Three and a half years ago, a journey began for me that I would never have expected to this extent - a journey through my own body, guided by a single, regularly adjusted splint. At the beginning of 2022, I definitely wouldn't have thought that the effects would be so enormous.
In my book "TMD - The forgotten problem of modern medicine" I examine this topic in detail and describe my experiences with recognizing symptoms, diagnosing and treating TMD in the book.
After a long odyssey through medical practices, operations and attempts at therapy, I was diagnosed with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) at the beginning of 2022 - a complex complaint that is often hidden behind other symptoms. Since then, the so-called splint therapy has carried me through a profound process of physical realignment.
What many people underestimate: This splint, or correctly expressed "orthosis", which is "only" supposed to correct the bite, does not only affect the jaw - it affects the entire musculoskeletal system, posture, organs, muscle chains and even the nervous system.
Today I am probably in the final phase of this therapy. And I would like to take this opportunity to give you an insight into what is changing in this late stage - and why it's worth sticking with it.
The Schöttl splint - hard plastic with precision and adaptability
The from Dr. Rainer Schöttl The TMD occlusal splint used consists of a robust, semi-transparent plastic. This hard splint also replaces missing teeth with integrated occlusal surfaces to ensure natural support in the masticatory system. Thanks to its dense, polishable surface, it resists deposits and discoloration particularly well, and patient comfort is correspondingly high
A key advantage is the possibility of regular re-sharpening by the dentist - usually at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks. This means that the established bite position remains precise and stable, even if the masticatory system changes during treatment. This adaptability makes the Schöttl splint particularly valuable, as it can react flexibly to the individual development of TMD symptoms.
Focus on reversibility and functional effect
The robust hardness of the plastic used ensures that the splint provides a fixed bite position and at the same time offers a controllable diagnostic option. As it is adjustable and reversible, dentists can work safely - without irreversible interventions. The splint thus supports the harmonization of the occlusion and specifically relieves the chewing muscles and joints.
Regular regrinding not only adjusts the function of the splint - it also compensates for wear so that precise, therapeutic bite contact is maintained. This adaptive, patient-oriented approach creates confidence and stability - both in the therapy and in its range of effectiveness.
What influence does the position of our jaw and teeth have on our body?
The GZFA - Society for Dental Health, Function and Aesthetics has published a short video on YouTube that illustrates the connections well (German):
Phases 1 to 3 - and what has changed since then
At the beginning - in the first two years - the splint was reground every month. This has remained the case to this day. Month after month, very finely and precisely. This is because the system reacts slowly but consistently - every change in the bite position triggers a chain reaction in the entire body.
About two years later, something unexpected began to happen:
I noticed red spots on both ankle cuffs. Small at first, then getting bigger - especially on one side. At the time, my dentist spoke of possible venous involvement. At the same time, I felt that walking was becoming more difficult. Something seemed to be shifting - not just on the outside, but deep inside my body.
But that was just the beginning.
The body moves - from bottom to top
After a while, the stains disappeared by themselves. But they had left a trace: a kind of energetic or structural shift that slowly moved upwards. At first I felt changes in my pelvic area - suddenly my stance, my balance, my center of gravity changed. I noticed it particularly when I coughed: the "traction point" of the abdomen was suddenly somewhere else.
My pelvis is no longer leaning back, but has now - without active training - moved significantly further forward. The result: my back has become straighter.
Not through exercise. Not through muscle building. But through corrected internal statics simply by wearing the bite splint regularly.
The unpleasant side: pain, cramps and transitions
However, this reorganization also has its downside. Particularly in the current final phase, there are noticeable side effects. Especially at night: cramps in the feet, sometimes severe pain in the joints of the fingers and toes - as if the body is virtually "peeling off" old bad postures.
What helps here? A simple remedy: magnesium oil.
I now keep it right by the bedside table. If I get a cramp, I rub it in straight away - sometimes even in bed without getting up. In many cases, it works surprisingly quickly. If not: get up, walk a few steps, rub it in again - that's almost always enough.
It is unpleasant, yes - but today I see it as the last resistance of my old system before a new inner order stabilizes.
Changes to the skull - and a look in the mirror
What many people don't believe is that even the skull changes. Since starting therapy, my jaw position has changed massively - visibly, tangibly, permanently. But it goes beyond that. Even the eye sockets look different today - the face has changed structurally. Subtle, but clear.
It is as if the body lets go of some of its old protective mechanisms with each month - muscle tensions, misalignments, ingrained patterns - and reorganizes itself bit by bit.
And today? One or two more steps to stabilization
Today - after three and a half years - I'm still wearing the splint. The next grinding appointment is next week. I can clearly feel that it's coming to an end. Maybe one or two more adjustments, maybe a few more weeks of adjustment. But the feeling is clear: the system is finding its new zero point.
What remains is a completely different body sensation. I can stand again without constantly having to balance. I feel my core differently. My whole demeanor has become calmer.
And above all: I finally understand how closely everything is connected. How much the jaw, spine, pelvis, organs and even emotions interact - and how profound an effect precisely guided splint therapy can have if you give it the time.
My holistic dentist who makes TMD visible
A decisive step on my path to diagnosis was my encounter with Dr. Burkhard Wittjea specialist in holistic dentistry in Oldenburg. In his practice, the human being is viewed as a unit between the jaw, spine and overall statics - an approach that was essential for the diagnosis of my TMD splint.
His comprehensive methodology includes, among other things:
- Myofunctional splint therapy according to Schöttlwhich specifically takes into account the connection between the jaw and spine
- Galvanic testingto measure electrical currents in the oral cavity
- Material compatibility tests and amalgam removal
- OROTOX teststhat identify possible interference fields
- Electroacupuncture according to Voll (EAV) to uncover underlying interference patterns
- Supplementary in his spectrum: biological gold fillings, periodontology, homeopathic support and much more.
Dr. Wittje was not only the first to recognize my symptoms in combination - he also helped me to see the clear connection between my jaw, my posture and my chronic complaints. His holistic approach was a central factor on the way to stabilizing my musculoskeletal system - and thus also an essential basis for the experiences I describe in the book.
Conclusion: The rail is not a passive tool - but a gateway to reorganization
The last three and a half years have shown me: This therapy is not a mechanical intervention. It is a process. And it requires patience, trust and careful listening. The last third of the treatment is obviously the most unpleasant of all the phases, because then the outer extremities, feet, hands and fingers are affected. But if you know where it's coming from, why you're doing it and what to expect in the future, then it's all half as bad. One look in the mirror with a straight back is enough for me to know exactly why I'm going through with the treatment to the end.
I am sharing this experience report because many people stop halfway through - out of impatience, frustration or because symptoms get worse before they disappear. Today I can say: it's worth it. And not just physically, but on many levels.
Many more experiences with the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of TMD are described in my book "TMD - The forgotten problem of modern medicine" which can be purchased in bookshops in German and English.
Image (c) muklinika @ pixabay
