At Dentistry by Shane Nelson DDS, we are pleased to treat our valued patients from Overland Park, Kansas, and the surrounding area like extended members of our own “dental family.” We bring a warm, non-judgmental, and highly personalized approach to care using cutting-edge technologies and advanced techniques, such as Gneuromuscular (GNM) dentistry. 

GNM dentistry is all about identifying and restoring the healthy balance that supports comfortable function. It includes treatments with special oral appliances and therapies such as using a TENS machine. The tissues and structures of your mouth, face, and jaws ideally function as a “well-oiled” machine. Any time one of these “parts” is stressed, it can lead to dysfunction or a collection of disorders. Some symptoms include: 

• Headaches or migraines. 
• Facial and jaw pain. 
• Earaches.
• Neck and shoulder pain.
• Jaw “locking”. 
• “Noisy” jaw, i.e., popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth. 
• Tinnitus. 

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) behave as “hinges,” facilitating smooth and painless jaw movements. However, when “disordered,” the TMJs give rise to all sorts of chronic problems, which can evolve and grow more frequent and severe over time. 

Disordered TMJs may be rooted in conditions such as “bruxism.” Bruxism refers to teeth grinding. You may be a nocturnal bruxer and grind your teeth at night while sleeping. Or you may be a daytime bruxer and grind your teeth while concentrating or when stressed. Bruxism is also characterized by jaw clenching. 

Telltale signs of bruxism include: 

• Chipped teeth. 
• Worn enamel. 
• Cracks and fractures. 
• Worn dental work. 

Fillings, crowns, and other dental work can wear down prematurely among those who habitually grind their teeth and clench their jaws. Furthermore, these behaviors can place considerable stress on the joints and surrounding tissues, as well as on teeth and restorations. For this reason, bruxism is associated with TMD. 

As with all treatment plans, we start with an evaluation. We need to pinpoint the true nature of your concerns and the underlying cause of any symptoms. We understand the complex relationships between various “parts” of your mouth, face, and jaws. We also understand the interrelationships between various oral and maxillofacial conditions.

When combined with advanced diagnostic tools such as the K7 Evaluation System, our team is well-equipped to identify imbalances and precisely treat the underlying stressors. Treatments range from orthotic appliance therapy to orthodontic treatment to full mouth restorations. With GNM’s multi-faceted and tailored therapeutic options, we can achieve a healthy oral posture and resolve the effects of bruxism and TMD. 

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Nelson, please call (913) 297-7800. You may also request an appointment from this website.

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