There are different terms existing such as TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) or Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ), or Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD)or Myofacial Pain Dysfunction (MPD).
They all refer to the same problem that leads to some or all of these symptoms:
Headaches and facial pain
Pain around the jaw points
Tooth grinding and clenching
Stiff neck or stiff shoulders
Popping or clicking in the jaw
Limited movement of the jaw
Ringing in the ears or pain around the ears
Cracking, chipping or breaking of dental restaurations
Treatment of TMJ consists of several steps. Diagnosis is the first and important step before treatment. With an ultrasonic device for the functional analysis of the jaw and the joint we measure the movement of the lower jaw respectively to the upper jaw and to the scull base. Thereby we detect malfunction of the mandibular joint caused by disturbed occlusion or systematic disorder. The computerized measurement we transfer to a bite- and chewing-simulator in our laboratory. This allows us to visualize the real motion of your jaw and your joint.
With these information we can produce a mouthguard to prevent you from grinding or clenching your teeth at night.
We also often combine these therapy with treatments of an physiotherapist or osteopath.
These treatments have been successful for many patients suffering from chronic facial pain.
