The goal of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment with neuromuscular dentistry is to alleviate tension and pain in the joint by restoring ideal occlusion or bite. Dr. Lori Kemmet was the first female cosmetic dentist in the nation awarded the Mastership accreditation from The Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI)* and was the first of two practicing cosmetic dentists to hold a Mastership in neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry.

Alison's primary concern was the look of her smile. While discussing a cosmetic plan to give her a more beautiful smile, we discovered her teeth had worn to the point that her bite was over-closing. This unnatural bite and jaw position was causing her pressure and pain in the temporomandibular joint but also shortened the lower part of her face. This was aging her appearance. In addition to aesthetics, neuromuscular dentistry restores the bite and jaw to its most natural and comfortable position. Alison's smile has been beautifully enhanced, her chronic pain alleviated and her youthful appearance restored.

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TMJ and Full Mouth Restoration FAQs

What is Full Mouth Restoration?
Full Mouth Restoration, sometimes called neuromuscular dentistry, is the individual restructuring of each and every tooth. The goal of Full Mouth Restoration is to restore ideal occlusion (bite), therefore alleviating tension or pain from TMJ (temporomandibular joint or jaw joint) problems. Neuromuscular dentistry is a practice founded on the belief that a healthy smile begins with healthy function. This method of treatment determines the optimal physiological position of the jaw by measuring the relaxed position of head and neck muscles and then repositions the jaw to achieve those exact measurements.

What causes TMJ pain?
The TMJ or Temperomandibular Joint is the "hinge" that functions when the jaw opens and closes. There are many theories and practices to treating TMJ pain. Every TMJ dentist will have his or her own theory on TMJ treatment. People will often report neck and upper back pain, headaches, sore muscles and even migraines. Neuromuscular dentistry practices under the premise that when the teeth are shortened (either by wear, grinding, old age, clenching or even the cumulative effects of large amounts of dentistry) then the jaw over-closes causing stress and pressure in the TMJ. By restoring the vertical dimension to the teeth or by positioning a carefully fitted orthotic optimal health and function is restored to the TMJ. Many people suffering from TMJ pain have found relief using the techniques and theories of neuromuscular dentistry.

Why should you choose Dr. Lori Kemmet for Full Mouth Restoration?
Dr. Lori Kemmet has had extensive training in Full Mouth Restoration at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI)*. Because of her expertise, training and passion, she instructs other dentists from around the world on advanced cosmetic techniques at LVI. She has been teaching advanced cosmetic and full mouth restoration courses at LVI since 1998. In 2004, Dr. Kemmet earned the title of Mastership from LVI. She is now one of 8 dentists nationwide to obtain this award.

Who has neuromuscular problems?
Anyone can experience neuromuscular problems usually known as TMJ pain. Typically, those who were born with poor jaw position or improper bite (malocclusion) begin to experience problems in their teen years. Others who have had a history of teeth grinding may begin to have symptoms in their mid-40's or even earlier. Problems that can be addressed with neuromuscular dentistry include broken or missing teeth, as well as old, decaying dentistry and TMJ pain. When there is an imbalance in the muscles that open and close the jaw and/or bite then tension is created causing pain.

What are the treatment options for neuromuscular problems?
Fortunately, there are great ways to address neuromuscular problems. Neuromuscular issues require a neuromuscular approach and solution. Dr. Lori Kemmet uses a computerized diagnosis called Myotronics to both relax and determine ideal occlusion. Treatment options include an orthotic that temporarily repositions the bite the same way as bite guard therapy. Orthotic therapy always precedes Full Mouth Restoration. The other more fixed solution is the ideal restoration of each tooth (Full Mouth Restoration). Both approaches seek to alleviate pain and tension in the jaw, head and neck.

What does Full Mouth Restoration entail?
Full Mouth Restoration is the complete restoration of each and every tooth to an optimal shade, length, shape and position. This technique involves a preliminary information-gathering visit. Incredible Smiles uses special computer diagnostics and neuromuscular methods to relax the jaw muscles. Once Dr. Kemmet knows where the muscles and jaw are most comfortable, this information is used to make an orthotic that supports the comfortable position. Once comfort is established with the orthotic, the next visit is called the preparation. At this four-hour visit, she removes old dentistry and prepares each tooth. Guests leave the office with temporary restorations that position the occlusion optimally. Three to four weeks later, Dr. Kemmet removes the temporaries and permanently "seats" each restoration.

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