The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) forms an inseparable whole with the skull bones and spinal system. While traditional approaches address joint problems by only correcting the bite of the teeth, holistic dentistry views the TMJ as part of the overall posture. For example, if a patient has a curvature in the pelvis or a gait problem (flat feet, etc.), this affects the entire spine upwards and microscopically distorts the position of the lower jaw via the neck muscles. Conversely, an incorrectly fitted high crown can also displace the jaw, leading to neck and back pain. Therefore, in TMJ treatments, the patient is treated not only with a dental mirror but also with craniosacral osteopaths, examining the micro-movements of the skull bones, the cervical vertebrae, and the overall body posture (posture analysis), through combined splinting and osteopathy sessions.
