Neuromuscular Dentistry

TMJ is best diagnosed by a neuromuscular dentist with advanced training, technology, and screening techniques.

Neuromuscular Dentistry Can Correct TMJ Disorder

Under your symptoms to find the right care.
Woman in a grey skirt with glasses in her right hand on grey studio background having a headache

It is only common to want answers to your symptoms, such as:

  • Jaw, shoulder and neck pain
  • Migraines and frequent headaches
  • Ringing ears and clicking jaw
  • And difficulty chewing

Some of these symptoms are closely related to TMJ disorder and the solution for them are in the hands of a qualified neuromuscular dentistry expert like Dr. Bradley Rule.

If You Have Been Unjustly Told That:

  • ‘It’s all in your head’
  • ‘It can’t be that bad’
  • ‘Sorry, there’s nothing we can do to help you’
  • ‘Just learn to deal with it’

We want you to find comfort in knowing that there are many more solutions for diagnosing and treating your painful symptoms. We want to help you get out of pain and get back to being yourself again. We want you to be able to use your jaw and mouth to talk, laugh, smile, chew, kiss, and speak without pain! Come in for a consultation so we can co-discover the best way to treat your TMJ problems with neuromuscular dentistry.

— Dr. Bradley Rule, neuromuscular dentist in Gurnee, IL

Dr. Bradley Rule smiling
Cathy, an actual patient of Rule Dentistry smiling

"The TMJ aches and pains that I thought were just something I had to work with - are gone!"

— Lisa, Actual Patient

FAQs about Neuromuscular Dentistry

  • What exactly is neuromuscular dentistry?

    Neuromuscular dentistry is a philosophy within the science of dentistry that focuses on the proper alignment of the jaw and temporomandibular joint to produce a balanced bite. Achieving such balance contributes to the proper function of the muscles and nerves of the upper body region, and in some cases may even help postural problems and other disorders.

    These symptoms often relate to a disorder or misalignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. Its purpose is to act as a sliding hinge to help keep your jaw movements (speaking, chewing, smiling, and even while resting) nice and smooth without friction or colliding with other tiny bones, muscles or ligaments in the skull.

  • What is a neuromuscular dentist?
    Dr. Bradley Rule is a neuromuscular dentist who can treat TMJ disorders with his state-of-the-art technology thanks to his advanced education in the complex functions of the jaw, TMJ, skull, neck, and shoulder muscles.
  • How can neuromuscular dentistry fix TMJ pain and malalignment?

    #1. Dr. Rule will use several computerized modern jaw tracking technology that accurately measures the movements
    of your jaw and helps determine where there are misalignments and what should be the proper position of your jaw
    while resting and while active.

    #2. Then, your neuromuscular dentist in Gurnee, IL will custom-fit a mouth appliance that will help correct your
    bite. In some cases, you may need corrective orthodontic treatment or surgery. In most cases, the discomfort in
    the jaw for patients disappears almost instantly! That kind of relief from pain and discomfort is not a
    dream; it can be yours!

    These are some of the equipment and technologies that may be used in your neuromuscular dentistry evaluation with
    Dr. Rule:

    • Sonography – a device that measures the tiny vibrations of the TMJ joint when you open and close your mouth to
    identify issues with the joint.

    • Electromyography (EMG) – this device is used by placing little electrodes (skin patches) over the muscles of
    the jaw. The electrodes can pick up the electrical impulses in your jaw and records them on a computer. By
    measuring the amount of force or energy sent to different areas, we can determine what treatments will balance
    out the disorder.

    • Jaw Tracker – this device also analyzes mandibular movements in 3D. You wear a headset, and a magnet is placed
    on the lower front teeth to record how the lower jaw moves.

    • TENS – is an ultra-tiny frequency electrical stimulation of the muscles that relieve muscle spasms caused by
    stress or other factors. This greatly relieves stress and slowly helps “teach” the jaw to function in the right
    position.

    Once the proper alignment of your jaw has been determined, you may receive orthodontic, restorative dentistry, or other types of dental services to
    maintain the correct position and not develop the problem again.

  • How do I know if I have TMJ disorder?

    The best way to diagnose if you really have TMJ disorder is by getting an evaluation with our neuromuscular dentist
    at Rule Dentistry. If you are not sure about
    your symptoms, take this quick TMJ quiz. The quiz is not a substitute for qualified medical advice,
    but it may help you pinpoint your symptoms.

  • What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder (TMJD)?
    • A locking jaw, (that may click or pop), making it difficult to open and close the mouth
    • Tenderness and pain in the jaw
    • Pain in or around your ears
    • Migraines and stress headaches
    • Neck and shoulder pain or stiffness
    •Pain in your neck, face, and shoulders
  • What can cause TMJ disorder?

    There can be many causes of TMJ but some of the most common that can be fixed with neuromuscular dentistry are:

    • Inflamed cartilage
    • Premature decay from teeth grinding or improper use
    • Jaw misalignments caused by
    poor posture. (For example: pushing your forehead forward all day while at work staring at the computer)

    Genetics (such as arthritis or degenerating bone defects)
    • Braces or other orthodontic treatments
    • An
    accident causing physical trauma to the joint
    Learn what is the difference between TMJ and TMD [Infographic]

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