Clicking and grinding in the jaw
Distinct sounds when opening the mouth, yawning or chewing firm food may indicate displacement of the articular disc.
- We treat TMJ using digital technology
- Helping you chew and smile normally again
- We help fight bruxism
- Preparing for full dentures
When should you see a gnathologist?
Many patients endure pain in the temple and neck area for years, attributing it to stress or fatigue. The actual cause is often hidden jaw-joint dysfunction or an occlusal disorder.
Pain and muscle spasms
Aching or shooting pain around the ear, cheekbones, temples, neck or shoulder girdle that becomes stronger toward evening.
Restricted movement
Difficulty opening the mouth wide, morning jaw locking or difficulty chewing firm food.
Bruxism and tooth wear
Involuntary grinding or clenching during sleep, chipped teeth, thinning incisal edges and increased sensitivity.
Frequent headaches
Tension in the back of the head and forehead or migraine-like episodes that are not relieved by analgesics or neurological treatment.
Bite problems
A sense that the teeth meet “in the wrong place”, a shifted smile midline and rapid fatigue while speaking.
When should you see a gnathologist?
In modern evidence-based medicine, a tooth is not viewed as an isolated unit but as a key part of one biomechanical system. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex and sensitive joints in the body.
TMJ and the articular disc
They enable three-dimensional jaw movement. Displacement of the cartilage disc can block the condyle and trigger a chain reaction of overload throughout the craniofacial system.
Jaw hinge
Facial muscle system
The masseter, temporal and pterygoid muscles are the first to develop compensatory hypertonicity, contributing to spasms, trigger-point pain and night-time bruxism.
Myodynamics
Posture and cervical spine
A forward head position or slouching changes the jaw trajectory. In turn, TMJ imbalance can create compensatory movement patterns in the neck.
Kinetic chain
Occlusion and breathing
Tooth contacts influence jaw position. Improper closure may narrow the airway during sleep, contributing to snoring and sleep apnoea.
Airway
What does gnathology address?
Gnathology studies the physiology of the dental and jaw system and is closely connected with dentistry. Its principles are considered in many types of dental treatment.
This is primarily because normal occlusion must be restored and maintained. Gnathology helps to:
- restore the anatomical functions of the dental and jaw system;
- determine the centric relationship of the jaws;
- identify disorders associated with TMJ disc displacement;
- reduce muscular and ligamentous hypertonicity;
- assess links between dental disorders and other body systems;
- determine the anatomical relationship of the jaws;
- provide muscle-relaxation therapy;
- restore occlusal tooth surfaces affected by bruxism and pathological enamel wear;
- assess articulatory and occlusal relationships.
When should you see a gnathologist?
At RoyalDent, we do not rely on guesswork. TMJ treatment is based on a digital protocol and precise diagnostic examinations.
No impressions or discomfortDIGITAL PROTOCOL 01
3D dental scanning
A high-precision optical impression is captured in minutes. There is no cold impression material or gag reflex, and the patient can immediately see a virtual model of both jaws on screen.
Sub-millimetre precisionDIGITAL PROTOCOL 02
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
A detailed 3D assessment of the TMJ bone structures. We evaluate condylar symmetry, joint space and bone condition to support an accurate diagnosis.
Dynamic force analysisDIGITAL PROTOCOL 03
Digital occlusal analysis
High-precision computer analysis using modern systems and technologies identifies overloaded areas that may contribute to joint instability and enamel wear.
Anatomical TMJ correctionDIGITAL PROTOCOL 04
Splint therapy (occlusal splints)
Custom occlusal splints gently unload the joint, help normalise masticatory-muscle tone and reduce clicking and pain.
Comprehensive conservative TMJ therapy
In 95% of clinical cases, temporomandibular joint disorders can be managed with gentle non-surgical methods. We gradually normalise muscle tone and reposition the joint.
METHOD 01
Therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation
A personalised programme of therapeutic exercises for the jaw and neck muscles. It restores a natural mouth-opening path and strengthens the supporting ligament system.
Home protocol for maintaining muscle tone
METHOD 02
Splint therapy (occlusal splints)
A custom-made appliance reduces excessive load, distributes pressure and supports a physiological lower-jaw position.
Worn during sleep and periods of stress
METHOD 03 — TEAM REVIEW
Interdisciplinary clinical review
The RoyalDent gnathologist coordinates a team that may include an orthodontist, prosthodontist and other specialists. This creates one consistent treatment plan.
Orthodontist · Prosthodontist · Gnathologist · Other specialists when indicated
METHOD 04
Botulinum therapy for facial muscles
Microinjections of medical products into overactive masticatory muscles when clinically indicated. They may help reduce tension and unload the joint.
Response is assessed individually
Stages on the way back to comfortable living
Gnathological treatment is a clear, structured and careful process. This is how we work step by step to restore comfort and function:
Consultation and diagnostics
Clinical examination, manual palpation of the masticatory muscles, 3D dental scanning, tomography review and digital occlusal analysis.
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Splint therapy
A personalised splint is made. It gently reduces muscle hypertonicity and supports a physiological joint position.
Guidance from the first days
Assessment and adjustment
Regular monitoring of joint progress and splint adjustment. Planned occlusal contacts are refined as treatment progresses.
Every stage is monitored
Bite stabilisation
The achieved therapeutic jaw position is stabilised with restorative or orthodontic treatment when indicated.
A durable result
What to expect — and what not to expect
In many cases, once the temporomandibular joint position has been normalised, the final stage is restorative treatment. This may involve restoring individual teeth — usually 8 to 16 units — or full-mouth rehabilitation when the dental arch is significantly compromised.
This can be a substantial investment, but in many cases it is required to reduce chronic pain and discomfort and restore quality of life.
- There is no “one-week miracle”. Joints and muscles respond to gradual rehabilitation.
- A painless click does not always require treatment. The decision is based on the full combination of symptoms and risks.
- A splint is a stage, not always the finish. Orthodontic and/or restorative treatment may follow.
- Typical time frames: splint therapy 4–12 months; orthodontics 12–24 months; restorative treatment is planned after stabilisation.
- The goal is reduced pain, stability and function. The joint may not become completely silent, and that can be acceptable when there is no pain or restriction.
TMJ diagnostics and treatment prices
- Initial dentist consultation30 €
- Intraoral 3D scanning70 €
- Night guard200 €
The final treatment plan, need for additional examinations and total cost are determined after an in-person consultation and diagnostics.
FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions
We've collected what patients ask most frequently. Didn't find the answer?
A gnathologist assesses the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles and the way the teeth meet. Reasons to book a consultation include pain, clicking, limited mouth opening, bruxism, tooth wear and load-related headaches.