I found this blog because I was looking for information about TMJ. I could really use some expert advice, and unlike some of the dentists I have dealt with in the past, your credentials seem impeccable.
Even though I am only in my early thirties, my teeth are a mess. I have a long-standing teeth grinding habit that forced me to get porcelain crowns on all my teeth 10 years ago. I’ve come to understand that the crowns were not well done. They are ugly and fake-looking, and my bite is completely screwed up. My jaw is crooked, and even my gums are messed up from poor placement of the crowns.
I need help, but my past experience has me really nervous about choosing a professional to work with. From what I can tell, I think I have to choose a cosmetic dentist or a prosthodontist. Now I read about this “neuromuscular dentistry” through your website. Your page says that is not a specialty, but should I look for someone like that to help me with my alignment issues?
I’ve spoken with an orthodontist, and he said that since my case is so complicated I should talk to a prosthodontist. I don’t know what to do at all.
Calvin in Grand Ledge
Dear Calvin,
As you have discovered, there is not a legally distinct speciality in neuromuscular dentistry, and this means that anyone can say that they provide this type of treatment, regardless of their training. You are on the right path, making sure you are checking into details of training and experience. This is the only way to establish whether or not a dentist can provide this type of treatment, which is in fact what will probably help you most.
And you don’t have to choose between the way your teeth look and the way they function – with the help of the right professional, you can have a beautiful smile that works beautifully, too. The key will be to find a dentist that is experienced and educated in both cosmetic dentistry and in TMJ treatment.
Grosse Pointe Woods cosmetic dentist Dr. Hadgis supports this blog as a courtesy service.