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Attendees or graduates of functional dentistry schools believe strongly in the theory that neuromuscular dentistry and therapies such as equilibration and oral splints can resolve or significantly improve some TMJ issues. Various schools of thought exist. Some dentists prefer to use a TENS to relax jaw muscles, then a K7 (or similar technology) to record optimal jaw position. Other dentists rely on manual manipulation, assessing symptoms, and dental records to plan TMJ therapy. According to an article published at NYTimes.com this week, “Best Treatment for TMJ May Be Nothing.”

The article states that about three-quarters of the US population suffers from TMJ symptoms at some point, and symptoms usually subside without treatment. Boston specialists think that only five to ten percent of these people actually need professional help. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “Less is often best in treating TMJ disorders.”

Additionally, the article explains that TMJ dysfunction was once believed to originate from dental malocclusion. However, it goes on to say that further research proved malocclusion to be “an infrequent cause of facial pain and other temporomandibular symptoms.” According to a piece that ran in The New England Journal of Medicine, TMJ is caused by multifatorial issues and may involve biologic, behavioral, environmental, and many other factors, alone or in conjunction.

If this research and these statements are accurate, what will become of TMJ dentists? Read the full article by Jane E. Brody here.