Temporomandibular joint problems
What does a “pelvic obliquity” have to do with orthodontics?
A lot!
Almost 90% of the adult population suffers from pelvic obliquity. This leads to one-sided tension in the muscles. If the tolerance limit is exceeded due to stress or other strains, the first reactions often occur in the jaw and head area. This leads to teeth grinding and clenching, and the jaw joints are misloaded. This can lead to pain in the jaw joint, jaw joint clicking, headaches, cervical spine syndrome, back pain and misaligned teeth. In collaboration with physiotherapists and orthopaedists, targeted splint therapy can restore balance to the muscles and thus restore well-being.
Cranio-mandibular dysfunction (CMD)
When the jaw hurts.
A “wrong bite” can also cause headaches or back pain. The effects of a bad bite on our entire body and the associated general health are often underestimated. This can result in, for example, jaw joint pain, painful neck tension, headaches and even dizziness.
The stomatognathic system, i.e. the interaction between the temporomandibular joint, teeth and muscles, must be perfectly balanced for smooth function. Even a single tooth can lead to asymmetry in the temporomandibular joints. This asymmetry is transferred to the whole body and leads to changes in the entire musculoskeletal system. The person is no longer in balance! This is known as cranio-mandibular dysfunction (CMD).
Typical symptoms
Headache (migraine)
Susceptibility to stress and sleep disorders
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dizziness
Teeth grinding with sometimes clearly visible tooth wear
Rubbing, cracking or pain in the temporomandibular joints
Limited mobility of the lower jaw
Chronic tension
Muscle pain in the head and neck area
Cervical spine syndrome, shoulder and arm pain
Intervertebral disc and hip pain
Note: However, the symptoms listed above do not always necessarily indicate CMD.
Frequently asked questions about temporomandibular joint disorders and CMD
What is craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD)?
Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) refers to functional disorders in the interaction between the temporomandibular joints, chewing muscles and teeth. These disorders can be triggered or exacerbated by malocclusion, tension, teeth grinding, stress or postural problems. They often manifest themselves not only in the jaw, but also in other regions such as the head, neck or back.
What symptoms can indicate TMJ problems?
Typical symptoms include pain in the temporomandibular joint or in the chewing and facial muscles, clicking or rubbing in the temporomandibular joint and restricted mouth opening. Many sufferers also experience headaches, neck tension, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness or a feeling of pressure in the head. If such symptoms persist or recur, a CMD diagnosis should be considered.
Who should I contact if I suspect CMD - dentist, orthodontist or orthopaedist?
The first point of contact is often the dentist or orthodontist, as this is where the interaction between teeth, bite position and jaw joints is assessed. Depending on the findings, collaboration with orthopaedists, ENT specialists, neurologists or physiotherapists may be advisable. In our practice, we coordinate interdisciplinary collaboration where necessary to ensure that no important aspects are overlooked.
How does the diagnosis of TMJ problems work in your practice?
We start with a detailed discussion about complaints, previous illnesses and possible triggers such as stress or teeth grinding. We then examine the temporomandibular joints, muscles and bite position, listen to the joints and check mobility and any deviations. Depending on the situation, additional X-rays, functional analyses or digital scans may be useful in order to identify the cause of the complaints as accurately as possible.
What treatment options are there for CMD?
The treatment depends on the cause and can consist of several components. Customized bite or relief splints are often used to relax the temporomandibular joint and muscles. In addition, physiotherapeutic measures, relaxation exercises, posture corrections or, if necessary, orthodontic tooth and bite corrections can be useful. The aim is to reduce the strain on the temporomandibular joints and harmonize their function in the long term.
How long does CMD treatment take?
The duration varies greatly and depends on the severity of the symptoms, the underlying cause and the patient’s cooperation. Initial improvements often occur after just a few weeks with consistent splint therapy and accompanying physiotherapy. However, stable normalization of muscles and joint function can take several months to more than a year.
Can CMD complaints disappear completely?
For many patients, pain and dysfunction can be significantly reduced or even completely eliminated, especially if treatment is started early and all relevant factors are taken into account. However, it is important to change triggering habits such as clenching or grinding as well as unfavorable posture or stress patterns in the long term. In some cases, a certain degree of sensitivity or occasional discomfort may persist, but these can usually be easily controlled.
Does health insurance cover the costs of examination and splint therapy?
Statutory health insurance companies generally cover the costs of a medically necessary examination and a simple bite splint to treat functional disorders. More complex functional analyses, special splint designs or accompanying measures may be fully or partially covered by private insurance. Private health insurances and supplementary insurances have their own regulations – we will provide you with a transparent cost plan and support you with questions regarding reimbursement.
