The Slavicek Concept: A Functional Approach to TMJ Health
More than teeth. More than joints. It’s about the system.
TMJ disorders are not isolated jaw problems — they often stem from systemic imbalances. That’s why, in my practice, I follow the evidence-based approach of Professor Rudolf Slavicek.
What is the Slavicek Concept?
The Slavicek Concept views the masticatory system as an integrated whole — teeth, muscles, joints, posture, and neurology all interact. Pain, clicking, or limited jaw movement may reflect dysfunction in this system.
Diagnosis begins with a functional assessment, not just imaging. We examine posture, muscle tone, opening pathways, and bite relationships in dynamic motion — because the problem often hides in how your system moves, not just how it looks.
Multidisciplinary Thinking
- Postural analysis (especially cervical spine)
- Muscle palpation for tension/asymmetry
- Occlusal and functional bite analysis
- Joint loading tests (is pain mechanical or inflammatory?)
The goal is not just to treat symptoms — but to find the pattern of dysfunction behind them.
From Diagnosis to Stabilization
Once the dysfunction is mapped, we can guide the system back to balance. This may include:
- Therapeutic splints (not just night guards)
- Muscle deprogramming and joint decompression
- Guided bite reprogramming over time
These steps form the foundation for orthodontic, prosthetic, or rehabilitative work — if needed at all.
VieSID (Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry) — the only international institution officially teaching Professor Slavicek’s protocols.
In complex cases, we incorporate advanced tools such as the Gamma Facebow and Condylograph for precision tracking and planning.