TMJ Services

It is very important that patients treated with the Urbanek Device and Protocol have an understanding of how it works for two reasons. When patients can visualize what is going on in their own body they are more likely to perform what is asked of them by the doctor according to the protocol. When patients […]

When patients hear about the Urbanek Device, whether from a referring doctor, a friend, previous patient, or the internet, they usually immediately relate to using similar devices which fit in the mouth.  Maybe they have used a mouth guard during sports, or a retainer after orthodontic care.  Patients are generally not turned off by placing […]

Over the past 7 years I have interviewed and done consultations with more than 6000 patients with TMD/TMJ.  I could write a book about what I learned during those consultations. Several people have told me I need to write the book.  Maybe, someday, I will. But now my full attention is on how to educate […]

Bruxism is the technical and scientific term used to describe clenching and/or grinding of the teeth due to involuntary motion of the lower jaw. Bruxism can occur during the day, Awake Bruxism (AB) or at night, Night Bruxism (NB). Bruxism is very common, and it is estimated that roughly half the population bruxes and most […]

This is the 5th in a series of articles on common misinformation and misconceptions about treating TMD. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed in the 21st Century. According to one study in 2020, “During 2015–2018, 13.2% of Americans aged 18 and over reported taking antidepressant medication in the past 30 days. Antidepressant use was higher among women than men […]

The consensus among everyone, the patients, the physicians, and the dentists, who deal with the symptoms of TMD/TMJ is that “Nothing Works”.  I recently had a conversation with a very well known and highly professionally placed orthodontist who quoted his orthodontic professor and mentor as saying: “The best way to treat a TMJ patient is […]

This is the fourth article in a series addressing misinformation regarding TMD/TMJ. Muscle relaxants are frequently prescribed by medial and dental providers for patients with TMD.  The generic name for muscle relaxants is Cyclopenzaprine and the most common brand name is Flexaril.  The fist thing to know about muscle relaxants is that they do not […]

This is the third article in a series addressing misinformation regarding TMD/TMJ. Bruxism is the technical term for clenching and grinding the teeth.  No doubt clenching and grinding the teeth is the most common circumstance related to TMD.  In my experience, 80% of patients who present to our practice with TMD clench and grind their […]

This is the second article in a series addressing misinformation regarding TMD/TMJ. Botox is an injectable pharmaceutical derived from Clostridium Botulinum Type A Neurotoxin.  Clostridium Botulinum is a bacteria which produces its neurotoxin primarily in environments without oxygen. (Anaerobic).  This neurotoxin when ingested, even in small quantities, can cause respiratory failure, body paralysis, and death. […]

This article is first in a series directed specifically to patients diagnosed with TMD or think they may have TMD.  It is now culturally common for people to be concerned about misinformation.  When I was a young lad, my mother on occasion would say: “Don’t lie to me Tony.” when she caught me in a […]