The Incredible Smiles team is dedicated to helping people with bite problems. I sought a Mastership in Neuromuscular Dentistry from The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI)* in order to provide the best care possible to those who have deficient vertical dimension, that is, those people who are reaching too far to bring their teeth together. This bite situation can put unnatural pressure in the temporomandibular or jaw joint and cause unnecessary pain.

Contributing factors to this loss of vertical dimension are teeth grinding, eating disorders, and wear due to age or deficient dentistry. Because of this, one might be experiencing a myriad of unpleasant symptoms such as muscle tension or ongoing headaches. More importantly, people may not attribute these symptoms to a problem with their bite.

Neuromuscular dentistry essentially defines itself. Usually accomplished in three primary visits, it is the process of relaxing and balancing the muscles that open and close the jaw. A computer-aided analysis pinpoints an ideal bite location. Before any dentistry is performed, that location is confirmed with the temporary use of a removable orthotic (also known as a bite repositioner).

When bite position and comfort are confirmed and if a patient desires, we move ahead with restoration (some guests choose to continue wearing an orthotic indefinitely). With a restoration of this nature, each and every tooth is typically modified in length, shape and shade with Incredible Smiles crowns or veneers to match the bite position that was proven successful with the orthotic. The results are beautiful, healthy and natural-looking teeth that feel great.

Our guest, Venita, told me, "My jaw feels relaxed during the day. I didn't realize the jaw tension that existed prior to coming to you. I've gained a 'softer feel' around my jaw line and I love my new smile." When I hear this, I know we succeeded in both accommodating the perfect bite and delivering an improved smile.

Lori Ann Kemmet, DDS, LVIM

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