SOMA Splint Therapy
The ndu Clinic offers splint therapy that has been developed over many years of research by Dr. Joseph Da Cruz.
Dr Da Cruz has developed an innovative Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) that integrates Splint, Orthodontic, and Myofunctional Appliance (SOMA) therapy into one phase of treatment. The SOMA therapy uses a multifaceted approach to treating TMJ pain and dysfunction.
How does it work?
The SOMA treatment involves gentle expansion of bony structures in the upper palate without creating pain. This produces major improvements in facial patterns and straightens teeth, while pacifying the nervous system by dampening down the sympathetic overdrive.
Through its design, the SOMA therapy avoids fight-back of facial muscles produced by regular appliances, which in turn aids orthodontic correction with great efficiency.
By reducing muscle fight-back, the SOMA therapy can effectively decompress the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) in a stable comfortable position to also provide immediate relief of Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD).
What are the benefits?
The benefits produced by the SOMA therapy are far more than just orthodontic and facial. The therapy has helped relieve different types of chronic pain, respiratory problems, TMD, neck/spine problems and immune system conditions.
There is a hypothetical possibility that the pituitary gland and pituitary thyroid adrenal axis functions improve when the cranium is widened. In addition, the SOMA therapy improves airway space, thus improving swallowing, speech, eating, breathing, and sleeping.
Why is SOMA better than other therapies?
There are two common problems found in standard fixed and removable dental appliances.
The first problem is that standard appliances lock the maxillary sutures and teeth. If the cranial sutures are jammed, they inhibit the Cranial Respiratory Impulse (CRI). The CRI is the continuous pulsation in the cranium whose strength is essential for optimum health.
The second problem many standard appliances encounter is the use of metal across the mid-line of the palate. This is another major source of stress which affects the CRI.
The SOMA therapy is able to avoid both of these problems due to its unique design. The therapy creates sufficient retention without jamming the cranial sutures, while the metal, circular design does not stress the wearer.
The technique prevents strain on the CRI and relaxes the muscles of mastication. When the muscles of mastication are relaxed, muscle fight-back does not occur around the bones of the face and jaw. This enables teeth to be orthodontically moved faster without relapsing. While of course it takes time to bring about bony changes, one of the most interesting aspects of the SOMA is that as soon as the brain perceives the correct realigning pressure, there is an immediate reduction in stress, sympathetic nervous system overactivity, an enhancement and balancing of the cranial respiratory impulse, opening of the nasal passages and relief of many muscle tensions.
By integrating splint therapy, orthodontics, and myofunctional treatment, the SOMA therapy can help in the realignment process of the cranial base thus establishing a sound dental architecture from which teeth can be aligned and remain stable.