The main goal of this discipline is to achieve the correct relationship between the dental arches, balance between the masticatory muscles of the head and neck, and preserve the health of the structures that make up the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint).

The main causes that trigger TMJ symptoms include:

• Stress;
• Parafunctions (bruxism, clenching);
• Certain malocclusions (where teeth come into contact irregularly);
• Trauma (accidents, accidental blows, sports injuries, etc.);
• Systemic rheumatic diseases;
• Tumors.

The approach to these problems should be as conservative as possible. Depending on clinical conditions, treatment begins with:

• Night bite (a removable resin plate placed between the arches);
• Physiotherapy (if necessary);
• Behavioral therapy (patient instructions, including dietary recommendations, exercises, etc.);
• Pharmacological therapy (anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, etc.).

Only when necessary, if the occlusion (bite closure) is deemed irregular and causing joint problems, secondary interventions may be performed, such as:

• Orthodontics;
• Prosthetic restorations;
• Selective grinding (adjusting tooth contacts by grinding);
• Joint surgery (considered the last resort and often unnecessary).

The duration of gnathological treatment varies greatly depending on the individual clinical condition.

Typically, initial gnathological therapy involves a series of frequent check-ups (every 2 weeks or monthly) over a period of about 6 months. After the first 6 months, follow-up visits occur every 4-6 months.

Patients experiencing pain require monitoring every 2 weeks for the first 2 months.

To correct TMJ issues, you can rely on our expert gnathologists:

Dr. Marco Pitino, who has 15 years of experience, trained in the Orthodontics Specialization Master’s Program at the University of Valencia (Spain) and attended advanced courses at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Tweed Foundation in Tucson, Arizona.

The cost of gnathological treatment is influenced by various clinical factors. Each estimate is personalized based on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the initial clinical condition.