What is Neuromuscular Dentistry? To understand Neuromuscular Dentistry, it helps to first know a few things about your occlusion or “bite”. Your occlusion is the way that your upper and lower teeth fit together. The muscles of your head and neck posture your jaw and hold the lower teeth close to the upper ones. You don’t consciously hold your jaw in this position-it is “programmed” in your brain. Even though the present position “programmed” by your brain seems like it would be the optimal position, it is not always the best one for you. Neuromuscular Dentistry places the occlusion where the muscles that control jaw position are at their best for optimal function and comfort. Many individuals do not realize that muscles play an important role in dentistry. The science of Neuromuscular Dentistry evaluates and treats your overall oral health by considering how your muscles, teeth and joints all work together. Your jaw posturing muscles may be overworked in attempting to maintain your present “programmed” position, even when you think they are relaxed. This condition can lead to a variety of problems including a less than ideal bite, muscle pain or dysfunction, or jaw joint problems. The Neuromuscular Dentist determines the jaw position that is associated with relaxed posturing muscles and adjusts or alters your occlusion (bite) to that position. There are always options to consider when you are choosing dental treatment. After initially evaluating your individual situation, Dr. Croft will discuss those options with you. Neuromuscular Dentistry becomes one of your options when/if you are contemplating aesthetic or cosmetic, reconstructive, or orthodontic dental procedures.