01 / Let’s start with your concerns
Joint pain, clicking or tense muscles? Answer three questions to find out what to discuss with a gnathologist at White Art in Moscow.
Your result appears immediately. Answers are neither stored nor sent anywhere.
Meet the doctors ↗Where you can start
This guide does not replace an examination or prescribe treatment.
02 / What is a gnathologist?
A gnathologist is a dentist who studies how the temporomandibular joints, chewing muscles and tooth contacts work together.
When there is pain, muscle fatigue or limited mouth opening, we need to find the source of the symptoms. Before restoring teeth, we consider how their future shape will work with the entire system.
The joint disc lies between the head of the lower jaw and the joint surface of the temporal bone.
Gray’s Anatomy · 311 ↗
The portrait shows the masseter muscle area. The illustration below shows the temporalis muscle, which also helps with chewing.
Gray’s Anatomy · 382 ↗
The anatomical illustration shows the positions of permanent teeth: their crowns and roots hidden in the bone.
Gray’s Anatomy · 1003 ↗Choose what you would like to explore
The TMJs are on either side in front of the ears. They combine rotation and sliding, allowing us to open our mouths, speak, chew and yawn.
At your appointment: we assess tenderness, clicking and freedom of movement. Pain near the ear alone does not indicate a joint disorder.
Chewing muscles raise and move the lower jaw. Their tenderness and fatigue can be felt in the cheek or temple and may accompany teeth clenching.
At your appointment: we assess muscle tenderness and discuss strain, sleep and clenching. We clarify the source of pain during the examination.
Tooth contacts matter for chewing and planning restorations. Before extensive work, we assess how the future teeth will meet during different movements.
At your appointment: we check contacts, wear and the condition of restorations. Changing the bite is not a universal treatment for TMJ pain.
If a joint clicks without pain and the mouth opens freely, treatment is often unnecessary. Pain, locking or changes in usual movement warrant an examination.
03 / The White Art team
All our prosthodontists and orthodontists are gnathologists.
Working with joints, muscles and the bite is part of each specialist’s training. We therefore consider tooth restoration and alignment in relation to the function of the entire chewing system.
Chief dentist
Prosthodontist · gnathologist
Clinic founder. Combines aesthetics and function in prosthodontic treatment: a future smile should take account of joints, muscles and tooth contacts.
Meet the doctor ↗
Prosthodontist · gnathologist
Trained with Gregor Slavicek
Functional diagnostics and tooth restoration: from assessing jaw movement to crowns, veneers and implant-supported prosthetics.
Meet the doctor ↗
Orthodontist
Gnathologist
Bite correction with assessment of joints and muscles. The orthodontic plan considers jaw function and, where necessary, future tooth restoration.
Meet the doctor ↗First-hand knowledge
Daniil Nuzhdov trained personally with Gregor Slavicek, a teacher of functional diagnostics, condylography and splint therapy.
This training helps relate concerns to examination findings and recorded jaw movements, and consider the future shape and function of restored teeth.
Book with Daniil Alexandrovich ↗
Gregor’s father. Author of the concept.
Professor Rudolf Slavicek, Gregor’s father, was a pioneer of functional and interdisciplinary dentistry. He studied the biomechanics of the chewing system and developed a concept that considers teeth, muscles and joints in relation to one another.
His research laid the foundations for the Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry, VieSID. Gregor continued the family’s professional tradition through functional diagnostics and teaching dentists.
Daniil Nuzhdov trained personally with Gregor and applies this knowledge to diagnostics and treatment planning at White Art.
If a prosthodontist and orthodontist are involved, their decisions should complement each other. We explain examination findings, possible care options and the purpose of each stage.
I restore the function of the entire chewing system, rather than an individual crown.Daniil Nuzhdov
04 / Your first appointment
You do not need to know your diagnosis or choose an appliance before your first visit. Tell us what troubles you and bring existing investigations. We will confirm the appointment length when you book.
Tell us when symptoms appeared, what increases discomfort and what treatment you have had. The doctor also needs to know how this affects sleep, eating and daily life.
The doctor checks movements, muscles, joints and tooth contacts. You can warn of a painful movement and request a break.
The doctor reviews your existing images and reports. If information is insufficient, they explain what needs clarification and which investigation can help.
After the examination, we discuss findings and possible care options, the sequence of stages, costs and ways to assess results. You decide on treatment after your questions have been answered.
05 / Gnathology according to Slavicek
Rudolf Slavicek’s concept considers the relationship between teeth, muscles and joints. When planning treatment, we account for how teeth meet and how the lower jaw moves during chewing and speaking.
Planning with function in mind We start with your symptoms and treatment history, discussing daily habits, sleep and muscle strain. This matters because several factors may contribute to pain.
If the clinical task requires it, we record jaw movements and assess tooth contacts. We compare these findings with the examination and images.
Individual data helps adjust an articulator, make a splint or model future restorations with your jaw movements in mind.
06 / Technology with a purpose
CADIAX 4 and SDI Matrix record jaw movements for analysis and planning. TENS serves a different purpose: when indicated, it is an additional procedure for muscular symptoms.
Condylography
GAMMA’s CADIAX 4 condylograph records lower jaw movements. The doctor analyses the paths and uses the data to individually adjust an articulator, a device that reproduces jaw movements using tooth models.
The doctor fits the recording system. You open and close your mouth and move your jaw as instructed. The examination does not use X-rays. Recording usually takes around 10–15 minutes and the entire visit 60–90 minutes; we confirm the duration when booking.
Movement recording complements the examination. It does not show the joint disc or replace MRI.
Axiography
SDI Matrix axiography records lower jaw movements using an optical system. The data helps assess function and transfer individual movements to digital planning and the dental laboratory.
The doctor fits a recording system with optical markers. The system reads their positions while you perform instructed movements.
Axiography and condylography serve similar movement-recording purposes. The doctor selects a protocol for the clinical question; both examinations are not prescribed automatically.
Working with muscles
TENS applies electrical pulses through skin electrodes. When indicated, the doctor may include it in the management of painful or tense muscles.
Before the procedure, the doctor assesses indications and limitations, then sets the intensity. Tell them how you feel during the session so settings can be adjusted.
TENS is an additional method. It does not establish a diagnosis or prove an “ideal jaw position”. The effect and need to repeat it are assessed based on your response.
Movement recording and assessment of soft tissues and bones provide different information. Explore what each method can reveal.
The doctor determines the extent of testing after an examination. This section explains methods and does not prescribe investigations.
Starting point
Where it hurts, when symptoms appear, how the mouth opens, whether joints and muscles are tender, and the condition of teeth: this is where the search for a source of pain begins.
There is no single universal test for all TMJ disorders. If information is insufficient, the doctor explains what needs clarification.
Individual function
CADIAX 4 and SDI Matrix record lower jaw movement paths. The data is used to analyse function and plan dental treatment.
Movement recording does not show the joint disc or replace MRI. Two recording methods are not automatically prescribed together.
Disc and soft tissues
Helps assess the joint disc and soft tissues when a relevant clinical question remains after the examination.
Images are assessed alongside symptoms and examination findings. Not every patient with painless clicking needs MRI.
Bone structures
Shows the bones of the joints and jaws. It is prescribed when this particular information is needed to choose a treatment approach.
CT does not replace MRI for assessing the joint disc. The need for testing is determined by clinical indications.
07 / Treating TMJ and muscular pain
Care aims to reduce pain, improve mouth opening and restore comfortable chewing. The plan depends on the source of symptoms: the joint, chewing muscles, teeth or a combination of factors.
We compare symptoms, examination findings and necessary investigations. We explain what we have established and which questions remain.
We usually start with conservative, reversible measures. For each prescription, we discuss its purpose and expected changes.
We assess pain, mouth opening and comfort when chewing. At follow-up visits, we adjust the plan if improvement is insufficient.
EVERYDAY STRAIN
The doctor explains how to reduce triggering strain, notice daytime clenching and choose exercises appropriate to your situation. Other pain-relief methods may be prescribed if necessary.
Exercises and routines are chosen after examination. Do not exercise the joint through pain.
CUSTOM SPLINT
A removable splint is made to fit your teeth. It may protect them from damage and form part of care for muscular or joint pain.
The doctor checks the fit, prescribes a wearing schedule and follow-up visits. A splint does not guarantee an end to bruxism or relief from all pain.
ADDITIONAL METHODS
Electrical pulses through skin electrodes may be used as an additional method to relieve muscular symptoms. The doctor assesses indications, limitations and your response.
TENS does not replace diagnostics. Evidence for lasting effects on TMJ-related pain is limited.
RESTORATIONS AND THE BITE
If worn teeth need restoring, restorations replacing or the bite correcting, the prosthodontist and orthodontist incorporate functional data into the overall plan.
Joint pain alone does not mean braces, veneers or crowns on every tooth are needed.
This is a separate appliance that temporarily changes habitual tooth contacts for a specific clinical purpose. Its design and purpose differ from a splint. The doctor explains what information they seek and whether you need this stage.
The doctor will recommend an appropriate specialist if needed. With persistent pain, sleep, strain, stress and general wellbeing matter. This does not mean the symptoms are “just nerves”.
Stop using the splint and contact your doctor. Do not adjust it yourself or try to get used to increasing pain.
You understand the purpose of each stage.
Before starting, we discuss the sequence, follow-up visits and cost.
08 / What “in depth” means
The doctor and dental technician need data on how your teeth meet and your lower jaw moves. Making an appliance is not enough: how it works must also be checked.
A thin diagnostic mouthguard helps study tooth contacts. Findings are assessed alongside the examination and your symptoms.
We transfer data to work with models. Split-Cast helps position models accurately in the articulator.
We make a splint for the clinical task and check its fit and tooth contacts. We then assess how you feel and the outcome at follow-up visits.
Complex cases may involve chewing tests and Brux Checker analysis with Orehab Minds. The need is assessed individually. Our articles explain the purpose of each method.
09 / When you clench your teeth
Bruxism can occur during sleep or while awake. You may clench your teeth without noticing.
Wear, chips and morning muscle tenderness are reasons to investigate. The doctor assesses the consequences, habits, sleep and other possible factors.
A mouthguard may protect teeth from damage, but care extends beyond it. The doctor also assesses daytime clenching, muscle strain and associated conditions.
We look beyond graphs: is chewing and opening the mouth easier, has pain intensity changed, do symptoms interfere less often, and is the splint comfortable? We discuss checkpoints beforehand and adjust the plan based on results.
10 / Cost
Cost depends on the questions to be addressed. After your consultation, we agree on the extent of testing and explain which expenses are included in the chosen plan.
Clinical assessment of joints, muscles and tooth closure.
40 000 ₽Start by assessing function and defining the next step.
Review of symptoms and treatment history; assessment of mouth opening and jaw movements; palpation of chewing muscles and TMJs; assessment of joint sounds and tooth contacts; and functional tests. Findings lead to conclusions and recommendations for further investigations.
Instrumental recording and analysis of lower jaw movements.
60 000 ₽Obtain individual data for functional planning.
Preparation and fitting of the CADIAX 4 recording system, recording functional movements and analysing their paths. The data is used for individual functional planning.
Extended assessment for detailed rehabilitation planning.
120 000 ₽Combine clinical and instrumental findings in a complex situation.
Comparison of clinical and instrumental findings, work with models and an articulator, and functional analysis for a comprehensive plan. Additional investigations depend on indications. The exact package contents, images and separate expenses are agreed before starting.
These are separate services and assessment options, rather than three mandatory stages. We clarify the exact protocol, additional images, follow-up visits and their costs before starting.
When indicated, the doctor may include a custom splint, TENS, a deprogrammer or axiography. We agree on the scope and duration of each stage in advance.
Fabrication of an appliance for a clinical task. The wearing schedule and follow-up visits are discussed with the doctor.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation when indicated. We agree on the scope of the service before starting.
An appliance to temporarily separate the back teeth. Prescribed for a specific diagnostic purpose.
Optical recording of lower jaw movements. The doctor determines whether the examination is needed.
Start with a consultation. The administrator can tell you the initial appointment cost and current terms.
11 / If you feel anxious
Tell us what has changed and how it affects your life. Your observations are enough for the first discussion: medical terminology is not required.
If you fear pain or have had a difficult treatment experience, tell us at the start. You can ask the doctor to explain the next step or take a break during the examination.
At your consultation, you can discuss symptoms, hear the doctor’s explanation and then decide how to proceed.
MRI, CT and previous treatment plans. You do not need to obtain new images especially for the consultation.
When they started, what increases or reduces discomfort and whether you grind your teeth at night.
If you already wear one. The doctor needs to see the appliance and know your wearing schedule.
You can show a note on your phone. You do not need to remember everything.
12 / Calm answers
If your question is not here, you can ask it at your consultation.
Message the administrator ↗TMJ means temporomandibular joint. There are two, in front of the ears, involved in lower jaw movement. “Dysfunction” describes various disorders of the joints and chewing muscles; it is not one diagnosis or a single treatment protocol.
A dentist who specialises in the function of the chewing system: joints, chewing muscles and tooth contacts. Patients seek help for pain, limited movement, muscle tension, tooth wear and functional planning of extensive dental work.
Clicking may relate to movement of the joint disc. Sound alone cannot identify the cause: the doctor considers pain, freedom of movement and examination findings. Painless clicking alone often needs no treatment. Discomfort, locking or reduced mouth opening warrant an examination. Sound cannot determine a diagnosis or the need for a splint.
You can start with a dentist who treats TMJs and orofacial pain. They check teeth, muscles and joints and recommend an appropriate specialist if another cause is suspected. Pain in or near the ear can also have non-dental causes.
Sudden locking, inability to close the mouth, severely restricted eating, injury, or swelling with fever require urgent in-person care. Do not try to reposition your jaw yourself. For occasional locking without acute symptoms, arrange an examination.
Both record lower jaw movements. White Art uses CADIAX 4 and the SDI Matrix optical system. They use different recording methods and protocols. The doctor chooses the examination for the task; neither images the joint disc.
No: MRI shows soft tissues and the joint disc, while condylography records movement. This does not mean every patient needs both. The need is determined after examination.
Movement recording does not use X-rays. A recording system is fitted to your face and you move your jaw as instructed. If a movement hurts, tell the doctor: do not force it.
It uses a custom removable splint prescribed by a doctor. It is made to fit your teeth, its fit and contacts are checked, and a wearing schedule and follow-up visits are arranged. Its purpose depends on the clinical situation: protecting teeth or helping with joint and muscular pain.
Names may overlap, but design, material, tooth contacts and wearing schedule depend on the purpose. A generic shop-bought mouthguard cannot replace a custom splint prescribed and checked by a doctor.
There is no universal duration or schedule. The doctor prescribes these after testing, checks fit and assesses results at follow-up visits. Follow the prescribed schedule. If the splint causes or worsens pain, stop using it and contact your doctor.
TENS may be considered an additional approach to symptom relief. It does not independently identify the cause of pain. Evidence for long-term effects on TMJ dysfunction-related pain is limited, so a justified prescription and outcome assessment matter.
No. Orthodontics and restorations are prescribed for their own indications. TMJ pain does not mean all your teeth need changing. In complex rehabilitation, functional diagnostics helps plan this work appropriately.
Morning muscle tenderness and fatigue may accompany teeth clenching or grinding during sleep. This alone cannot establish a bruxism diagnosis. The doctor assesses muscles, joints and teeth and asks about sleep and other possible causes.
Daytime clenching and sleep can affect muscle strain. With persistent pain, the doctor assesses these factors alongside clinical findings. This does not mean symptoms are “just nerves” or can be ignored.
Yes. Bring existing investigations, reports, your treatment plan and splint. The doctor reviews them and explains what further information is needed. New investigations are prescribed for a specific purpose.
No. Rudolf Slavicek is Gregor’s father and the author of the functional concept in dentistry. Gregor Slavicek teaches functional diagnostics, condylography and splint therapy. Dr Nuzhdov trained personally with Gregor Slavicek.
Cost depends on the diagnosis, extent of testing, chosen methods and follow-up visits. Individual service prices are listed above. After testing, you can discuss a staged financial plan; there is no single amount for all situations.
You usually do not need MRI or CT especially for a consultation unless already prescribed. Bring existing images and reports. After the examination, the gnathologist explains what information is missing and which method can provide it.
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