Jaw joint complaints
Here's how the jaw joint works
Our teeth are part of a dynamic, moving system. The upper jawbone is fixed, while the lower jaw connects to the skull through the temporomandibular joint, supported by the chewing muscles, creating a complex 3-dimensional system. The movements between the two jaws vary for each individual, making joint movements unique. Our dental structure and any prosthetics in the mouth are active components of this complex system. Tooth contact must be in harmony with the temporomandibular joint and the supporting chewing muscles for the system to function properly. If any part of this unit malfunctions or is not properly restored (e.g., poorly designed prosthetics), harmony is disrupted, and the system can fail.
Nowadays, greater emphasis is often placed on the appearance of our teeth, sometimes sidelining the importance of proper function in prosthetic creation. In our professional opinion, aesthetic and functional principles are fundamentally inseparable. A functional prosthesis created with this balanced approach, having proper anatomical design, will inherently be aesthetic, as it restores the forms envisioned by nature.
You may have temporomandibular joint issues if you notice these symptoms
You should pay attention to warning signs, and if you notice them, it is advisable to consult a specialist as soon as possible to halt and reverse any harmful processes.
These symptoms are most commonly encountered:
- Joint pain, neck pain, back pain, headache
- Teeth grinding, clenching
- Broken teeth, broken prosthetics
- If you experience jaw clicking or pain
- Damage to the tooth support structures, gum issues
Successful methods for treating temporomandibular joint issues - jaw pain management
For successful treatment, dental prosthetics are crafted in an articulator within the dental laboratory. The articulator is designed to simulate the 3-dimensional relationship between the upper and lower jaws. There are also articulators that can be adjusted to individual values, programmed based on the patient’s specific measurements, ensuring that the prosthetics created are truly functional. At Helvetic Clinics, you will have the opportunity to have your prosthetics made in articulators programmed to individual values (Kavo, Protar evo 7), allowing for highly functional and fully customized prosthetics created by a jaw specialist (gnathologist).
Computerized measurement of individual temporomandibular joint values
Individual joint values are measured using a specialized computer-controlled ultrasonic registration device, the Kavo Arcus Digma II. This device analyzes the three-dimensional movements of the lower jaw to calculate the individual joint values, which are then programmed into the previously described customized articulator. These tools are also considered advancements in digital dentistry.
In personalized articulators, when designing the occlusal surfaces of the prosthetics, the master dental technician considers the patient's individual anatomy. This ensures that the cusps are placed correctly, without interfering with or obstructing the patient's natural joint movements. As a result, the prosthetics can be made so well that the patient might "forget" they are even there.
This method has numerous positive attributes from which you can benefit:
- Diagnosis and therapy of problematic temporomandibular joints and incorrect tooth contact (splint therapy)
- Establishing correct tooth contact and designing an occlusal surface system that harmonizes with individual anatomy when creating new prosthetics
Gnatology
Gnatology is the science concerned with the temporomandibular joint, occlusion (tooth contact), and the masticatory muscles. A dentist specializing in this field is known as a gnatological specialist or gnatologist. They identify issues through gnatological examinations and seek solutions through the interventions detailed above.
It is important to add that for individuals with advanced temporomandibular joint issues, we do not recommend treatment through dental tourism. Such cases often require regular, close adjustments and follow-ups, which can be significantly complicated or even rendered impossible due to the challenges of traveling between countries.
Gnatology prices
The prices for gnatological procedures can be found at the bottom of the page or you can read more on the dental pricelist page.
If you are experiencing jaw pain or believe that your prosthetics were not made to the appropriate quality, please schedule a dental consultation with our team by calling 053 930 1323!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Does jaw pain go away on its own?
Jaw pain often resolves on its own if it is caused by temporary overuse. However, if it persists or is a recurring symptom, seek a specialist for evaluation!
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