FRYDENT · CMD · Jaw Joint Disorders

✓ 30-Second Test

Does your headache start in your mouth?

5 short questions — let us find out together whether CMD could be a concern for you.

1. Do you hear clicking or grinding sounds in your jaw?

2. Do you frequently have headaches or neck tension?

3. Do you wake up in the morning with a tired or tense jaw?

4. Do you have pain when chewing or opening your mouth wide?

5. Have worn teeth or grinding already been identified in your case?

Few indications of CMD

Your answers show few typical CMD patterns. If complaints persist, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Some indications present

Some of your answers could indicate CMD. A brief conversation at our practice can bring clarity.

Several typical CMD signs

Your answers show several typical CMD patterns. Let us look together at what makes sense for you.

What is CMD?

The jaw joint works for many hours every day — during speaking, chewing and swallowing. When teeth, muscles and joint do not work together harmoniously, complaints can arise. This interplay is called CMD — craniomandibular dysfunction.

Das Kiefergelenk — ein Hochleistungsgelenk

The jaw joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. It is the most heavily used joint in the body — moving thousands of times daily during speaking, chewing and swallowing. Inside the joint lies a cartilage disc — the articular disc — acting as a cushion.

Muscular CMD

Tension in the chewing muscles

Articular CMD

Joint changes, disc displacement

Estimates suggest 3–12% of the population suffer from CMD requiring treatment. Many do not know that their headaches or tinnitus could be related to the jaw.

How do I recognise it?

Symptoms can vary greatly — not all occur simultaneously.

Jaw clicking or grinding

Audible sounds when opening or closing the mouth — often a sign of disc displacement.

Pain in the jaw or face

Dull or load-dependent pain — at rest or while chewing.

Tension in the neck or shoulders

Through close muscular connections, jaw tension can radiate to the back.

Headaches or migraine

Chronically tense chewing muscles can trigger headaches — often misinterpreted as migraine.

Tooth grinding or clenching

Often at night — visible as worn teeth (grinding facets) and sensitivity.

Limited mouth opening

The mouth can no longer be fully opened — sometimes with lateral deviation of the lower jaw.

Pressure in the ear or ear sounds

The jaw joint lies very close to the ear — pain, pressure or ringing without medical cause can be a CMD signal.

Fatigue of the chewing muscles

The chewing muscles feel exhausted or heavy already in the morning.

These complaints arise through close connections between the jaw joint, nerves, muscles and fascia of the entire body.

Ear pain & tinnitus

Pain, pressure or ringing in the ear without medical cause — a frequently overlooked CMD signal.

Dizziness & visual disturbances

Rare but possible, due to the jaw joint's proximity to sensitive nerve and muscle structures.

Sleep disorders & exhaustion

Nocturnal tooth grinding and the associated muscle stress interrupt sleep — often unnoticed.

CMD is often not recognised because the complaints appear at first glance unrelated to the teeth. Your first point of contact is the dentist.

Why do these problems arise?

There is often not just one cause — several factors work together.

Faulty bite contacts

Uneven loading when biting together forces the jaw joint and muscles into a misaligned position.

Tooth grinding or clenching (Bruxismus)

Most common cause. Many people grind unconsciously at night — often amplified by stress. Bruxism is simultaneously a cause and symptom of CMD.

Stress and inner tension

Emotionaler Stress führt zu erhöhter Muskelanspannung — tagsüber wie nachts, bewusst und unbewusst.

Poor posture in daily life

The jaw and spine are connected through the musculofascial system — posture problems can affect the jaw joint.

Muscle overload

One-sided loads or parafunctions gradually exhaust the chewing muscles.

Injuries to the jaw joint (e.g. through accidents), genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, sleep disorders and underlying conditions such as arthrosis or rheumatic diseases can also contribute to CMD.

Connection with the whole body

The jaw, muscles and spine are closely interconnected. Jaw tension can spread to the neck and back — and conversely, posture problems can affect the jaw joint. Even pelvic or hip misalignments can promote CMD through this chain.

The body responds as a whole. That is why we always view the situation holistically.

Our diagnostics

We take time for a precise analysis — without hurry.

Discussion of complaints and habits

Sleep quality, stress, previous treatments, daily life — we listen.

Examination of the jaw joints

Assessment of mobility, identification of sounds, measurement of maximum mouth opening.

Palpation of the chewing muscles

We palpate the chewing, temporal and neck muscles for hardening and sensitive pressure points (trigger points).

Occlusal analysis

Checking of tooth contacts in the intercuspal position and during movements — premature and interfering contacts can be identified.

Depending on findings we supplement the diagnosis: digital X-ray for jaw bone assessment, in complex cases an instrumental functional analysis in the articulator, or — if structural joint changes are suspected — an MRI referral to specialised radiologists.

If needed we involve further specialities — physiotherapy, orthopaedics, ENT. We look together at what makes sense.

Splint therapy

What does a splint do?

An individually fitted splint can relieve the jaw joint. It protects the teeth from wear, reduces pressure on muscles and joint, and can compensate for faulty loading. Which variant makes sense is decided together. A splint is not a quick standard solution — it is adjusted and regularly checked.

What types of splints are there?

Relaxation splints

For grinding and clenching — reduces overactivity of the chewing muscles and protects the dental hard tissue.

Stabilisation splints

For guiding the bite — brings the lower jaw into a harmonious, muscle-guided position.

Individual functional splints

For more complex complaints — e.g. disc displacement or multi-stage bite rehabilitation.

Michigan splint (equilibration splint)

Most frequently used occlusal splint. Hard plastic, individually made for the upper jaw and adjusted in the articulator. Particularly suitable for muscular CMD complaints and bruxism.

Relaxation splint / reflex splint

Small frontal plateau eliminates lateral tooth contacts — interrupts parafunctional activities. Good for muscle tension from stress. For short periods only.

Repositioning splint / positioning splint

Actively guides the lower jaw into a therapeutic position (slightly forward). For disc displacements — requires precise diagnosis as long-term bite changes are possible.

Weiche Schiene / Knirscherschiene

Einfachste Variante — schützt Zähne vor Abrieb, hat aber keine therapeutische Wirkung auf Muskelspannung oder Gelenkposition. Für CMD-Therapie weniger geeignet.

Transparency about costs

What does health insurance cover?

Statutory health insurance usually covers the clinical functional analysis (FAL). Splint therapy itself is in most cases a private service.

Individual laboratory splints — additional costs

For special splints used for gradual bite elevation — for example before planned prosthetic restorations — costs arise that health insurance does not cover. These can range from approx. 200 to 600 euros depending on the complexity. We always prepare a clear cost plan in advance — no surprises.

Treatment — what can help?

Treatment depends on the cause. Possible components:

Splint therapy
Adjustment of fillings or dentures
Targeted exercises
Accompanying physiotherapy

A combination is often sensible.

Physiotherapy — an important part

Manual therapy & jaw mobilisation

Targeted mobilisation techniques release hardening in the chewing and neck muscles and improve jaw mobility.

Trigger point treatment

Hardened muscle points in the jaw, temple and neck area are released — which can relieve headaches and ear pain.

Posture training & body awareness

Jaw and spine mutually influence each other — targeted posture corrections are often an important part of therapy.

Home exercises

Stretching and relaxation exercises for the chewing muscles plus stress management (progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback).

What can you expect?

The goal is not perfection — but noticeable improvement

Less pain
More relaxed muscles
Greater mobility
A better sense of wellbeing

Progress is individual. If you recognise these complaints in yourself, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Frequently asked questions about CMD treatment

Does the treatment hurt?▼

The dental examination and splint fitting are completely painless. Physiotherapy may cause brief discomfort when treating hardened muscle points — similar to a classic massage. The splint itself may feel slightly unfamiliar for the first few days, but you get used to it quickly.

How long does treatment take?▼

This depends on the severity and cause of your CMD. Initial improvement is often noticeable after just a few weeks of splint therapy. Complete treatment usually takes several months. The key is to stay consistent.

Does health insurance pay for CMD treatment?▼

Statutory health insurance usually covers the clinical functional analysis (FAL). The individually crafted CMD splint and the instrumental functional analysis are often private services. We will inform you transparently about all costs before treatment begins.

Do I have to wear the splint permanently?▼

This varies from person to person. Many patients initially wear the splint daily, then later only as a preventive measure during stressful periods. The goal is to achieve lasting relaxation through the combination of splint therapy and physiotherapy.

Can CMD be treated without surgery?▼

In the vast majority of cases: yes. Conservative treatments such as splint therapy and physiotherapy lead to significant and lasting improvements. Surgical intervention is only considered when all other options have been exhausted.

What can I do myself?▼

Achten Sie darauf, die Zähne im Alltag nicht unbewusst zusammenzubeißen (Zähne sollten sich in Ruhe leicht berühren, aber nicht pressen). Regelmäßige Entspannungsübungen, ausreichend Schlaf und Stressreduktion helfen spürbar. Und: Tragen Sie Ihre Schiene regelmäßig.

Jaw Joint Disorders (CMD)

Does your headache start in your mouth?

Discussion of complaints and habits

Examination of the jaw joints

Palpation of the chewing muscles

Occlusal analysis