TMJ / CMD
Functional jaw movement analysis
In our practice Dental Planet in Rojales, Torrevieja close to Alicante in Spain we use the most modern device available analyze jaw movements and statics – The Zebris JMA (jaw movement analysis) measurement system.
What is TMJ or CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction)?
The term craniomandibular dysfunction derives from the Latin words cranio = skull, mandibula = lower jaw, dysfunktion = malfunction (abbreviation CMD). TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint.
The chewing apparatus consists of the teeth (periodontium), jaw musculature, jaw and mandibular joint as well as the corresponding nerve pathways.
The nerve and muscle pathways of the masticatory apparatus are directly connected to the muscles and nerves of the neck, the cervix and the spine. Is this equilibrium of the masticatory organ disturbed or lost, the whole musculoskeletal system of the body is affected and can cause various symptoms
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Misaligned teeth and jaw malposition can have far-reaching, harmful effects on your body.
As already mentioned the masticatory system consisting of jawbone, jaw joint, periodontium and teeth should be working together like “clockwork” – harmonized movements without disturbances. An imbalance or an uneven bite can lead to extensive dysfunctions in the body.
- Muscular tension or
- Painful muscle inflammations of head-, neck- and back muscles.
- Grinding of teeth
- Snoring
- Mandibular joint pain
- Cracking and popping noises of the joint
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Earaches and ringing in the ears
- Insomnia
- Impaired balance
- Metabolic changes of organs
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Causes and triggers of misaligned teeth or jaw malposition
The fine-tuned masticatory system is closely interconnected with nerve pathways. If a part of this regulatory circuit is disturbed, the rest of the system can be overstrained in the attempt to balance the disparities.
Following circumstances can trigger a dysfunction:
- Missing of teeth
- Dental fillings that are too high or to low
- Crowns or bridges that do not exactly match the rest of the dentition
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Long-lasting dental treatments that overexpand the jaw joint
- Accidents causing defects in the mouth, jaw and joint area.
- Postural defects
- Rheumatic diseases
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Functional jaw movement analysis for the assessment of teeth and/or jaw malposition – diagnosis and treatment
Functional jaw movement disorders and tensions can be precisely examined with a so called face bow registration and/or computerized measurements. We use the Zebris system that counts to the best available on the market.
During your first visit to our practice we will take an impression of your upper and lower jaw. According to these impressions the laboratory then can manufacture an individual para-occlusal bite fork for the Zebris device.
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During your next visit to our practice the Zebris device is applied to your head and the measurements of the jaw registration itself are carried out.
The sensitive sensors of the face bow are interconnected with a specifically developed software. The measured values are transmitted to the system and calculated.
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The evaluated data are showing problematical areas very clearly. With the help of the software the optimal position of the mandibular joint can then be determined.
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DROS®-splint / occlusal maxilla splint
The special software determines the optimal position of the mandibular joint. Based on these calculations a so-called DROS®-splintis being produced for the patient. The DROS®-splint is a diagnostic and therapeutic occlusal maxilla splint. It is manufactured individually by a certified dental-technical laboratory. Unlike other splints the DROS®-splint is not a protective splint but a functional-therapeutic splint that does not get bitten through after a short while like it is often the case with protective splints.
Carrying this functional-therapeutic splint at certain times helps to restore the harmonic and relaxed interplay of the mandibular joint and masticatory muscles. The relaxation of the neck and back musculature facilitates the movements and improves the sense of balance.
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Usage of functional jaw movement analysis in connection with dentures and prosthodontics
Functional jaw movement analysis can be of great benefit for the patient if it comes to dentures and prosthodontics.
With the help of the acquired data the dental technician receives valuable and detailed information about the mandibular position. This information helps greatly to manufacture dental crowns, bridges, implants and dental prostheses according to the (maybe already perfect) centric of the mandibular jaw or can achieve a well balanced centric of the mandibular jaw with the new dentition.
Therefore functional jaw movement analysis is not “just” a specialized dental professional discipline but a very essential, integral treatment modality which ensures the perfect position of dentures in regards to the optimal mandibular jaw centric.
This presents a great and lasting relief for the patient as he experiences an alleviation of tension in the mandibular area.
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Advantages of functional jaw movement analysis in connection with a function-therapeutic splint (occlusal maxilla splint):
The treatment with a splint has following advantages:
- Joint disorders can be corrected
- Blockades of the mandibular joint are removed
- Less muscular tensions
- Less inflammations
- Reduced wear out of dental substance
- dysfunctional movements can be corrected
- More energy
- A more natural look due to relaxed facial muscles
- A better and restorative sleep
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Functional jaw movement analysis and functional-therapeutic splint (occlusal maxilla splint) for top athletes:
Top athletes can also benefit from the functional jaw movement analysis and the subsequent treatment with an occlusal maxilla splint: improved fitness level, improved balance as well as optimized coordination of movements. Many well-known professional athletes swear by the positive effects of splints that restore the centric mandibular jaw position. The rehabilitation of an optimal, centric and relaxed jaw position can increase the performance of top athletes, as the whole physiology and statics of the body are directly linked to the jaw. A displaced or tense mandibular jaw has negative effects on the whole body. By means of the state-of the art Zebris JMA (jaw movement analysis) measurement system we can provide athletes with more power, improved stamina, increased flexibility and mobility as well as more endurance and a better sense of balance.
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The use of the functional jaw movement analysis in our dental practice Dental Planet fits seamlessly into the aims of an up-to-date and highly professional dental treatment.
Do you have any questions? Just give us a call: Phone (+34) 96 671 72 36 – we are happy to help you!
You also can send us an e-mail with your questions and concerns: dentalnettqu@gmail.com
