What Is Neuromuscular Therapy?
Neuromuscular therapy is a non-invasive treatment that focuses on aligning the jaw, muscles, and nerves for optimal function. It addresses the root cause of TMJ disorders, chronic facial pain, and jaw misalignment by restoring the natural balance of the oral and facial muscles.
Symptoms of Jaw Misalignment & TMJ Dysfunction
- Chronic jaw pain or facial discomfort
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully
- Neck, shoulder, or upper back pain
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or earaches
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) or worn-down teeth
If you experience any of these symptoms, neuromuscular therapy may provide lasting relief by correcting jaw misalignment and restoring muscle balance.
What Causes TMJ & Neuromuscular Disorders?
Jaw misalignment and TMJ disorders can develop due to:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Puts strain on the jaw muscles and joint.
- Bite misalignment – Uneven pressure on teeth and jaw can cause muscle tension.
- Jaw injury or trauma – A blow to the face or accident can lead to joint dysfunction.
- Stress & muscle tension – Chronic clenching can aggravate the jaw muscles.
- Arthritis or joint inflammation – Can contribute to jaw pain and limited movement.
Neuromuscular therapy helps restore the natural position of the jaw to relieve pain and improve function.
Neuromuscular Therapy Treatment at Kidder Dental
At Kidder Dental, we use advanced neuromuscular dentistry techniques to treat TMJ dysfunction and jaw muscle imbalance.
1. Digital Bite Analysis & Jaw Tracking
We begin with a comprehensive examination, using digital bite analysis and jaw tracking technology to identify muscle tension and joint misalignment.
2. TENS Therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
A TENS unit delivers gentle electrical impulses to the jaw muscles, helping them relax and find their natural resting position. This reduces pain and relieves tension in the surrounding muscles.
3. Custom Oral Appliances & Nightguards
We design custom oral appliances to gently realign the jaw and relieve pressure on the TMJ. These appliances:
✔ Prevent teeth grinding and clenching
✔ Reduce muscle strain and jaw tension
✔ Improve bite alignment and chewing function
4. Bite Adjustment (Occlusal Equilibration)
If an uneven bite contributes to jaw pain, we perform bite adjustments to redistribute pressure evenly across the teeth.
5. Stress Reduction & Lifestyle Adjustments
Since stress and posture can influence jaw health, we provide guidance on relaxation techniques and exercises to maintain long-term relief.
For patients with severe jaw alignment issues, we may also recommend Invisalign or orthodontic treatment to correct bite misalignment.
Who Can Benefit from Neuromuscular Therapy?
Neuromuscular therapy is ideal for patients who:
- Experience chronic TMJ pain, headaches, or jaw discomfort
- Suffer from teeth grinding, clenching, or facial muscle tension
- Have difficulty chewing, speaking, or opening their mouth fully
- Have been diagnosed with TMJ disorder (TMD)
- Want a non-invasive alternative to surgery for jaw pain relief
If you have severe TMJ dysfunction or bite issues, we may recommend full mouth reconstruction to restore overall oral health and function.
Why Choose Kidder Dental for Neuromuscular Therapy?
At Kidder Dental, we specialize in neuromuscular and TMJ therapy to provide long-lasting relief from jaw pain and discomfort.
What Sets Us Apart?
✔ Advanced Technology – We use digital bite analysis, jaw tracking, and muscle relaxation techniques to pinpoint the root cause of pain.
✔ Non-Surgical, Holistic Treatment – We focus on muscle relaxation, jaw realignment, and conservative therapies.
✔ Custom Oral Appliances – Our personalized nightguards and splints provide long-term TMJ relief.
✔ Expert Dental Team – Dr. Dustin Kidder Dr. Elizabeth Kidder and Dr. Sean Owens have advanced training in neuromuscular and TMJ therapy.
✔ Comprehensive Dental Care – From sedation dentistry to ceramic crowns, we provide complete oral health solutions.
If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain, TMJ symptoms, or bite issues, our neuromuscular therapy treatments can restore comfort and function without invasive surgery.