NEUROMUSCULAR DENTISTRY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Oakton, VA, September 29, 2005- Softouch Dental Care announced that Dr. Chung is at the forefront of bringing Neuromuscular Dentistry (NMD) to Northern Virginia. Neuromuscular Dentistry is extremely important for the overall health of dental patients, and it examines how the muscles, teeth and joints all work together.

Neuromuscular Dentistry can help to alleviate symptoms such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and clicking or popping of the jaw. A large majority of people in the United States suffers from these symptoms that are either misdiagnosed or dismissed as having no physiological cause. In a number of cases, these symptoms can actually be related to temporomandibular joint syndrome, also referred to as TMJ. TMJ related symptoms, like clenching of the teeth, could cause tension headaches. Constant contraction of the fibers within a muscle creates tension or a pressure of a tight feeling.

“Neuromuscular Dentistry has allowed sufferers of headaches to receive relief by putting the temporomandibular joint back into alignment and by placing the jaw into its optimal position”, said Dr. Michael Chung, D.D.S., and P.L.C., of Softouch Dental Care. “Unfortunately, many headaches are misdiagnosed and are blocked with medications, but the cause of the disease and the damage from bite malocclusion will continue to persist until is properly corrected with Neuromuscular Dentistry.”

Dr. Chung uses state-of-the-art technology to determine if symptoms are caused by malocclusion and what the optimal jaw positioning should be to alleviate pain and discomfort for patients. “As a Neuromuscular Dentist, my immediate concern is to provide relief for pain related symptoms so that patients can have a healthier way of life that is free from unnecessary surgery and oral medications,” said Dr. Chung.

Softouch Dental Care uses computerized jaw-tracking instruments to record jaw movement, resting position and path of mouth closure. Dr. Chung utilizes Electromyogrpahy to measure the jaw’s muscle function in both its stressed and relaxed positions. This technology also measures the jaw-to-skull relationship to determine if there is a structural imbalance. The practice also utilizes Sonography technology to record jaw joint sounds and to detect any abnormalities and traditional x-rays of the jaw are also taken to help evaluate the condition and position of the joints.

Softouch Dental Care is already treating numerous TMJ related cases. The practice uses a technology called ULF-TENS, which stands for Ultra Low Frequency Trans Electrical Neural Stimulation to massage the muscles. The rhythmic pulsing relaxes the muscles by increasing blood flow. Temporary devices such as orthotics are also used in the treatment process and allow Dr. Chung to make easy adjustments to the plastic without harming the teeth.

“Long term management is the best way to correct a bite in a permanent way and can even create a non-invasive facelift,” said Dr. Chung. “By simply smoothing and reshaping the enamel of the teeth, a bite can be corrected and permanent orthotics that fit over the back of the teeth can be designed to maintain the bite. Reconstruction of the teeth permanently realigns and provides structural support for the jaw.”

About Softouch Dental Care

Softouch Dental Care of Oakton, Virginia is a dental practice that has cornered a “five-star” approach in providing cosmetic and comprehensive restorative dentistry. The practice is leading the way in providing a comprehensive approach to dental care. Dr. Chung is one of the foremost experts in Neuromuscular Dentistry in Northern Virginia and less than 1% of United States doctors are specialized in this area. Dr. Chung parlays dental medicine with state-of-the-art technology in order to provide his guests with the best treatment solutions for their smile makeovers. Softouch Dental Care provides comprehensive care to guests seeking dental solutions that will improve their smiles, self-esteem and overall well-being.