NuCalm™
Providing patients with a relaxing, rejuvenating dental experience.
The proprietary NuCalm™ system organically calms the brain within minutes. NuCalm leverages the synergistic benefits of four sensory applications: brain nutrients (natural anxiolytic neurotransmitters), CES (FDA-cleared cranial electrotherapy stimulation) to open the brain's receptors, NeuroAcoustic™ binaural beat software, and black out glasses. NuCalm is unique because it creates deep relaxation without using narcotics or controlled substances, causes no side effects, and requires no recuperative time.
NuCalm entrains a patient's brain waves to a frequency that causes relaxation and calm. Beta brain waves (13-30Hz) are associated with day-to-day wakefulness - mental activity consisting of cognitive, sensory and motor activities. High beta brain waves (23-40Hz) are associated with fear and anxiety. NuCalm brings the patient's brain waves from beta or high beta to the alpha range (8-12Hz). Alpha brain waves are associated with relaxation, meditation, and idleness. A patient with brain waves in the alpha range is unable to be anxious. NuCalm entrains the brain to the alpha range, naturally creating homeostasis, neuromuscular release, and relaxation.
Benefits of Using NuCalm
- Causes effective, safe anxiolysis where a relaxed state is induced and maintained for an entire healthcare procedure
- Patient's body is more receptive to treatment (natural resistance mechanisms are dulled)
- Reduces patient's motor responses - minimizing risk to patient and clinician during procedure
- Patient is conscious and can respond to voice commands during procedure
- Promotes efficiencies for clinician because patient is relaxed and still
- Is less intrusive than current sedation techniques - does not chemically compromise the central nervous system
- Patients can come and go on their own (there are no side effects, no recovery time needed, and no impairments)
- Patient's post-treatment experience is a feeling of rejuvenation and relief (NuCalm helps the brain achieve homeostasis of the central nervous system)
- Increased positive patient experiences - eventually will recondition patients to associate healthcare treatment with relaxation and rejuvenation
- Activate millions of patients that have neglected their healthcare due to fear and anxiety
NuCalm™ in the News
ABC Healthbeat Chicago Prime Time News 11-19-2009 - http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/health&id=7128901
What Patients Are Saying About NuCalm
“I feel incredible! I can't wait to get back to work to tell everyone about this.” - Susan
“I feel really relaxed - clarity - awesome experience. Thanks.” - Teresa
“I will never have another healthcare procedure done without NuCalm.” - Bea
“I have an almost euphoric sense. Neurochemical firing rejuvenation to extremities. I forgot a dental procedure was being done. Thanks for the opportunity.” - Jackie
“I feel ridiculously relaxed!” - Monica
“I feel completely relaxed. It if worked on me it will work on anyone.” - Gerry
“I could not have ever made it through my appointment without NuCalm. In fact, I ran out of my dentist's office before my appointment started last time.” - Marcia
“I can't really explain it. I just feel really good - thank you.” - Jon
“NuCalm was a very relaxing, therapeutic experience. I have chronic neck and shoulder pain. After NuCalm I had no pain, which is remarkable. Can I have this done every month?” - Judy
“Wow! I feel great! Feel like Valium!” - Susanna
“I am relieved and relaxed from all my stress this month! I want it for all my appointments” - Gina
“I feel a lot more comfortable than I have in previous experiences!” - Veretta
“The experience was beautiful!” - Randi
“A good experience.” - Mamie
“Loved it! It really helped me get through a procedure I was nervous about.” - Daina
“Very relaxing! Wonderful! Thank you!” - Vetima
“I was so comfortable and relaxed. I had no pain and no anxiety as they worked!” - Juanita
“The glasses, music, sensors, and pills provide a unique and relaxed experience, and tunes out the sound of the drill. I am not fond of that [the drill] sound.” - George
“Absolutely awesome! I'm sold and can't imagine doing it again without it!” - Meribeth
How NuCalm Improves Your Dental Practice
- Increased positive patient experiences
- Patients will appreciate the change from their old experiences
- Increased patient satisfaction
- Increased oral health compliance
- Increased referrals to friends and family
- Reduced procedure time
- 30-50% less procedure time as the patient is still and the procedure is no longer completed on a "moving target"
- Reduced local anesthetic
- A relaxed patient is more receptive to anesthesia and pain management techniques, thus reducing the dosage required to achieve the desired response
- Activate patients that have neglected their oral healthcare due to fear/anxiety (~60 million Americans)
- Higher percentage of case acceptance; less patient fear and less anxiety = less barriers to “yes” for treatment and at-home oral health compliance; patients will schedule additional appointments and keep them
What Dentists Are Saying About NuCalm
“Three days after using NuCalm it hit me. I was driving to work when I realized that after 28 years of practicing dentistry, I would no longer have to swallow all of my patient’s fear and anxiety. The realization brought me to tears! Now after 2 weeks of using this amazing technique, my team and I can't wait to get the next patient started. It takes us less than 5 minutes to get the patient started, then another 8-10 minutes before the patient is completely relaxed and I can begin their dental procedure. Our patients are calm, still, and relaxed throughout the entire appointment and when it is over they THANK us for a great experience... at the dentist! How cool is that? On average I am saving 20 minutes per hour of chair time because the patient is calm and relaxed, I am calm and relaxed, and my assistant is calm and relaxed! NuCalm is making me a hero with my patients and at the end of the day I go home refreshed and not tired! “Wow!” My entire team is energized now that they can offer this incredible process to any of our patients to eliminate their fear and anxiety about any dental appointment. Even my hygienists are using it now for cleanings and they love it! It is a whole new ballgame and I look forward to getting back to the office each morning and turning the next patient onto NuCalm!”
- Dr. Peter T. Harnois, Chicago, Illinois
“NuCalm has changed the way our patients feel about coming to our office. “I will never fear coming to the dentist again.” “That was the best dental appointment I have ever had.” “I might stop by just so you can NuCalm me.” “Where can I buy it?” “Thank you Dr. Kaufman for being on the cutting edge of technology and taking such good care of me.” When we hear comments like these from patients we’ve been serving for years, we know that we are offering an incredible dental experience and truly helping our patients.
The types of procedures we have performed using NuCalm include surgical extractions, root canals, periodontal treatment, and crown and bridge. These are not pleasant procedures. The NuCalm experience has been life changing for our patients and our team.
For myself this technology has allowed me to be more efficient. I have cut my procedure times down by thirty toforty percent in most cases. I am less stressed because my patients are at ease. The system is easy to use and within three minutes our patients are hooked up and relaxing. The fact that I can still communicate with them and they can respond as necessary makes my job that much easier. I leave my office feeling more relaxed. I never realized how much stress is transferred to us just from patient encounters. We become anesthetized to it but once I see my patient relax then I become more relaxed. Patients are referring family members and friends that have feared going to the dentist for years. It’s amazing to witness our patient’s sense of tranquility. When we see our patients in a state of pleasure rather than in a state of apprehension it is overwhelming to me and my team.”
-Dr. Louis Kaufman, Chicago, Illinois
“NuCalm is probably the best thing to happen to me and my practice since I started dentistry. Because of NuCalm, my team and I are more relaxed about potentially stressful patients that are scattered throughout our schedule. The relaxed mood is then transferred to our patients, they feel less stressed because they know that the NuCalm experience they are about to receive will relieve their anxiety. My fearful patients look forward to coming in now for the NuCalm experience.
For patients who have never experienced NuCalm and are apprehensive about their appointments, we introduce them to a whole new world of calmness. They are refreshed when they are done but can’t quite explain why or how, and often just continue to thank us for the experience.
Patients whom have experienced NuCalm are so excited about this ‘new discovery’ that they tell other patients. NuCalm has become an internal marketing tool that we never expected or knew existed.
Finally, NuCalm has made me a better dentist. When a patient is relaxed, dentistry is easier, better, and faster. I now enjoy practicing dentistry more than ever and my team and patients all feel the same way.
Now that I am a NuCalm practice, I would never go back to practicing without it.”
-Dr. Sam Simos, Chicago, Illinois
The NuCalm System
The contents of the NuCalm system are listed below.
- 30 - Applications of proprietary formulas
- 30 - Applications of electrodes
- 1 - Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation device
- 1 - NeuroAcoustic software
- 1 - MP3 player
- 1 - Noise-dampening headphones
- 1 - Micro current meter to test CES device and wires
- 1 – Black-out glasses
- 1 - Dark sunglasses
- Headphone, MP3, and CES wires
Brain Nutrients
The NuCalm brain nutrients, a proprietary orthomolecular formula, are specifically designed to maximize the reduction in anxiety in the brain and central nervous system. The formula includes:
- Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) - an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes a state of deep relaxation and calm
- L-Theanine - a free (non-protein) amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants (Camellia sinensis). L-Theanine supports the formation of GABA.
GABA
GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces the excitability of neurons. Over-stimulated or over-active neurons may lead to feelings of restlessness, irritability, and sleeplessness. GABA inhibits nerve cells from over-firing to promote feelings of calmness and stability. GABA is naturally produced from the amino acid glutamine and the sugar glucose. It is concentrated in the hypothalamus area of the brain and is known to play a role in healthy pituitary function, which helps maintain hormone synthesis, proper sleep cycles, and body temperature.
GABA is the only amino acid that can pass through the blood-brain barrier when administered orally.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid that has been shown to induce a general calming effect. The natural effects of L-Theanine include:
- Stimulating the production of alpha brain waves
- Protecting and restoring the brain
- Inducing deep states of relaxation
- Up regulating GABA - increasing its clinical efficacy and relaxation effect
Studies show that L-Theanine plays a role in inducing the same calm and feeling of well-being as meditation, massage, or aromatherapy.
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)
The Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation device produces low amounts of electrical current (close to the cell’s own electrical values - micro current is less than 1,000,000th of an Amp). This easy-to-use device has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Research over the past 50 years indicates an increase in metabolism of neurotransmitters as evidenced by an increase in the metabolites of the neurochemicals. Other research points to a normalization and balance of the brain’s neurochemistry by reestablishing optimal neurotransmitter levels. Low-level electrical current interacts with cell membranes in a manner that produces modifications in information transduction associated with classical second messenger pathways. Electrical engineering studies found that a small fraction of CES current actually reaches the thalamic area of the brain facilitating the release of neurotransmitters. Studies have also recorded reduced rigidity in the central nervous system stimulation process and enhanced activity of the alpha-rhythm generating systems.
Combining CES with precursor neurotransmitters causes a profound state of relaxation and anxiolysis. QEEG and EEG’s indicate a brain wave shift occurring whereby the patient’s brain activity slows down - from beta brain waves of high alertness and anxiety to alpha brain waves that are present during a relaxed, pre-sleep state.
NeuroAcoustic™ Software
The proprietary NeuroAcoustic software provided in the NuCalm system uses Frequency Following Response (FFR) that initiates a change in brain waves. According to extensive research, a scientifically validated neurophysiologic response is initiated when an auditory pacing signal is presented to the brain. Solace Solutions has developed significant advances in the design of binaural and monaural beat sound acoustics, which are overlaid with classical music and administered to the patient using an MP3 player and noise-dampening headphones. The NeuroAcoustic brain entrainment software moves the patient’s brain waves from the high beta brain wave frequencies associated with anxiety (23 Hz-40 Hz) to brain wave frequency patterns of alpha (primarily 8 Hz-12 Hz). These alpha brain waves are associated with deep relaxation and calmness.
Binaural beats are auditory brainstem responses, which originate in the superior olivary nucleus of each hemisphere. They result from the interaction of two different auditory impulses, originating in opposite ears, registering below 1,000 Hz and which differ in frequency between one and 30 Hz (Oster, 1973). For example, if a pure tone of 500 Hz is presented to the right ear and a pure tone of 510 Hz is presented simultaneously to the left ear, an amplitude modulated standing wave of 10 Hz, the difference between the two tones, is experienced as the two wave forms mesh in and out of phase within the superior olivary nuclei. This binaural beat is not heard in the ordinary sense of the word (the human range of hearing is from 20-20,000 Hz). It is perceived as an auditory beat, and theoretically can be used to entrain specific neural rhythms through the frequency-following response, thus modulating the brain wave frequency in the case of NuCalm to 8 Hz and 12 Hz frequencies.
Black-Out Glasses
The blackout glasses, dark sunglasses, or eye masks used in the NuCalm system block light so patients are not stimulated through the visual cortex and can maintain the relaxed brain state.
The NuCalm Experience
The NuCalm system takes approximately 3 minutes for patient setup and approximately 5 additional minutes before the patient experiences deep relaxation. The NuCalm NeuroAcoustic software paces the patient’s brain waves between 8 Hz and 12 Hz throughout the procedure. Once the dental procedure is completed, the NuCalm components are removed and the patient will experience a relaxed, refreshed feeling with no side effects and no recuperative time needed.
NuCalm in Action
4.2.1 Brain Waves
The brain emits weak electrical impulses (brain waves) that can be measured on the surface of the head. The predominant frequency of electrical impulses correlates with different types of mental states and activities. Brain waves are classified into four categories, each with an associated mental state:
- Delta - 0.5 to 4 Hz (deep sleep)
- Theta - 4 to 7 Hz (light sleep, daydreaming)
- Alpha - 8 to 12 Hz (awake, relaxed)
- Beta - 13 to 30 Hz (awake, excited)
- High Beta - 23 to 40 Hz (awake, anxious)
Delta brain waves are seen only in the deepest stages of sleep. Theta brain waves are seen in light sleep and drowsiness. Alpha brain waves are present in relaxed and effortless wakefulness. Beta brain waves are seen in the normal awake state. High beta brain waves are invoked by fear and anxiety.
NuCalm brings brain waves from the beta range to the alpha range. By inducing alpha brain waves, NuCalm ensures that a patient is relaxed. The figure below shows the brain waves of a patient using NuCalm. Note that at nearly the 4 minute mark, the patient's brain waves are slowed to below 13Hz (alpha range). Also note that at 10'30" the headphones and eye glasses were removed and the patient was shown a dental drill, eliciting an anxious response.
NuCalm brings the patient's brain waves from beta or high beta to the alpha range (8-12Hz). Alpha brain waves are associated with relaxation, meditation, and idleness. A patient with brain waves in the alpha range is unable to be anxious. NuCalm entrains the brain to the alpha range, naturally creating homeostasis, neuromuscular release, and relaxation.