Gnathology

What is Gnathology?

Gnathology is the branch of dentistry that studies disorders linked to poor occlusion and incorrect movements of the mandible and the muscular system and treats the masticatory system, i.e. the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the masticatory muscles and the teeth.

The aim of gnathology is to restore the correct balance between these structures, in order to improve masticatory, phonatory and postural functionality.

Summarizing, the mouth is formed by two parts: a fixed upper part called the mandible, and a lower piece called the mandible. Every time we swallow, chew or speak, the mandibular and maxillary movements are controlled by the masticatory muscles and depend on the occlusion of the teeth.

Why undergo gnathology surgery

Disorders of the masticatory system

The masticatory system is essential for our health and well-being: it allows us to chew food, speak, swallow and breathe.
When the chewing system does not work properly, it can cause a number of ailments, including:

Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
Pain in the face, neck and head
Joint noises
Bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth)
Dizziness or a sense of instability
Postural problems

The gnathological examination

The gnathological examination is the first step in diagnosing and treating disorders of the masticatory system.
During the visit, the gnathologist specialist will collect information on the patient’s clinical history and carry out a series of tests, including:

Objective examination of the masticatory system
Posture assessment
If necessary, radiological examination of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ)

Gnathological treatments

Gnathological treatments vary depending on the cause of the disorder and include:

Occlusal plates (bites): custom-made orthodontic devices that are placed on the teeth to correct the position of the jaw. Bites can be made of resin, silicone or metal.
Myofunctional therapy: exercises to strengthen the masticatory muscles and improve the function of the TMJs.
Orthodontic treatment: intervention to modify the position of the teeth through the use of mobile or fixed appliances.
orthodontic surgery: surgery to change the position of the jaw bones which is used in more serious cases.

The benefits of a gnathological treatment

Effective gnathological treatment can lead to a number of benefits, including:

Improved chewing function
Pain reduction
Improved sleep quality
Stress reduction
Improved posture

Our service

Sanident dental clinics offer a complete and high-quality gnathology service. Our gnathology specialists are highly qualified and use the most modern technologies to diagnose and treat disorders of the masticatory system.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our gnathology specialists.