The treatment of bite (occlusal) disorders usually involves obtaining a bite splint, using pain medication as needed, providing patient guidance, and giving self-care instructions. The prognosis is generally good.
Common symptoms of bite disorders
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a collective term for disorders and pain conditions affecting the jaw joints, masticatory muscles, teeth, and closely related tissues.
Typical symptoms include:
- sounds from the jaw joints
- pain in the jaw joints or chewing muscles
- restricted mouth opening
- disturbances in lower jaw movement
TMD problems are common and, after toothache, are the most frequent cause of pain in the head area for which patients seek treatment. TMD occurs 3–4 times more often in women than in men and is most common between the ages of 35 and 50.
How bite disorders are treated?
Treatment often includes exercises to improve lower jaw movement, manual therapies, and cognitive treatment methods. If necessary, specialists from Orton’s Pain Clinic can be consulted.
The treatment of bite disorders is most effective when it is multidisciplinary and holistic.
In physiotherapy, several approaches are used to treat these disorders. Manual techniques such as fascia manipulation, OMT and Maitland therapy, and lymphatic therapy have been shown to yield good results. Acupuncture can be used as a non-medicated pain treatment and for relaxing the chewing muscles.
The treatment plan may also include, for example, applied relaxation techniques in physiotherapy or mindfulness methods in psychological therapy. Sleep ergonomics can be practiced in cooperation with an occupational therapist.
Examinations or treatment – how to proceed?
For treatment inquiries or appointments, please call +358947482705 or use our online booking system.