When the bite does not settle
We treat exclusively CMD-related functional disorders – no general dentistry, no competing orthodontics. Your patient remains yours. What we contribute is measurement technology and time for a single question.
You know these patients
Stubborn bruxism, repeatedly cracked restorations, diffuse tooth or jaw pain without pathological findings, splints that do not work – or new complaints after a crown, bridge or filling.
What has been measured
The compensated bite position – our strongest argument, and at the same time the most honest
The distance between centric condylar position and maximum intercuspation averages 0.86 ± 0.52 mm; a disharmony between habitual intercuspation and a musculoskeletally stable position is considered a factor of instability. The body often compensates for this over years. A restoration can disturb this compensation – and make a previously hidden misregulation visible.
What the measurement technology can deliver – and what it cannot
Occlusal contact distribution and timing can be recorded reliably; absolute force measurement lacks validity – suitable as an adjunct and for screening, not as the sole basis for occlusal corrections. Wear patterns are not reliable markers of current bruxism activity. Instrumental functional analysis builds on clinical analysis and is expressly not a method of assessing pain.
And a small detail with a big effect on registration
Occlusal contacts in maximum intercuspation differ measurably between upright and supine positions; the rest position of the lower jaw depends on the headrest and body position. Anyone who registers lying down records a different occlusion from the one the person lives in.
Where the evidence ends
Occlusal monocausality is considered outdated; CMD is multifactorial and biopsychosocial. The literature expressly urges restraint with mechanistic occlusion and centric concepts in order to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment. We do not claim that the bite is the cause – we establish whether it is a component.
When a referral is useful
First and without exception: red flags and unclear findings belong in a specialist work-up, before any functional diagnostics. The CMD perspective is complementary, not a substitute.
Useful
- before major restorations, to assess CMD risk
- treatment-resistant bruxism
- complaints that appeared for the first time after dental treatment
- splints that do not work despite correct fabrication
Not useful
- for an appraisal of someone else's treatment – we do not do that
- for general dental services; those stay with you
Your patient remains yours. After the assessment, or after the regulation is complete, we always refer back to you. We take on any treatment beyond this exclusively at your express, written request.
What we expressly do not do: judge your work. We measure the function and report back what we have found – not what someone should have done differently.
Three routes – you choose
I want to know more
The sources in full text, our measurement protocols and the clinical explanatory model with the level of evidence disclosed.
I have a question about a case
A call back from the CMD specialist, not from reception.
I would like to refer
By phone, e-mail or letter – whichever suits you. The findings report comes back to you.