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the History of Dentures

What is NMD ?

Providing dentures superior ni appearance and funtion requires a combination of science and art.

NMD is an abbreviation of Neuromuscular Dentistry, the science part of the formula. The "neuromuscular dentist" is one who studies computer generated information concerning the status and function off the muscles and joints involved in your bite (occlusion). In addition to all of the traditional means of dental diagnosis.

In other words, the NM dentist considers teeth, muscles and joints - not just teeth. This expanded information permits the dentist to optimize the bite that in turn provides better function.

How does NMD help provide superior dentures?

When restoring a single tooth, the dentist can use the rest of your teeth as a referance for how high the new tooth should be and how it fits. An edentulous patient (one without teeth) presents a bigger challenge - where do you put the bite? Where to establish the bite (how high to make the upper and lower teeth) has traditionally been: Largely an arbitrary decision based on the dentist's experience.While the patient may get by with this arbitrary bite position, it frequently leads to functional problems in chewing or speech and may also result in considerable discomfort or pain. An arbitrary bite position may also result in a very unnatural look.

In NMD, the dentist precisely measures the activity of the muscles that control the jaw and determines an optimum jaw position - one dictated by your own body when the muscles are truly relaxed.

In the nuromuscular evaluation process the NM dentsit also looks for any abnormalities in your jaw function and will take steps to correct them in finalizing the dentures. Technology is also used in taking the impressions for making your dentures. This leads to a denture base that is held in place by the soft tissues of the cheeks, preventing "rocking" or looseness of the denture.

Where does the art come in?

Establishing the bite and identifying functional problems are based on the scientific, computer-aided diagnosis. Art is applied when it comes to the aesthetic part of finalizing your denture design. Dentist utilizing neuromuscular priciples have also extensively studied the art of producing dentures with a natural, pleasant look.

Even the smallest details of tooth selection and placement are studied - size of various teeth, angle at which they are set, ratios of height to width, shade & color, and many other factors. In the end, all of these features come together to produce a remarkably natural looking appearance.

The Result: Form and Function

Dentures based on neuromuscular principles were developed overforty years ago making this a time-proven method. Now modern evaluation instrumentation and a plethora of new materials have led an increasing number of dentists to provide this professional service. Instrument technology, materials and aesthetics art combine to produce dentures that are truly superior.

There is no need for denture patients to suffer the discomfort or embarrassment of poorly funtioning or ill-fitting dentures. As one patient (with a big smile) said the day after receiving her new neuromuscular dentures. "I ate steak last night for the first time in ages!"

More questions? Just ask!

Aesthetically pleasing, well functioning dentures can have a marked positive effect on your personality and your quality of life. If you have further questions about neuromuscular dentures or your own special circumstance, don't hesitate to ask us.

Click here to read about the History of Dentures