Occlusion and TMJ: diagnosis and treatment of orofacial pain and bruxism

Occlusion is the area of dentistry that studies the relationship between the teeth, the chewing muscles, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When this balance is disrupted, symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, joint clicking, or tooth wear may arise.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism is carried out rigorously, with a detailed clinical assessment and imaging examinations, to define an individualised treatment plan.

If you experience jaw pain, grind or clench your teeth, or notice tooth wear, book an assessment appointment to identify the source of the problem.

Book Your Assessment Appointment

Technology Supporting TMJ and Occlusion Diagnosis

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the assessment of occlusion and the temporomandibular joint is complemented by digital imaging examinations that allow more precise diagnosis and well-founded treatment planning.

Book Your Appointment
Assessment with Panoramic X-ray

Assessment with Panoramic X-ray

The digital panoramic X-ray provides a panoramic view of the entire dental structure, the jaws, and the temporomandibular joints. It is a fundamental examination for assessing condylar position, identifying asymmetries, and ruling out joint pathologies before beginning treatment.

no-alt

Detailed Analysis with CBCT

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides high-resolution three-dimensional images of the temporomandibular joint. This examination is essential for assessing bony changes, joint defects, and the condyle-fossa relationship with greater precision than conventional radiography.

Digital Impression with Intraoral Scan

Digital Impression with Intraoral Scan

The 3D intraoral scanner is used to create a precise digital record of the patient's dental arches and occlusion. This digital impression is essential for the planning and fabrication of personalised occlusal splints with an exact fit.

no-alt
Quote Icon
“Orofacial pain and bruxism affect the quality of life of many patients. Our role is to rigorously identify the root cause and propose a treatment plan that restores balance to the masticatory system and provides lasting relief from symptoms.”

Dr. Paulo Cardozo

Clinical Director and Dentist

View Biography
What is dental occlusion and how does it relate to the TMJ?

What is dental occlusion and how does it relate to the TMJ?

Dental occlusion refers to how the upper and lower teeth relate to one another during mouth closure and chewing movements.

This relationship involves not only the teeth, but also the chewing muscles, the ligaments, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint that connects the mandible to the skull and allows the mouth to open, close, and move.

When an imbalance exists within this system, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) may arise.

The most frequent symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, clicking or crepitation in the joint, limited mouth opening, and pain radiating to the ear or neck.

Bruxism — the involuntary act of grinding or clenching the teeth — is one of the factors most commonly associated with these disorders. It can occur during sleep or during the day and causes tooth wear, fractures in teeth and restorations, muscular pain, and overloading of the temporomandibular joint.

Treatment is usually conservative and multifactorial, involving custom occlusal splints, muscle relaxation exercises, and, when necessary, rehabilitation of the dental occlusion. Each case must be assessed individually by the dentist.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the approach to occlusion and the TMJ is based on precise diagnosis, with the aim of relieving symptoms and restoring long-term functional balance.

Book Your Appointment

What our patients say

I used to wake up every morning with jaw pain and headaches. Since I started using the occlusal splint, the symptoms have reduced significantly.

Ricardo Silva

I had been experiencing jaw clicking for years and thought it was normal. After the assessment, I understood the root cause and the treatment brought me real relief.

Marta Lemos

The wear on my teeth was worrying me, but I didn't know the cause. The bruxism diagnosis allowed the problem to be treated before any further damage occurred.

André Pinto

I used to wake up every morning with jaw pain and headaches. Since I started using the occlusal splint, the symptoms have reduced significantly.

Ricardo Silva

I had been experiencing jaw clicking for years and thought it was normal. After the assessment, I understood the root cause and the treatment brought me real relief.

Marta Lemos

The wear on my teeth was worrying me, but I didn't know the cause. The bruxism diagnosis allowed the problem to be treated before any further damage occurred.

André Pinto

Occlusion and TMJ Treatment Process - 4-Step Protocol

4 Steps to Your Occlusion and TMJ Treatment

Treatment of occlusion disorders and temporomandibular joint dysfunction at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo follows a structured protocol, from diagnosis through to ongoing monitoring, adapted to each clinical situation.

0

Clinical assessment and diagnosis

At the first appointment, the dentist carries out a detailed assessment of the occlusion, the chewing muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Signs of bruxism, orofacial pain and movement limitations are identified. Imaging examinations such as a panoramic X-ray (OPG) or CBCT complement the diagnosis.

0

Treatment planning

Based on the diagnosis, an individualised treatment plan is drawn up. The approach may include the fabrication of an occlusal splint, guidance on managing parafunctional habits, muscle relaxation exercises, and, where indicated, occlusal adjustments.

0

Fabrication and Delivery of the Occlusal Splint

The occlusal splint is custom-made from a digital impression of the patient's dental arches. It is a rigid device that redistributes the forces of chewing, protects the teeth from wear, and helps relax the musculature and relieve pressure on the TMJ.

0

Follow-up and monitoring

After the start of treatment, check-up appointments are held to evaluate the progress of symptoms and adjust the occlusal splint if necessary. Regular monitoring is essential to track occlusal stability and prevent recurrence.

Everything you need to know about occlusion and the TMJ

Everything you need to know about occlusion and the TMJ

Occlusion is the dental speciality that studies and treats the relationship between the teeth, the chewing muscles, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

When this relationship is in balance, chewing, swallowing, and speech function harmoniously. When an imbalance exists, disorders can arise that affect the patient's comfort and quality of life.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint and the chewing muscles.

The most frequent symptoms are pain in the jaw area, recurrent headaches, clicking or crepitation when opening and closing the mouth, limited mouth opening, and pain that may radiate to the ear, neck, and shoulders.

Bruxism is a behaviour characterised by the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, both during sleep and whilst awake.

Its prevalence is significant in the adult population and can be exacerbated by factors such as stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Consequences include tooth wear, fractures of teeth and restorations, muscular pain, and joint overloading.

The occlusal splint is the most widely used device in the treatment of bruxism and TMJ disorders. It is a rigid plate, custom-made for the patient, that fits over the dental arch and redistributes chewing forces. The splint protects the teeth from wear, promotes muscle relaxation, and relieves pressure on the joint.

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the treatment of occlusion and TMJ disorders is approached in a conservative, individualised, and evidence-based manner. If you experience symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, or tooth wear, book your assessment appointment.

Book an Appointment

Main Problems Treated at Occlusion and TMJ Appointments

The occlusion and TMJ appointment covers various conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint, the chewing muscles, and the relationship between the teeth. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, each case is assessed individually. Find out about the most common problems.

•
Bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth)

Bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth)

Bruxism is a repetitive muscular activity that can occur during sleep or during the day. It causes progressive tooth wear, fractures in restorations, facial muscle pain, and overloading of the temporomandibular joint.

Treatment includes the fabrication of a custom-made occlusal splint to protect the teeth and relax the muscles, combined with guidance on managing parafunctional habits. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, diagnosis is made with clinical assessment and imaging examinations to define the appropriate treatment plan.

•
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ)

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)

Temporomandibular dysfunction involves changes in the joint connecting the jaw to the skull and in the muscles of mastication. Symptoms include jaw pain, joint clicking, restricted mouth opening, and referred pain to the ear or neck.

The approach is usually conservative and may combine the use of an occlusal splint, relaxation exercises, and multidisciplinary follow-up. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, TMJ assessment is carried out with rigour to identify the underlying cause and guide treatment.

•
Orofacial Pain and Headaches of Dental Origin

Orofacial Pain and Headaches of Dental Origin

Recurrent headaches, facial pain, or a feeling of tension in the chewing muscles may originate from a dysfunction of the bite or the TMJ. In many cases, these symptoms are confused with other conditions and the correct diagnosis is delayed.

The occlusion appointment allows an assessment of whether the pain originates in the masticatory system and proposes a treatment directed at the cause. The aim is to relieve symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life with an individualised approach.

•
Tooth Wear Due to Occlusal Overload

Tooth Wear Due to Occlusal Overload

Excessive tooth wear can result from bruxism or an unbalanced bite, in which certain teeth bear disproportionate forces. This wear can compromise aesthetics, chewing function, and the integrity of existing restorations.

Treatment may include the use of an occlusal splint, bite adjustment, and, where necessary, rehabilitation of worn teeth with conservative composite resin restorations or prosthetic solutions. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the plan is defined based on a comprehensive clinical assessment.

Discover Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo

At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, the treatment of occlusion and temporomandibular joint disorders is carried out using digital imaging diagnostics and individualised planning, to offer conservative and effective solutions.

About the Clinic
Discover the Dental Clinic of Dr. Paulo Cardozo
Discover Dr. Paulo Cardozo's Dental Clinic 2
Discover Dr. Paulo Cardozo's Dental Clinic 3

Book your appointment

If you experience jaw pain, headaches, joint clicking, or notice wear on your teeth, book an appointment at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo and receive a personalised diagnosis and treatment plan.

  • Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo

    R. Vasco da Gama 6,

    2130-197 Benavente, Portugal

  • Telephone: +351 263 516 773

    Mobile: +351 919 366 534

    geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt

Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Occlusion and TMJ

Clinical Rigour and International Standards

The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), and the World Health Organization — Oral Health.

The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.

Our Location