The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the two joints that connect the skull to the movable lower jaw. They facilitate jaw movement, allowing you to chew, speak, and express emotions. A healthy joint functions smoothly and silently without causing discomfort. If you experience clicking, crunching, pain, or limited jaw movement, a gnathologist at Doctor Dent in Astana—a specialist in TMJ diagnostics and treatment—is here to help.

Take a quick 1-minute test: if you have noticed:

• Crunching or clicking in the joint
• Pain when opening or closing the mouth
• Tooth wear, grinding, or bruxism (involuntary jaw clenching)
• Headaches, ringing in the ears

…then it is worth booking a consultation with a Doctor Dent gnathologist. Our specialists have undergone advanced training in TMJ diagnostics and treatment and will help identify the cause of discomfort, restore proper joint function, and relieve tension in the chewing muscles.

At the Doctor Dent clinic, we use modern technologies for comprehensive TMJ diagnostics:

• Digital occlusion scanner – assessment of tooth alignment
• TMJ Computed Tomography – visualization of the joints
• Articulator and facebow – precise reproduction of jaw movements
• Condylography – recording of all TMJ movements to analyze functional disorders

The full range of studies is conducted in one place, saving you time and ensuring diagnostic accuracy.

Gnathology studies the dentofacial system, the function of the chewing muscles and temporomandibular joints, as well as the interaction of these organs with other systems of the body. This field is closely related to orthodontics, prosthodontics, and general dentistry.

A dental gnathologist is a specialist in diseases of the TMJ and chewing muscles. These joints are among the most complex and active in the body, participating in chewing, speech, and breathing. Any disruption of their function reduces quality of life, causing pain, grinding, and discomfort.

• TMJ Osteoarthritis and Arthritis
• Bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching)
• Pathological tooth wear
• Bite height discrepancies
• TMJ dysfunctions

Treatment is always comprehensive: the gnathologist works alongside an orthodontist, prosthodontist, general dentist, and surgeon for long-term results.

• Gnathologist – focuses on temporomandibular joint and chewing muscle issues.
• Orthodontist – focuses on the bite, alignment, and position of the teeth.

These specialists often work together, as bite alignment and TMJ function are interconnected.

Book an appointment if you experience:

• Pain when chewing or opening the mouth
• Jaw muscle spasms
• Bruxism
• Limited jaw movement
• Joint locking
• Clicking and grinding sounds
• Headaches, ringing in the ears

TMJ dysfunction is a disruption in the function of joints, muscles, ligaments, and cartilage.
Types of dysfunction:

• Deviation or deflection of the lower jaw
• Joint disk dislocation
• Joint locking
• Pathological tooth wear
• Reduced vertical dimension of the bite

Causes can be:

• Myogenic – muscle-related disorders
• Arthrogenic – issues within the joint itself

1. Detailed examination and medical history taking
2. Occlusion diagnostics with an intraoral scanner
3. TMJ Computed Tomography
4. Use of an articulator and facebow
5. Condylography – recording of all TMJ movements

All examinations are performed at the Doctor Dent clinic using state-of-the-art equipment.

Comprehensive therapy includes:

• Splint therapy – wearing custom-made therapeutic mouthguards
• Taping – supporting the joints using elastic tapes
• Orthodontic and orthopedic treatment
• Botulinum toxin therapy – injections into the chewing and temporal muscles
• Surgical treatment

If conservative therapy is ineffective, the Doctor Dent gnathologist will refer the patient for surgical intervention and provide subsequent rehabilitation.

• International JCI certificate – a guarantee of safety and quality
• Modern equipment for all examinations in one place
• Anti-stress approach to treatment, with a full range of pain relief and sedation
• Attentive doctors and staff, providing care at every stage of treatment

A gnathologist consultation at Doctor Dent in Astana means precise diagnostics, comprehensive treatment, and long-term results without pain or stress.