Optimal for the jaw joints: harmonizing, regenerative, and stabilizing
Many people suffer for years from an imbalance within the masticatory system and an incorrect jaw joint position without realizing that their symptoms — such as frequent headaches, tinnitus, neck and shoulder tension, teeth grinding, and many others — are actually caused by this condition. Only a small number of specialists are able to diagnose and treat this disorder, known as craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD).
A MAGO functional splint supports the rehabilitation and harmonization of the entire masticatory system.
In many cases, tooth alignment does not correspond harmoniously with the position of the jaw joints or the function of the tongue and chewing muscles. This imbalance can lead to a wide range of symptoms throughout the body.
Nine Steps
Your Path to Splint Therapy: Holistic Assessment from Head to Toe
Head and Oral Examination
During the clinical examination, we assess far more than just tooth alignment. We carefully evaluate your bite, tongue posture, and tongue function, as well as muscular tension in the jaw, head, neck, and shoulder region. In addition, we analyze the arc of closure of your jaw joints to identify any premature tooth contacts that may disturb healthy jaw function. We also examine the teeth and supporting structures for signs of gum recession, tooth wear (abrasions), periodontal issues, and bone loss. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to detect functional imbalances early and create a treatment plan that supports long-term oral health and overall well-being.
20-30 minutes
Full-Body Analysis
The body functions as an integrated system - a disturbed bite can affect overall posture and musculoskeletal balance. As part of our full-body analysis, we assess head, shoulder and pelvic posture, leg axes and foot position. A pelvic tilt can be caused by a inbalanced bite. In addition, we perform an osteopathic cranial screening to identify tension in the cranial and jaw regions that may affect jaw joint function.
20-60 mintues
Comprehensive Medical History (Anamnesis)
Every patient has a unique health history, and jaw joint complaints are often influenced by more than just the bite.<br /> During a detailed consultation, we assess previous medical conditions, symptoms in the jaw, head, neck, or shoulder region, difficulties with speaking, swallowing, or breathing and family medical history. This allows us to gain a complete understanding of your situation and forms the foundation for an individualized CMD treatment plan. The mobility of the lower jaw and the function of the chewing muscles are important for us. Special attention is given to myofunctional abnormalities, which are often the underlying cause of jaw misalignments, CMD symptoms, and joint overload.
30-60 minutes
Treating the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
Tooth misalignments, jaw joint pain, or muscular tension are often symptoms rather than the root cause.<br /> Our goal is to identify and address the underlying factors, such as incorrect tongue posture, chronic mouth breathing, excessive load on the jaw joints, unfavorable bite contacts. Only a cause-oriented approach can achieve long-term, stable, and sustainable results.
Advanced Diagnostics According to the KFO360° Concept
For precise planning of splint therapy, additional diagnostics may be performed, including digital measurement of mandibular movements, functional analysis of the masticatory system and 3D assessment of the jaw joints. These advanced digital tools provide valuable insights into your individual jaw joint function and are a core element of the KFO360° concept.
60 min
Individual Treatment Planning & Patient Education
If diagnostics confirm CMD and indicate that a MAGO functional splint is appropriate, we thoroughly discuss with you your diagnosis, how the splint works, recommended wearing protocol and the individual treatment process. You will receive a transparent cost estimate and ample time to ask questions.
30-60 min
Fitting of the MAGO Functional Splint
The MAGO functional splint is precisely calculated and designed based on your digitally recorded mandibular movements.<br /> Within 1 till 2 weeks, the splint is manufactured. At delivery, you will receive detailed instructions for use and care and personalized guidance for the adaptation phase. Depending on findings, we may recommend supportive therapies such as osteopathy.
30-60 min
Ongoing Therapy & Regular Follow-Ups
Throughout treatment, regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the effect of the splint, make necessary adjustments and accompany muscular and functional changes. Close monitoring is essential for long-term success.
30-45 min
Final Diagnostics & Completion Assessment
At the conclusion of splint therapy, we perform a final evaluation including reassessment of jaw joint position and repeat full-body posture analysis. This ensures that treatment has been successful not only locally in the jaw, but holistically throughout the body.
30-60 min
CMD Therapy
Why Splint Therapy Makes Sense
rapid pain relief and early improvement
A splint provides a gentle and functionally correct repositioning of the jaw joint condyles within the joint socket.<br /> Premature contacts during the closing movement of the bite can force the jaw joints out of their natural position, placing excessive stress on the joint structures. Over time, this overload may lead to inflammation and degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis. By eliminating these premature contacts, the splint relieves the jaw joints and guides them into a stable, physiological position. This helps reduce acute inflammatory processes and effectively slows or prevents further degenerative joint changes.
prevention of joint arthrosis
The splint appliance helps position the jaw joints correctly within the joint socket. This significantly reduces the risk of developing joint arthrosis. The better the jaw joint is positioned in its natural position, the lower the strain on the joint structures and therefore the lower the risk of degenerative joint disease.
halting active bone resorption in the jaw joint
With improved positioning of the jaw joints, acute inflammatory processes can heal. Follow-up imaging often shows a restored, intact cortical bone layer and a significantly improved jaw joint position.
rehabilitation of jaw joint positioning
The splint appliance ensures an optimal and stable positioning of the jaw joints. By improving the position of the joint within the joint socket, the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the temporomandibular joint is significantly reduced. The better the jaw joint is centered and supported in its natural position, the lower the mechanical overload and the lower the risk of degenerative joint changes such as osteoarthritis.
prevention of further tooth wear and gum recession
When the bite does not harmonize with the jaw joints, the teeth are exposed to unfavorable horizontal forces instead of healthy vertical loading. This non-physiological stress can lead to excessive tooth wear (abrasion) and progressive gum recession over time. A properly adjusted bite reduces these harmful forces and helps protect both the teeth and the surrounding periodontal structures. By restoring functional harmony between the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles, further damage to tooth enamel and gum tissue can be effectively prevented.
restoration of healthy joint movements
By using splint therapy we can stabilize the jaw joint position. We can assess functional improvement before permanent dental measures avoid unnecessary or premature irreversible treatments. This approach ensures a safe, conservative, and function-oriented treatment strategy, especially for patients with CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction), jaw joint pain, or bite-related complaints.
significant improvement of headaches and migraines (when bite-related)
An incorrect bite is very often an overlooked cause of frequent headaches and even migraines. Many patients — especially women — suffer from chronic head and neck pain for years and believe they have to live with it, because no clear cause can be identified.
improved breathing and no airway problems
When the bite does not fit harmoniously with the jaw joints, excessive tension develops in the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles. This constant overload can trigger recurring breathing problems. By identifying and treating the bite-related cause, orthodontic and functional therapy can often lead to a significant reduction or complete relief of symptoms - addressing the root of the problem rather than masking it with medication.
improved tongue posture and treatment of tongue dysfunction
Craniomandibular Dysfunction (CMD) is often closely linked to poor tongue posture and tongue dysfunction. A low or incorrect tongue position can destabilize the bite, overload the jaw joints, and increase muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulders.<br /> <br /> Targeted CMD treatment combined with tongue posture correction and myofunctional therapy helps restore balance between the teeth, jaw joints, and muscles. Improving tongue function supports proper jaw positioning, enhances breathing, and contributes to long-term stability of the bite.<br /> <br /> By addressing tongue dysfunction at its source, CMD symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, neck tension, and teeth grinding can be significantly reduced.
non-invasive therapy
Before any final and irreversible dental procedures are carried out, pain relief and functional stability should first be achieved. A functional splint is a minimally invasive treatment option, as all adjustments are made exclusively on the splint itself - not on the teeth - during follow-up appointments. This allows the jaw joints and muscles to relax, stabilize, and recover in a controlled and gentle manner.
manageable costs
The cost of treatment is calculated individually, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of appointments required.<br /> Installment payment options are available for patients who are paying privately and whose treatment is not covered by private health insurance or supplementary insurance.
Learn More
What does KFO 360° Actually Mean?
Every smile is different — so is our care. From diagnostics to treatment, we use modern tools and a personal approach to make your orthodontic journey clear, comfortable, and tailored to you. Watch the video to see how we support patients at every step.
What Do Splints Achieve?
Many people live for decades with an imbalance between teeth, musculature, and jaw joints, believing they must simply endure their symptoms.
Body Balance
restore overall body balance disrupted by an incorrect bite
Arthrosis & Inflammation
stop arthrosis and inflammatory processes in the jaw joint
Masticatory System
harmonize the entire masticatory system
Jaw joint position
reposition the jaw joints into a healthy, functional position
Premature Contacts
break the vicious cycle of mismatched teeth and jaw joints and hidden the premature contacts.
Bad Bite?
Before & After With a Voice
See how lingual braces made a difference—in looks and confidence
I was in such severe pain that I could no longer eat normally and could only mash soft toast bread with my tongue. Within just a few weeks of splint therapy, I was able to eat normally again. My quality of life has returned.
Treatment Duration
5 monthsconfidence
100%
Care and Maintenance Tips
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Daily Cleaning Routine
Rinse the splint with water after each removal and store it in a protective case
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Intensive Cleaning
Clean at least once daily with a firm toothbrush
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Tricks for deposits
If deposits cannot be removed with brushing, perform a deep cleaning as instructed
Ready to explore a splint therapy?
Let’s chat. At your first visit, we’ll answer questions, show you your options, and help you feel confident about your next steps.
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+08171-9113366
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kontakt@kfo-jilek.de
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Orthodontic Praxis, Wolfratshausen