
Function analysis of the masticatory organ
According to statistics the number of patients suffering from maxillofacial pain (pain in jaw and face) has increased significantly. Common causes are dysfunction or incorrect jaw alignment which, over time, can result in headaches or painful muscle tension in the face and neck areas as well as deterioration in dental function and damage to the masticatory system. To prevent or cure this condition, functional analysis and therapy of the masticatory system are urgently recommended.

Measuring instrument
Functional analysis of the masticatory system is a dental method for assessing the individual characteristics of the patient’s jaw. A dental impression is made to measure the upper and lower jaws of the masticatory system. The chewing process and the movements of the upper and lower jaw are recorded and the functionality of the masticatory muscle is observed. Symptoms are usually due to Craniomandibular Disorder (CMD) meaning a misalignment of the skull (Cranio) and lower jaw (Mandibula). The results of functional analysis allow Dr. Jürgen Pink and colleagues to spot any dysfunctions in the form of premature contact or malocclusion and treat these accordingly. One common form of therapy is a certified DROS® splint, a customised occlusal splint which not only reduces wear on the teeth but also diagnoses and relieves the causes of CMD.
- Clenching and grinding the teeth
- Tooth abrasion, wear
- Cracking in the jaw joints
- Exposed tooth necks
- Loosening of the teeth
- Tooth migration
- Tooth loss
Even the smallest change in the chewing apparatus can lead to a severe joint dysfunction. This is understandable when you consider that night clenching and grinding lasting 15 – 20 minutes can generate a biting force of around 400 – 800 N.