Pain-free through targeted temporomandibular joint therapy
Temporomandibular joint therapy (CMD)
Back pain, headaches and tinnitus can be caused by craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). Our dentists can help you with targeted TMJ therapies.
What is CMD?
CMD is the abbreviation for craniomandibular dysfunction. It is a functional disorder caused by the teeth and jaws. As a rule, the upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly. There are different forms of incorrect tooth and jaw positioning. What they all have in common is that they have an effect on the body and thus lead to a CMD disorder, which can be accompanied by TMJ pain or other pain. There are many other CMD symptoms (see diagram).
Who would think, for example, that an ear problem is related to the bite, or a rash from the increased tension of the scalp caused by an incorrect bite. It is even harder to imagine that problems with the feet or other areas of the body can be caused by an incorrect bite. The bite is often involved in disorders of the shoulders, arms and hands. Therefore, it can happen that after successful splint therapy, bite correction or orthodontics, numbness of the hands or a "frozen shoulder" simply disappears. This can only be understood with a deep understanding of the anatomy and bodily functions. It's like a domino game that goes from the head downwards: the bite influences the temporomandibular joint, the temporomandibular joints influence the head joints and the cervical spine, the masticatory muscles influence the cervical muscles and so on.
Many patients with an incorrect bite, after accidents, whiplash or incorrect posture suffer from CMD, craniomandibular dysfunction.
We are a competence center for CMD treatment and provide the highest level of care in splint therapy, bite correction, accompanying CMD treatment, pain therapy and coordination of therapists such as orthodontists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, orthopedists, neurologists, psychologists and metabolic specialists.
In the USA, CMD is called the "big imposter" because the symptoms of CMD often occur somewhere other than the cause, the teeth and jaws. See the blue chart.
What are the causes of CMD?
The development of CMD is multifaceted. CMD can be caused by the following points:
- Developmental disorders
- Heredity (malocclusions, dysgnathia)
- Accidents
- Poor posture, bad working posture
- long limp
- orthopaedic problems
- neurological problems
- Breathing problems, allergies
- Dental treatment (prolonged retention, filling or crown that is too high)
- Orthodontic treatment
- Bite too deep
- Backbite
- Crossbite, head bite
- Tooth loss, loss of support in the posterior region
- Tooth loss, loss of the middle between the lower jaw and upper jaw
- psychological problems
Treatment methods
Craniomandibular dysfunctions and splint therapy
In order to compensate for an incorrect bite in the case of CMD or TMJ pain, to protect the teeth, jaws and TMJ and to relieve pain, splints are made as CMD treatment. We work with relaxation splints for the night and bite correction splints for the day. Especially before bite correction with dentures or orthodontics, it is absolutely necessary to prepare with bite splints.
Craniomandibular dysfunctions and pain therapy
CMD treatment or the treatment of temporomandibular joint pain can extend over a few to many months. Patients are examined at regular individual intervals, the bite splints are checked and the CMD symptoms are measured using analog scales. The CMD treatment is adjusted based on the results. Pain must be completely or partially eliminated before dentures are made.
Craniomandibular dysfunctions and bite correction
As soon as the bite splints have achieved relaxation and relief of the symptoms and pain of CMD, a bite correction can be planned. This can be achieved with new fillings, dentures, orthodontics and by bonding new occlusal surfaces. CMD treatment is planned individually.
Craniomandibular dysfunctions and accompanying therapy
CMD and temporomandibular joint pain are usually not only caused by problems in the bite and temporomandibular joint, but are often a combination of different issues. For this reason, we work together with various therapists (orthodontists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, speech therapists, internists, cardiologists, orthopaedists, neurologists, sleep medicine, podoorthesiologists, podiatrists, psychologists and metabolic medicine) in CMD treatment and splint therapy (bite splints and bite correction).
Self-test
Of course, it is not possible to diagnose or rule out CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction) without a thorough examination. Our self-test (CMD Check) is therefore intended to list possible symptoms and serve as a guide:
- Would you say that your bite is not right?
- Do you have temporomandibular joint pain?
- Do you hear a cracking or rubbing sound when chewing?
- Do you have difficulty chewing?
- Do you hear a cracking or rubbing sound when moving your mouth?
- Is the mobility of the lower jaw restricted?
- Do you often suffer from headaches?
- Do you suffer from tension in your neck?
- Do you suffer from shoulder tension?
- Do you have pain in your spine?
- Do you suffer from mood swings?
- Do you often feel dizzy?
- Do you grind your teeth?
- Do you often clench your teeth?
- Do you suffer from ringing in the ears such as tinnitus?
- Do you have very sensitive teeth?
To evaluate the CMD self-test, please add up the questions that you answered with "Yes" and compare the number as follows:
0 to 1
A CMD disorder is unlikely.
2 to 3
A CMD disorder is possible.
To be on the safe side, you should ask a specialist for advice.
More than 3
A CMD disorder is likely!
Please have yourself examined by a specialist.
A warm welcome
The first step to a naturally beautiful smile
We look forward to getting to know you in a personal consultation and using our knowledge and experience to help you achieve a naturally beautiful smile.