 seconds. After approximately 40-60 minutes, this electrically induced "exercise" will allow your muscles to overcome their programming and go to a relaxed state. At this point, a sophisticated jaw tracking computer (K7) determines within 1/10 th of a millimeter the optimal positioning of your occlusion.

Take a few minutes to watch this education video to better understand the procedures and advantages of neuromuscular dentures.
(Windows Media Player required)

Neuromuscular Impressions
One of the techniques that distinguishes neuromuscular dentures from traditional dentures is the way impressions are taken. We take impressions while the muscles are still being stimulated , this allows the muscles themselves to form the correct border (flange) of the future dentures. This technique assures that your impression has tremendous natural retention . Our patients find no need for denture adhesives.

Neuromuscular Bite Position
With partial or full dentures the dilemma facing traditional dentistry is where to establish your bite. Without any teeth there is no natural or habitual bite as a reference so dentists must arbitrarily choose a jaw position and fabricate the dentures to that position. Even if the impressions were taken prior to any tooth extractions the bite position may not be the optimal one.

It is quite common to see denture wearers with an unnatural look. Often a condition dentists call " over closed" results from the lower jaw position being to close to the upper. This causes dentures to be fitted with prosthetic teeth that are too short, allowing the lower jaw to be positioned too far upward. This jaw position not only has a negative effect on appearance of the denture wearer, but can also lead to significant functional problems and pain .

With the use of computerized medical equipment (jaw tracking & surface electromyography - SEMG) we are able to find your individual point where your lower jaw should be positioned for maximum harmony between your jaw, muscles, and joints.

How We Can Help You
Our professional staff has completed extensive post doctorial training in neuromuscular dentistry at the prestigious L.V. Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Our staff includes our own dental lab technician with over 35 years experience in the fabrication of dentures.

If you are tired of how your dentures look and more importantly feel and perform, call us for a complimentary consultation and sonogram.

You won't believe the difference!!!