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Lasting Relief Starts with Understanding the Whole Body

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What is TMJ/TMD?

TMJ stands for the TemporoMandibular Joint. It is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, located just in front of your ears. You use it constantly to talk, chew, yawn, and sometimes even grind your teeth without realizing it.

Here is where it gets tricky:

  • TMJ is the joint itself.

  • TMD (TemporoMandibular Disorders) refers to problems with the joint, the muscles around it, your bite, and connected areas such as the head and neck.

If you have noticed headaches, jaw tightness, face pain, or clicking when you open your mouth, these may be signs of TMD. While it is commonly viewed as a jaw issue, TMJ/TMD can affect the entire body, from the teeth to the toes.

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Diagram of a human skull showing the temporomandibular joint and surrounding bones, teeth, and jaw.
Infographic listing common signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD around a photo of a man holding his jaw in pain, against an orange background.

Causes of TMD

TMD doesn’t come from just one issue. It usually develops when your body adapts to strain. Here are the four main categories:

Genetics

  • Joint hypermobility

  • Connective tissue disorders

  • Facial growth patterns that affect bite or airway

Epigenetics (Growth & Development)

  • Chronic mouth breathing, allergies, or tongue-tie

  • Narrow or underdeveloped jaw

  • Missing or shifted teeth

  • Dental or orthodontic work that changed bite balance

Posture

  • Forward head position

  • Shoulder and back strain

  • Bite misalignment affecting head and neck position

Trauma

  • Car accidents or whiplash

  • Sports or fall injuries

  • Surgical or dental trauma

  • Connective tissue overstretch

Other Factors

  • Sleep disruptions

  • Stress and tension patterns

  • Timing and intensity of injuries

Diagnosis: Seeing the Whole Picture

A proper TMD diagnosis looks beyond the jaw. A biomechanical TMJ dentist assesses:

  • Structural strain

  • Muscle fatigue and imbalance

  • Joint stability

  • Breathing and airway function

  • Bite and jaw movement

  • Posture and neurology

Advanced tools help make the diagnosis accurate and clear:

  • CBCT Imaging – 3D view of jaw, head, neck, and airway

  • Digital Photography – posture and body alignment analysis

  • T-Scan Bite Analysis – bite timing and pressure measurement

  • EMG Muscle Readings – measure muscle activity and strain

  • Jaw Tracking & Joint Vibration Analysis – detect movement issues and joint stress

  • ULF TENS – gently relaxes muscles for accurate assessment

  • Upper Cervical Chiropractic Referrals – align the cranial-cervical junction

Why it matters:

Misdiagnosed or untreated TMD can lead to chronic pain, frustration, and ineffective treatments. Real healing begins with a full-body, precise diagnosis that sees the whole picture.

TMJ/TMD Treatment

Phase 1

  • Stylized illustration of an open mouth showing upper and lower teeth in purple outline on a black background.

    Bite Balancing

    T-Scan Occlusal Adjustments: Measures timing, pressure, and force of each tooth contact to reduce muscle strain.

    EMG Muscle Monitoring: Confirms that jaw and neck muscles are relaxing after adjustments.

  • Neon sign of a hand making the 'rock on' gesture with fingers extended and thumb up, outlined in purple on a black background.

    Orthotic and Neuromuscular Reset

    ULF-TENS: Gently relaxes jaw and neck muscles to reveal true posture.

    Jaw Tracking: Maps 3D movement to guide a custom orthotic for balanced muscle function.

  • Neon outline of a bear's face with a crescent moon and two stars.

    Sleep and Airway Optimization

    Sleep Diagnostics: Monitors oxygen, pulse, and jaw movement during rest.

    Coordinated Care: ENT evaluation, oral appliances, and myofunctional therapy reduce night-time clenching.

  • A diagram of a human vertebral column showing 24 vertebrae in the spine.

    Allied-Health Integration

    Upper-Cervical Chiropractic: Aligns the skull and top of the spine to relieve jaw strain.

    Physiotherapy and Posture: Releases tension for better overall alignment.

    Functional Medicine and Nutrition: Supports muscles, connective tissue, and reduces inflammation.

Phase 2

  • A diagram of a human spine with vertebrae in the center and curved lines on each side representing the spinal cord.

    Long-Term Bite Strategy

    Orthotic or Bite Equilibration: Maintains balanced jaw function over time.

    Restorative or Orthodontic Care: Crowns, implants, or aligners rebuild a long-term stable bite.

    Ongoing Maintenance: Regular check-ups ensure continued comfort and alignment.

Meet Dr. Westersund: A TMJ Dentist Who Looks at the Whole Body

Your body is one connected system, and no part works on its own. When the jaw is strained or out of balance, it can affect much more than just your bite. It can influence:

  • Head and facial nerves

  • Muscles used for chewing, speaking, and swallowing

  • Neck, shoulders, and posture

  • Even your ability to breathe properly

This is why finding a TMJ dentist who understands Biomechanical TMD is so important. With the right training and approach, they can uncover the root cause and guide you toward lasting relief.

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A smiling man in a white coat standing in front of a sign that says 'Dr. Curtis Westersund, General Dentist,' with arms crossed and a wooden background.

 FAQs

  • If you’re experiencing jaw pain, limited movement, grinding or clenching, headaches, or facial discomfort, it may be worth booking a consultation. Dr. Westersund can assess your symptoms and determine if TMJ treatment is right for you.

  • Treatment is personalized and may include oral appliances, bite adjustments, physiotherapy referrals, and strategies to reduce strain on the jaw joint. The goal is to relieve pain, improve function, and restore comfort.

  • Dr. Westersund has experience treating acute injuries. Injuries of any kind require an in-depth understanding of their impact on the body, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with a patient’s personal injury lawyer.

  • Treatment length varies depending on your symptoms and response to care. Some patients notice improvements within weeks, while others may need longer-term support.

  • Most TMJ issues can be managed without surgery. Dr. Westersund focuses on non-invasive treatments first. If further care is needed, he will discuss your options in detail.

  • No referral is required. You can book a virtual consultation directly using this link.

  • Your first visit includes a thorough discussion of your symptoms, a physical examination of your jaw and bite, and a review of your medical and dental history. From there, Dr. Westersund will outline possible next steps.

  • Coverage depends on your specific dental and medical benefit plan. Our team can help you understand what may be covered and assist with claim submissions.

  • Dr. Westersund takes a holistic, full-body approach, examining patients from teeth to toes. He goes beyond the jaw joint, considering posture, muscle function, and bite alignment to deliver comprehensive care.

  • Dr. Westersund practices in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

  • Yes. we can accommodate patients from all over the world. We can start with a zoom call to discuss the potential treatment and timing. 

Get in touch.

Have questions about TMJ and TMD, or want to learn more about our courses and patient resources? Reach out today to get guidance, support, or to explore opportunities to learn and collaborate.