TMJ dysfunction

Treatment of the temporo-mandibular joint

How do temporo-mandibular joint problems arise?

Most problems with the temporomandibular joint result from a displacement of a cartilage disc (discus, similar to the meniscus in the knee). Affected individuals often suffer from difficulty opening the mouth, joint clicking, and pain in front of the ear. Even tension in the cervical vertebrae and a relative leg length discrepancy can have their roots in TMJ disorders.

Don't hesitate to make an appointment with our practice should you recognize yourself in this description.

Special diagnostics

With the help of manual functional analysis and, if necessary, an MRI scan of the joint by a radiologist, we are able to determine the aforementioned cause of the complaint relatively easily.

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Fast treatment solution

For immediate, short-term therapy solutions, we have two types of bite splints available.

The first is a custom-made splint, designed by Prof. Gelb of New York. This innovative solution not only relieves the jaw joint, but also actively promotes the healing process. The second option is the AquaSplint bite splint, specifically designed for the treatment of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). Both approaches serve to effectively and quickly alleviate discomfort.

Therapy for permanent healing

If treatment with the bite splint has been effective, consideration should be given to permanently maintaining this position of the temporomandibular joint through orthodontic measures or comprehensive prosthetic care.

This approach allows for consistent relief of the affected joint and subsequently leads to a permanent reduction and even complete elimination of the original discomfort, allowing the patient to once again lead a comfortable life free of discomfort.

What does TMJ mean?

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disease and refers to a disorder in the muscle or joint function of the temporomandibular joint.

The exact causes of TMJ are diverse and the importance of each factor is not clearly established.

People with TMJ often suffer from pain in the muscles of mastication, in the area near the ears and/or in the temporomandibular joints. Accompanying symptoms may include pain in the jaw, teeth, and ears, as well as in the face and head.

In addition, the problem may be manifested by increased teeth grinding (bruxism). Misalignment of the teeth (malocclusion) is not always the main trigger - psychological factors, stress, trauma, as well as connective tissue weakness, cervical spine syndrome and hormonal influences often play a significant role, either individually or in combination.

Die Gelb-Schiene ist eine maßgefertigte Kunststoff-Schiene für den Unterkiefer

Yellow splint according to Prof. Howard Gelb

The Yellow splint is a custom-made plastic splint for the lower jaw, designed with the aim of restoring the jaw to its correct position. Its targeted application relieves the jaw joint, which not only reduces the load, but also supports and accelerates the healing process.

Die Aqua Splint Wasserschiene ist eine wirksame CMD Behandlungsmethode

Aqua Splint water rail

The Aqua Splint water splint enables rapid differential diagnosis of TMJ and effective therapy. It consists of two interconnected water cushions (Hydrostatic Aqua Balance). Wearing this splint leads to rapid relief of pain and relaxation of the muscles.