Facts about craniomandibular dysfunction
Definition:
Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) is a functional disorder of the temporomandibular joint. The interaction between teeth, jaw joints and masticatory muscles is disturbed
Reason for use:
Treatment of acute complaints, protection against secondary dental damage, relaxation of the muscles
Duration of treatment:
Relief can be expected after days to a few weeks
Private Costs:
Michigan splint incl. individual dental fabrication approx. CHF 790
What is craniomandibular dysfunction?
When the interaction between the temporomandibular joints and the masticatory muscles is disturbed, we speak of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). This is a generic term that covers very different disorders of the chewing apparatus. For example, CMD can be caused by misaligned or missing teeth. Disorders of the temporomandibular joints, poorly fitted dentures or psychological stress can also throw the finely tuned interplay of the masticatory apparatus out of balance.
At our practice in Zurich, we not only look at dental and jaw complaints when making a diagnosis, but also at the interdisciplinary interaction with other parts of the body. CMD patients often suffer from headaches and jaw pain, ringing in the ears, tooth wear or teeth grinding, for example. However, tension in the neck and throat muscles is also not uncommon with CMD, as the masticatory apparatus is connected to the rest of the musculoskeletal system.
During CMD treatment in Zurich, we first get to the bottom of the causes of the dysfunction. These causes are then treated in a targeted manner. The aim of the treatment is to alleviate the acute symptoms and at the same time prevent further damage to the teeth and jaw joints.
Frequently asked questions about CMD Zurich
How are back, shoulder, knee and hip pain related to the temporomandibular joint?
Misalignments of the temporomandibular joint can radiate into the rest of the musculoskeletal system, meaning that symptoms of CMD can occur in other areas of the body. Therefore, if there are unclear symptoms in the shoulder, back, knee or hip area, the teeth and jaw should also be considered under certain circumstances.
What symptoms can occur with CMD?
The symptoms of CMD can vary from person to person, which makes diagnosis difficult. Typical symptoms of CMD include pain and tension in the head, shoulders and neck, as well as other areas. Most patients suffer from teeth grinding or clenching, dramatic irreparable loss of tooth enamel and therefore tooth size, increased tooth wear, jaw clicking, frequent headaches or tinnitus. The opening of the mouth is often restricted, the chewing muscles are sensitive to pressure and hardened.
How effective is CMD treatment?
The chances of success with CMD treatment are very high, provided that the causes are identified and can be permanently cured. In order to ensure this, interdisciplinary therapy should take place if necessary, in which we involve therapists from other disciplines.
Should the treatment be accompanied by physiotherapy?
Accompanying physiotherapy is useful if the causes of CMD lie in other parts of the body. For example, incorrect posture or misalignments should be treated in parallel as part of coordinated therapy so that the dysfunction can be permanently corrected.
Does health insurance cover the costs of CMD treatment?
The dental examination & all diagnostics for CMD is usually fully covered by health insurance. Only the costs for the custom-made Michigan splint are to be borne by the patient. The cost of a Michigan splint is around CHF 790.
Your Benefits of Treatments at Our Dental Practice
- Owner-managed practice
- Central location near Zurich Main Station
- Over 20 years of experience in dentistry
- Dentists for implants, aligners, and reconstructive dentistry
- All treatments performed on-site
- Easy appointment scheduling & short waiting times
- Pain-free & gentle treatment methods
- Guaranteed quality according to SSO & ITI guidelines
- Warranty on dental and technical work in accordance with SSO standards
- Transparent, fair billing with optional flat-rate offers
Procedure for CMD treatment in Zurich
If you suspect that you are suffering from CMD, we will first carry out a thorough examination in Zurich. Your dentist will not only assess the condition and occlusion of your teeth, but will also check whether any existing dentures have been fitted correctly. It is also important for us to take your professional and private environment into account during treatment. For example, if you suffer from severe stress or spend a lot of time in a bad posture at work, this can also contribute to the development of CMD.
If necessary, we also work together with doctors from other disciplines in our interdisciplinary network in Zurich in order to make a reliable diagnosis and then plan a targeted therapy concept. This may include physiotherapy or psychotherapy, for example. From a dental point of view, the correction of misaligned teeth is important. Drug therapies and treatment with the so-called Michigan splint can also be considered. This harmonizes the interaction between the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints. The muscles relax and the teeth are protected from further damage.
In our practice, we also incorporate kinesiology approaches into the treatment concept. A trained therapist accompanies the dental therapy with individually tailored treatments. This includes, for example, jaw exercises to strengthen and relax the jaw muscles, relaxation of the central nervous system through acupressure and the release of tension in the body.
The kinesiology treatment approach also includes the targeted treatment of stressful issues using a special muscle test and the strengthening of resilience through integration into everyday life. Another useful component can be the activation of the fight-or-flight reflexes in the limbic system using scent therapy.
The exact course of CMD treatment varies greatly from patient to patient. The duration of treatment can also vary depending on the type of measures taken. We will be happy to see you in Zurich for a preliminary examination and then discuss with you how we can effectively and permanently alleviate your suffering.
Contact
Dentist Zurich - finest smile
Seidengasse 20
8001 Zurich
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Phone
044 504 57 56