Orthodontics and the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions help to correct misalignments and improve oral and jaw function.
- Symptoms: headache, migraine, neck pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, sounds in the ears – tinnitus, swallowing disorders, malfunction of the chewing organs – malocclusion, muscle tension in the neck-shoulder-head-jaw area, tension throughout the body
Osteopathy represents an excellent way to restore the balance of physical systems within the context of treatment and diagnosis of movement restrictions and blockages within the human body. In osteopathy, the lower jaw is considered to be part of a whole that can only function if its components harmonize with one another.
Osteopathy in orthodontics
Osteopathy assumes that humans are one, inseparable unity. Three systems, all of which influence one another, must be taken into account: the movement apparatus, the internal organs and the craniosacral system, which comprises the skull, sacrum and the spine as a connecting piece. The mandible is an important part of the craniosacral system, and thus plays an important role within the overall structure. Holistic orthodontic treatments should thus always be carried out with consideration for and, if necessary, inclusion of an osteopathic examination or treatment.
If one considers that a temporomandibular joint is moved 1,500 to 2,500 times a day, it quickly becomes clear that no other joint is moved as often. The cause of such functional disorders of the jaw joint, also called TMD (T = temporal = a bone on the side of the skull / M = mandibular or lower jaw / D = dysfunction), is usually found in the musculature, the immediate soft-tissue articulation or the joint itself. Whiplash, a broken tooth, or even a fall, e.g. on a slippery cellar staircase, can cause a difference in height between the right and left molars.
Physiotherapists cannot change the positioning directly; rather, our work is to harmonize all the muscles that act upon the chewing organ, whether directly or indirectly. Likewise, we can improve the mobilization of spine joints in order to eliminate the cause of the disturbance.
When the joint is healthy and the masticatory muscles are functioning well, they are usually unnoticed. Disturbances, pain or noises can occur if the bite is incorrect and the upper jaw and lower jaw meet in a position that is not ideal. Temporomandibular joint function is then disturbed. Even minor deviations are enough to impair the masticatory system and its adjacent structures. The patient feels symptoms.
Symptoms
- crackling sounds when chewing or yawning
- grinding or pressing together the teeth at night
- grinding down of the incisors (abrasion)
- restless sleep
- toothache (even though teeth, gums and jaw bones are healthy) = parafunction on healthy teeth
- earache or noises in the ear (tinnitus)
- respiratory disturbances during sleep
- pain radiating through the jaw / facial area
- slight opening of the mouth or a movement disorder associated with opening or closing of the mouth, often associated with pain
- jaw clamp (mouth can only open a bit)
- too much mobility of the lower jaw (extremely wide mouth opening, dislodgement)
- inflammation of the joint (arthritis), with rheumatic diseases or after joint injuries
- concentration trouble and learning disorder
- morning stiffness and joint pain
- visual disturbances
- pain in the face = trigeminal neuralgia
Temporomandibular dysfunction refers to the effects of this faulty positioning between the temporal bone and the lower jaw.
Causes
- rheumatic complaints (fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis)
- stress (biting teeth together)
- postural damage, especially due to workplace-related deficiencies, with strains of the shoulder and cervical regions
- accidents, e.g. whiplash
- dental disturbances, gaps in the side tooth area
- cavity fillings that are too high or too low
- tooth treatments of long duration
- incorrect placement of braces
- operations performed under general anaesthesia with overstretching of the joints
Holistic therapy is required in order to fully eliminate functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint; the entire masticatory system (teeth, jaw, musculature) and all neighbouring structures must be treated.
Growth
As a child grows, the position of the teeth changes; this process adapts itself to each child’s individual posture. If there are functional disorders in the spine or cervical spine, this has an influence on the position of the temporomandibular joints and thus on tooth position. Other disturbances, such as in the digestive system, can also cause changes in posture and subsequently in the bite. As a supplement to treatment with braces, osteopathy can help ensure that optimal bite correction. Talk to your dentist and / or orthodontist.
Stomatognathic system / Oral Orthopaedics
The stomatognathic system comprises all the structures in the mouth/jaw/head and neck areas. These structures are interconnected, and thus interact with another.
Disturbances in this area can have a negative effect on the entire body, causing or manifesting malfunctions or diseases. This type of diagnosis is optimally approached in a multidisciplinary way, taking into account dentistry, orthodontics, school medicine, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, physiotherapy and osteopathy.
