It is estimated that 40 percent of all chronic pain syndromes are concentrated in the head and neck areas. Some estimates suggest that 20 percent of Americans possess one or more of these symptoms with 80 to 90 percent of that number affecting women.
NMD differs from "traditional" dentistry in that the treatment is focused on creating a balance in the activity between the joints, the muscles, and the teeth that move the jaw. When improperly aligned, the nerves and muscles that control and guide the jaw during movement can become tense, sore, and spastic. These strained muscles can contribute to a significant amount of pain and tension in the head, neck and shoulder region. Now, after twenty-five years of research and study comes the treatment.
For 50 minutes, the patient sits in a dimly lit room, listening to the soothing sound of a waterfall, in order to bring the patient into a completely tranquil state – an important part to the therapy. While relaxing, the patient wears a TENS unit (TENS is a battery-powered unit which sends electrical impulses through electrodes placed on or near the painful site). This pulsates the facial muscles to relax and loosen the jaw in order to register the jaws measurements at rest. After the jaw is relaxed, a comfortable, magnetic headpiece is placed on the patient. A tiny magnet is placed in the lower lip area that sends signals to the revolutionary, new technology, a K7, computer software that allows Dr. Solomon to view and measure muscle activity and jaw sounds. This activity is registered on a computer screen’s monitor. Once read, Dr. Solomon can pinpoint exactly where the misalignment is in the jaw and precisely create an orthotic appliance for the patient to wear thus eliminating the pain-causing distress. Dr. Sid Solomon, Center for Cosmetic, Implant and Neuromuscular Dentistry (CCIND) is a leader in neuromuscular dentistry disorders. "Everyone has a unique jaw and muscle physiology and now with the use of this highly sophisticated computer technology, we are able to provide relief to patients who were once told surgery was the only option," says Dr. Solomon. The entire process is 100% non –invasive.