Neuromuscular and Functional Disorders

Even if the jaw joint is healthy, imbalances in the muscular and nervous systems can cause serious loss of function. This group of disorders, especially limitation of jaw movements, asymmetries and muscle dysfunctions It manifests itself with.

Jaw Movement Limitations

  • Reasons: Post-traumatic fibrosis, muscle spasms, TMJ disc disorders, ankylosis.
  • Symptoms: Decreased mouth opening (< 30 mm), pain, difficulty in eating and speaking.
  • Treatment: Physical therapy exercises, splint, botox, surgical release.
  • Valinor difference: Functional treatment and aesthetic planning together.

Jaw Shift / Asymmetry Disorders

  • Reasons: TMJ disc dislocations, muscle asymmetries, developmental anomalies.
  • Symptoms: Jaw shifting to the right or left when opening, facial asymmetry.
  • Treatment: Orthognathic surgery, botox, splint–rehabilitation.
  • Valinor difference: Asymmetry treatment is performed together with aesthetic facial analysis.

Trigger Point Injections

  • Definition: Injection into intramuscular trigger points causing myofascial pain.
  • Agents: Local anesthetic, botulinum toxin, dry needling.
  • Valinor approach: It combines trigger point therapy with splinting and rehabilitation.

Masseter and Temporal Muscle Hypertrophies

  • Symptoms: Excessive growth of the chewing muscles, squareness of facial features, pain.
  • Treatment: Botox, surgical reduction, behavioral therapy.
  • Valinor difference: Preserving aesthetics and function simultaneously and integrating them into smile design.

Neuromuscular and Functional Disorders Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a neuromuscular disorder?

It is the disruption of coordination of jaw muscles and nerves.

2. What is functional impairment?

It is the loss of normal function of jaw movements.

3. What is limited jaw movement?

It is the opening of the mouth less than normal.

4. How wide is the normal mouth opening?

Approximately 35–45 mm.

5. What are the causes of jaw limitation?

Muscle spasm, joint disorder, trauma.

6. What is jaw displacement?

It is the sideways shifting of the jaw when opening and closing.

7. What causes jaw dislocation?

Muscle imbalance or joint disc slippage.

8. Is facial asymmetry functional?

Yes, it may be related to chewing disorders.

9. What is muscle hypertrophy?

It is the growth of muscles beyond normal.

10. What is masseter hypertrophy?

It is the square appearance of the face due to the enlargement of the chewing muscles.

11. Does masseter hypertrophy cause pain?

Sometimes it causes pain.

12. How is masseter hypertrophy treated?

With Botox or surgical reduction.

13. What is temporal muscle hypertrophy?

It is the growth of the muscles in the temple area.

14. Does temporal hypertrophy cause headaches?

Yes.

15. What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Pain caused by trigger points in the muscles.

16. What is a trigger point?

It is the hardened and pain-sensitive area of the muscle.

17. What is trigger point injection?

It is the application of medication or botox to these areas.

18. Is trigger point injection painful?

No, there will be a slight pins and needles sensation.

19. Do jaw dysfunctions damage teeth?

Yes, it causes wear and tear and uneven chewing.

20. Do functional disorders affect digestion?

Yes, with the inability to chew.

21. What is a functional chewing disorder?

Chewing is one-sided or irregular.

22. Is one-sided chewing harmful?

Yes, it causes muscle and joint disorders.

23. Do functional disorders affect speech?

Yes, some sounds become difficult to make.

24. Do functional disorders affect facial aesthetics?

Yes, it can create asymmetry.

25. Does jaw restriction make eating difficult?

Yes.

26. Does limited jaw movement cause pain?

Yes, it is common.

27. Does muscle spasm prevent jaw opening?

Yes.

28. What causes jaw spasm?

Stress, bruxism, joint diseases.

29. How to relieve jaw spasm?

With muscle relaxants and exercise.

30. Does jaw restriction require surgery?

In advanced cases, yes.

31. Do functional disorders occur in young people?

Yes.

32. Are functional jaw disorders seen in children?

Yes, early diagnosis is important.

33. Can jaw displacement be corrected in children?

Yes, with orthodontics and exercise.

34. Are functional disorders more common in women?

Yes, hormonal factors may be involved.

35. Are functional disorders psychological?

Partly yes, stress triggers it.

36. How can we tell if it is muscle-related or joint-related?

With examination and MRI.

37. What is the treatment for muscle-related disorders?

Physical therapy, botox, exercise.

38. What is the treatment for joint disorders?

Plate, arthrocentesis, surgery.

39. Do functional disorders return?

Yes, if the habit persists.

40. Is there any preventive treatment for functional disorders?

Yes, plaque and regular checkups.

41. Do functional jaw disorders cause headaches?

Yes.

42. Is neck pain also possible?

Yes.

43. Do functional disorders cause shoulder pain?

Indirectly, yes.

44. Is there a relationship between stress and functional disorders?

Yes.

45. Are functional disorders associated with teeth grinding?

Yes.

46. Does teeth grinding cause muscle pain?

Yes.

47. Is there sound in functional disorders?

Yes, there may be a clicking sound.

48. Does sound occur with pain?

Generally yes.

49. Is heat application beneficial in functional disorders?

Yes.

50. Is cold application beneficial in functional disorders?

In the early days, yes.

51. Do functional disorders go away on their own?

Rare.

52. Are medications effective in functional disorders?

Yes, muscle relaxants are helpful.

53. Are medications a permanent solution?

No.

54. Is Botox a permanent solution?

No, it is effective for 4–6 months.

55. How many sessions of Botox should be done?

Usually 2–3 times a year.

56. Are there any side effects after Botox?

There may be mild swelling.

57. Does Botox make chewing difficult?

Temporary mild difficulty may occur.

58. Does Botox change the shape of the face?

If the muscles shrink, the face becomes thinner.

59. Is Botox safe?

Yes, in expert hands.

60. Who cannot receive Botox?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

61. Is exercise effective in functional disorders?

Yes.

62. Should exercises be done regularly?

Yes.

63. How often should exercises be done?

Several times a day.

64. How long do the exercises last?

5–10 minutes.

65. Do exercises reduce pain?

Yes.

66. Do exercises strengthen muscles?

Yes.

67. Is diet important in functional disorders?

Yes, soft foods are recommended.

68. Are hard foods harmful?

Yes.

69. Is chewing gum harmful?

Yes.

70. Is one-sided chewing harmful?

Yes.

71. Is sleep important in functional disorders?

Yes.

72. Does sleeping position affect jaw health?

Yes, sleeping face down is harmful.

73. Are stress reduction methods useful in functional disorders?

Yes.

74. Is meditation effective?

Yes.

75. Is yoga beneficial?

Yes.

76. Is massage beneficial for functional disorders?

Yes.

77. Which muscles are massaged?

To the masseter and temporal muscles.

78. Does massage reduce pain?

Yes.

79. Is massage a permanent solution?

No.

80. Who should do the massage?

Specialist physiotherapist.

81. Is surgery necessary for functional disorders?

Rare.

82. In what cases is surgery performed?

In cases of advanced limitation or muscle contractures.

83. How is surgery performed?

The muscle or joint is released.

84. Is surgery risky?

Like any surgery, it carries risks.

85. What is the recovery time after surgery?

Usually 2–3 weeks.

86. Should I exercise after surgery?

Yes.

87. Can a plate be used after surgery?

Yes.

88. How long does post-surgical pain last?

It usually passes in a short time.

89. Is there a recurrence after surgery?

Yes, if the habit persists.

90. What is the surgical success rate?

In most cases, recovery is achieved.

91. Can functional disorders be completely cured?

Yes, with early treatment.

92. What happens if you are late?

Permanent damage may occur.

93. Do functional disorders recur?

Yes, if the habit persists.

94. What should be done to protect yourself?

Stress management, good oral care, regular checkups.

95. Which doctor should be consulted for functional disorders?

Maxillofacial surgeon and dentist.

96. Is orthodontics necessary in functional disorders?

In some cases, yes.

97. Can functional disorders be corrected in children?

Yes, with early intervention.

98. Can functional disorders be treated in the elderly?

Yes, but more difficult.

99. What is the success rate of treatment for functional disorders?

It is high.

100. Does quality of life increase in functional disorders?

Yes, with proper treatment, pain will decrease and function will improve.

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