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At Symmetry Dental we take pride in our holistic approach to health. We believe that every patient should be treated on an individual basis – worthy of unique, personalised, one-on-one treatment. Gone are the days of production-line dentistry and orthodontics – our focus is on working with our patients to achieve shared functional and aesthetic health goals.
The treatment of chronic pain of the head and neck is a difficult diagnostic puzzle. In an acute injury, the pain is at the site of origin, in a chronic condition however, the brain and body have instigated a variety of compensatory mechanisms that may drastically alter the degree and location of symptoms. Diagnostic postural balance tests are used to prioritise treatment and identify the origin of the presenting symptoms, which may involve: muscle pain of the head, neck or back; dizziness or vertigo; migraine; pain in the arms, hands or shoulders; sleep deprivation; swallowing difficulty; and many other symptoms.
Chronic pain of the head and neck regions is often a symptom related to TMJ syndrome.
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, attaches the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull. Jaw movement is controlled by a complex balance of several muscles and ligaments. Many of these muscles also attach to the neck and shoulders and are important in stabilising the head (think of a 15lb bowling ball) on the cervical spine or neck. Acute whiplash-type injuries or chronic conditions such as a bad bite or aberrant breathing and swallowing habits all result in postural compensation of the head and neck, causing these stabilising muscles to be constantly activated.
Coincident with muscular protection systems is a neurological alarm called the autonomic nervous system (the ANS). The ANS protects the body by turning on or off all the involuntary services the body requires to maintain ‘homeostasis’ or balance. This includes blood pressure, blood sugar levels, breathing rate and muscle activity. When this system is constantly in alarm mode its ability to maintain homeostasis is compromised, leading to pain and other systemic medical conditions.
Orthopostural dentistry involves an initial focus on stabilising or balancing the head on the cervical spine. Studies show that 94% of head posture compensation is a result of jaw joint dysfunction. Jaw stabilisation is achieved using acrylic molar splints at night. For many patients this restoration of structural balance is all that is required for pain to be alleviated and the stomatognathic system to be returned to normal function. For patients in a more ‘compensated’ or denatured state, more complex treatment may be required, such as further structural (cranial) release; a focus on biochemical factors; associated evaluation of emotional input; and other allied modalities. Experience has demonstrated to us that it is important to treat each of these further compensations in priority – much like peeling an onion – and a systematic, closely monitored approach is required.
Common Signs and Symptoms 
TMJ dysfunction can cause a number of symptoms
Treatment
The treatment of TMJ dysfunction should be prescribed based on your specific diagnosis. The goal of TMJ dysfunction treatment is to reduce pain, improve function and quality of life.
There are various treatments available and Dr Joseph Ryan offers treatment in both Wollongong and Canberra and would tailor the treatment to an individuals need. Treatment options include:
Conservative care of a soft diet, use of heat or cold packs, jaw stretching/strengthening exercises
Prescription of certain medication
The fabrication of an occlusal night splint
Low level laser or photobiomodulation therapy
Injectable therapy such as botox of trigger point injections
Dr Joseph Ryan is Canberra’s only Oral Medicine Specialist, with advanced training in the diagnosis and management of complex TMJ, head and neck pain, and sleep-related conditions.
He is recognised as a national and international leader in the field, with extensive experience treating patients with:
Patients are often referred to Dr Ryan when their condition has not improved with previous treatment.
Jaw pain and dysfunction (TMJ issues) are often misunderstood—and commonly treated by managing symptoms rather than addressing the cause.
At Symmetry Dental, we take a different approach.
We look at how your jaw, airway, breathing, muscles and bite all interact—so we can identify why the problem is happening and treat it properly.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your jaw to your skull. When these joints or the surrounding muscles are not functioning well, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
Many patients don’t realise these symptoms are connected.
In many cases, TMJ issues are not just about the joint itself.
They can be influenced by:
Your body often adapts over time—until it can’t anymore.
That’s when pain begins.
At Symmetry Dental, we don’t just treat the joint—we assess the entire system.
Your assessment may include:
This allows us to understand the cause, not just the symptoms.
Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include:
Our goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and support long-term stability.
If you’re experiencing:
…it’s worth having a proper assessment.
Early diagnosis can prevent long-term damage and more complex treatment.
If you’re looking for TMJ treatment in Canberra, our team at Symmetry Dental can help.
We take a comprehensive, airway-focused approach to diagnosing and managing jaw pain—helping you move beyond temporary fixes toward long-term relief.
👉 Book your consultation today