Only as much as necessary.
Temporomandibular Joint Problems
When teeth, bite, and joints are out of balance
The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It works thousands of times every day when speaking, chewing, swallowing, and yawning.
If the teeth and jaws do not work together harmoniously, the temporomandibular joint can become overloaded and, over time, cause discomfort.
Typical symptoms include:
• pain when chewing
• clicking or grinding noises
• limited mouth opening
• tension in the head, neck, or facial area
• reduced chewing strength
Such complaints should be taken seriously—but at the same time, they are often very treatable.
Cause: tooth or jaw misalignment
A suboptimal bite can permanently disrupt movement patterns in the temporomandibular joint. This causes the joint to repeatedly resort to a “compensatory movement,” which can lead to pain or functional disorders in the long term.
We therefore carefully examine:
- how the teeth relate to one another
- whether the bite is guided physiologically
- how the temporomandibular joints react during movement
- whether there are faulty contacts or excessive loads
If there are clear indications, orthodontic treatment can provide significant relief.
What treatment options are available?
1. Orthodontic correction
If the cause lies in a tooth or jaw misalignment, aligner- or bracket-based correction can sustainably improve joint loading.
2. Michigan-Schiene (Aufbissschiene)
In many cases, an initial stabilizing splint therapy is advisable. This:
- relieves the musculature
- guides the joint into a physiological position
- reduces clenching and grinding
- improves movement patterns
The splint is usually worn at night.
3. Interdisciplinary evaluation
In cases of pronounced or unclear complaints, we can arrange referrals to the appropriate specialists if desired—for example:
- physiotherapy
- CMD specialists
- oral and maxillofacial surgery
Depending on the cause, we combine the measures in a sensible way.
When is orthodontic treatment advisable?
We recommend correction when:
- the misalignment is clearly identifiable as the cause of the complaints
- the joints are repeatedly overloaded
- faulty contacts or “forced bites” are present
- the tooth position is functionally unstable
Splint therapy alone can alleviate symptoms—but orthodontic treatment often addresses the underlying cause.
Our approach: precise diagnostics, gentle treatment
We work carefully and with a clear focus on what is medically appropriate.
Whether a splint, orthodontic treatment, or a combination of both measures: We explain transparently what is possible and what is not.
The goal is always a stable, functionally balanced chewing system that works without complaints in the long term.