Here’s Why We Made This Page
You might’ve heard the term “physiologic dentistry” — maybe tied to TMJ pain, jaw alignment, sleep apnea, or headaches. It sounds advanced. Even medical. But the reality is more complicated.
We're not here to sell you a splint or a theory. We're here to give you facts. And if you're searching for clarity, you're not alone.
So What Is It?
“Physiologic dentistry” isn’t a formally recognized dental specialty. There’s no accredited board. No uniform standards. It’s a label some dentists use to describe treatment approaches that go beyond teeth — often involving jaw posture, neuromuscular theory, or claims about whole-body effects.
That doesn’t mean it’s all wrong. But it’s not all proven either. And the difference matters — especially when irreversible treatment is on the table.
Common Claims (and What You Should Know)
- Claim: "Your bite is the root of your migraines, sleep problems, or back pain."
- Our take: Bite issues can play a role, but they’re rarely the only factor. A dentist should never diagnose systemic conditions alone.
- Claim: “Jaw scans and TENS machines can pinpoint hidden dysfunctions.”
- Our take: These tools can help in select cases — but they’re not magic. They shouldn't replace a real medical evaluation.
- Claim: “Reshaping your bite or jaw position will fix everything.”
- Our take: Permanent treatment (like adjusting your teeth) should always be a last resort, not a first move.
References (Click to Expand)
- Yurchenko M, Hubálková H, Klepáček I, Machoň V, Mazánek J. The Neuromuscular Approach Towards Interdisciplinary Cooperation in Medicine. International Dental Journal. 2014;64(1):12–19. doi: 10.1111/idj.12057
- Desai B, Alkandari N, Laskin DM. How Accurate Is Information About Diagnosis and Management of Temporomandibular Disorders on Dentist Websites? Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. 2016;122(3):306–309. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2016.04.014
- Garstka AA, Kozowska L, Kijak K, et al. Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Painful Temporomandibular Disorders: A Literature Review Supplemented by Own Clinical Experience. Pain Research & Management. 2023;2023:1002235. doi: 10.1155/2023/1002235
- Gauer RL, Semidey MJ. Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders. American Family Physician. 2015;91(6):378–386.
- Kahn S, Ehrlich P, Feldman M, Sapolsky R, Wong S. The Jaw Epidemic: Recognition, Origins, Cures, and Prevention. Bioscience. 2020;70(9):759–771. doi: 10.1093/biosci/biaa073
- Saratti CM, Rocca GT, Vaucher P, et al. Functional Assessment of the Stomatognathic System. Part 1: The Role of Static Elements of Analysis. Quintessence International. 2021;52(10):920–932. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b2077573
- Manfredini D, Castroflorio T, Perinetti G, Guarda-Nardini L. Dental Occlusion, Body Posture and Temporomandibular Disorders: Where We Are Now and Where We Are Heading For. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 2012;39(6):463–471. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2842.2012.02291.x
- Thomas DC, Singer SR, Markman S. Temporomandibular Disorders and Dental Occlusion: What Do We Know So Far? Dental Clinics of North America. 2023;67(2):299–308. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2022.11.002
- Kandasamy S, Greene CS. The Evolution of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Shift From Experience to Evidence. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine. 2020;49(6):461–469. doi: 10.1111/jop.13080
Our Approach to Complex Symptoms
If you’re dealing with jaw pain, tension, sleep concerns, or dental discomfort with no clear cause — we take it seriously.
But we don’t guess. We don’t overpromise. And we don’t push irreversible treatment without a full picture.
We start with real diagnostics. Then we explain what we find in plain English. If it's something we can treat safely, we’ll explain how. If it needs a medical opinion or second look, we’ll help coordinate care.
Already Given a “Physiologic” Diagnosis?
Maybe someone told you your pain was “in your bite.” Maybe they offered a splint, a full mouth rehab, or another big commitment. And maybe it didn’t sit right.
If you’re unsure, come talk to us. We’ll give you a straight second opinion — backed by evidence, not sales tactics.
+1 (610) 678-5700