All of us are exposed to environmental stressors.

Let us call these external stresses. A typical reaction to these stresses is muscle contraction: tight shoulders and neck, balled fists, and clenched jaws. If the jaws are habitually clenched, due to a lot of stress, anxiety, and/or frustrations, and if the teeth do not support the jaws properly, then the jaw joints become jammed and over closed, causing damage to the joints. This may occur with totally natural teeth, (even in teenagers), with partially natural plus some false teeth; with full dentures.

Usually the disc in the joint is pushed forward, the back ligament of the disc becomes stretched and inflamed and the knobs (condyles) in the joint make the displaced disc pop or crunch when the jaw is opened and closed. After many years of this, there may be arthritic changes in the joint, a one-way degenerative process. This damage to the TMJs, and the associated muscle spasm, causes pain, not only in the joints themselves, but through muscle spasms in other parts of the body, resulting in many of the symptoms listed above. The pain syndromes then cause, in addition to the external stress, internal stress which further saps the body and spirit of energy.

The Real Answer, however, is to find that position of the lower jaw, using the Myomonitor, or other suitable procedures, where all jaw muscles can clench and contract in balanced harmony without jamming, overloading and damaging the jaw joints, and pressing adversely on bones of the skull.

A specially-trained and experienced dentist can help to diagnose and measure the muscle spasm and joint damage. He can begin the treatment of TMJ disorder by repositioning the lower jaw with a carefully fitted plastic bite plane (MORA) to allow the damaged joints to heal. Improper nutrition, as well as excessive consumption of "junk food", and lack of adequate vitamins and minerals can cause considerable additional internal stress and thus contribute to TMJ disorders. A nutritional analysis to establish the individual's nutritional profiles and needs goes a long way toward relieving stress of TMJ origin.

Only after orthopedic repositioning of the lower jaw and relieving overloaded jaw joints, and after eliminating stressful eating habits, should we consider Biofeedback training and relaxation methods. Unless structural changes are made as soon as a stressful experience reoccurs, the still unbalanced and unsupported jaws will be clenched and the TMJs will be overloaded again.

The cooperation of various health-care providers in achieving a balance between mind, body structure and body chemistry may lead to a healthier, happier and more productive life.

Elimination of TMJ dysfunction plays a key role in achieving this goal.

Michigan Dentist Devotes Career to Diagnosis
and Treatment of TMJ

Twenty four years ago, Dr. Martin Fraschetti of St. Clair Shores Michigan, noted early on in his career that many patients exhibited signs and symptoms of similarity. Although few patients ever mentioned their concerns of head and neck pain, it became evident that this "syndrome" was far more common than ever imaginable. What Dr. Fraschetti is talking about is more commonly known as "TMJ", or more correctly TMD/CRANIOMANDIBULAR DISORDERS.

The sad truth about TMD is that it has been misdiagnosed and mistreated for many years. Some of the more common symptoms are clicking or popping of the jaw, random or diffuse head, neck and shoulder pain, inability to open and/or close your mouth, ear pain and ringing in your ears.

The interesting thing about TMJ is that it is very subjective. The pain level can vary from patient to patient. In some cases it can be nothing more than a click or a pop of the jaw bone. In others, the level of pain can become so severe that it is life altering where the patient no longer has normal quality of life. It is the "pain" factor that will prompt one to seek treatment. Ironically, there exists no specialty in TMD treatment. So how does one go about getting treatment?

Well as the story goes, the symptoms, while evident to many health care providers do not go unrecognized. The problem is where/who do we refer these patients to for treatment. The bad news is very few dentists are knowledgeable in this field of study and treatment. The good news is that there are some available such as Dr. Fraschetti, who have taken a personal interest in the further study of this disorder.

Dr. Fraschetti has spent over 20 years traveling the county learning from the top researchers/educators in functional orthopedics, muscle physiology, neuroanotomy and dental reconstruction experts to help treat his patients. With the technology available today in this field, Dr. Fraschetti has over a 95% success rate in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. Over ten years ago, Dr. Fraschetti was asked to teach a continuing education course to dentists in Chicago on TMD and Functional Orthodontics. This was a major turning point in Dr. Fraschetti's career. From that point on, Dr. Fraschetti, was recognized by numerous dental organizations as an expert in this field and is a lecturer at national dental meetings and organizations. In April of 2003, Dr. Fraschetti was awarded his fellowship by the International College of Craniamandibular Orthopedics. This was no easy task, says Dr. Frashetti. To receive a Fellowship you can not just learn the material. One can not just "talk the talk", but one must present several cases treated from start to finish with documentation. So, in other words, you have to prove you can treat these
"TMD patients" successfully from start to finish.

Dr. Fraschetti's patients come from all over the country, many who have been treated repeatedly with no success. Often times, failure comes from misdiagnosis followed by non-corrective treatment. Many practitioners will provide the patient with a "bite guard" as a form of treatment. Although this can provide some temporary relief, in the long run it can produce irreversible adaptive degenerative changes which can be permanently damaging to the patients well being. If one can not provide correct diagnosis along with "corrective" treatment, this is not treating TMD. That is nothing more than a band aid.

The bottom line is TMD is a 3-dimensional imbalance somewhere in jaws and muscles of the head and neck. The imbalance has to be identified and corrected to get relief and stability.

Dr. Fraschetti is the founder and president of the TMJ HEAD AND NECK PAIN CENTER OF MICHIGAN. If you have any of the above symptoms described, you can call his office at 586-773-1212 for a consultation appointment. Mention is article and receive 10% off your consultation and treatment.