Neuromuscular dentistry is the term for dental treatment based on scientific instrumentation that records the movements of the lower jaw and the muscles involved with the movement of the jaw.  It records the function of the movements and muscle acitivity during resting and active modes.

This scientific method allows for objective and unbiased positioning of the jaw and teeth for each individual patient.  A neuromuscular evaluation or treatment may be necessary when determining the placement of an individuals bite in the process of determining the possibility of lengthening teeth for aesthetic reasons and for those who experience myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD), or tempromandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

Data regarding the patients existing teeth and bite are gathered.  In most full mouth reconstructins Dr. Graham employs neuromuscular techniques including jaw tracking, electromyography of the muscle function and sonography of the joint.  After the position of the new bite and length of teeth is determined an orthotic splint is custom made to the exact position to allow the patient to "test" this new position for comfort and function.  Additional NM evaluations and adjustments are conducted until the patients muscle activity is in balance.

This method can also be used to alleviate pain caused by imbalance in the bite without restoring all of the teeth.  In some cases a patient may benefit from the neuromuscular splint therapy and may choose to continue to wear a splint rather than restore all of the teeth to a corrected bite. 

Neuromuscular evaluation has also been used in conjunction with orthodontics for great success in repositioning teeth where drastic changes in the bite are involved or TMJ symptoms are an issue.