FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific basis of the TMJ Scale?
- This diagnostic test is based on the same research and uses the same TMJ Scale questionnaire that has been used over the past 25 years by hundreds of TMJ Specialistis across the U.S. on hundreds of thousands of patients.
What do TMJ specialists use the TMJ Scale for?
- The TMJ Specialist’s version of this test results in a very comprehensive and technical report that requires a trained TMJ clinicianto to interpret and apply the results to their patient. The interpretation and use of this test by a clinical TMJ Specialist takes time and often results in a professional fee. The clinician uses this test to compliment the rest of their clinical history, examination and lab tests, in order to make the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. The TMJ clinician often uses this test before, during and after treatment to help measure treatment results.
How does the Patient Version of the TMJ Scale differ from the Clinician’s version?
- The version of this test that is available to you now, on this web site, is based on the same scientific research and has the same power and accuracy as the TMJ Specialist’s version. The difference is that the results for the Patient Self-Test are used to screen for “TMJ” and associated problems, and prepare a Report that presents the results in simple, straightforward terms that do not require any special training.
Does the Patient Version of the TMJ Scale require any special training and how accurate is it?
- No additional training is needed by you to benefit from this screening test. However, please note that the accuracy and reliability of the results of the Patient Self-Test are the same as for the TMJ Specialist’s version. This accuracy is usually around 90%, an exceptionally high figure.
What advantages does the Patient Version of the TMJ Scale offer?
- A substantial advantage is that you can obtain the results in the privacy of your own home at a very low cost. The resulting information may immediately help you to better understand what kind of problem you are dealing with and whether additional professional assistance is indicated.
What are the risks and effects of not identifying a TMJ problem?
- TMJ problems often cause significant worry, anxiety and stress. The symptoms are often confusing and difficult to pin down. It is important to identify whether a TMJ problem is present so that proper professional assistance can be sought. While the symptoms may come and go over time, and some of these problems seem to improve on their own, many often do not. If left unchecked, some TMJ disorders can produce very significant problems of increasing difficulty, that may require more complex treatments, including surgery.
What are some additional problems “TMJ” can cause?
- The emotional impact of coping with the pain often associated with “TMJ” can produce additional problems. High levels of anxiety, depression and stress are not unusual among “TMJ” patients.
Why should I take the TMJ Scale test now?
- By acting now and making a small investment in your health you can obtain valuable information that may more quickly help you make informed and better decisions regarding this potential problem, your health and future. And remember, this test screens for a variety of non-TMJ problems that can masquerade as a TMJ disorder. This may help you decide, in a more timely way, what type of health care provider you should seek help from, if that appears indicated.
I want to know if my TMJ problem is getting better or worse over time-can the TMJ Scale help?
- Another benefit of the TMJ Scale™ is that it can be used over time to follow the progress and course of your symptoms. Re-testing at intervals can give you some idea if your problem is improving, staying the same, or worsening. So, you can take the Patient Self-Test now and then again at a later time to determine what has changed.
Where can I find more information on the TMJ Scale?
- If you would like more technical information, please refer to other sections of this web site. You can find the numerous scientific publications in a wide variety of professional dental journals which, discuss in great detail the scientific basis for the development, accuracy, and use of this test. Many articles demonstrate how TMJ Specialists and researchers use the test to measure TMJ symptoms and study treatment outcomes.
Who has studied the accuracy of the TMJ Scale?
- The TMJ Scale™ has undergone the most rigorous scientific and clinical scrutiny, and has consistently shown a very high accuracy and reliability. Studies at major Universities and Institutions by many independent researchers have shown this test to be highly dependable. In fact, we are not aware of any other similar tool that has been studied and published on so many different patients, numbering in the tens of thousands.
How thorough has research on the TMJ Scale been?
- The initial developmental research involved over 30 clinicians in 19 states and Canada, studying over 3,000 individuals. Subsequent validation studies included over 10,000 “TMJ” patients, probably the largest effort of its kind in this field. TMJ Scale™ research continues to expand over time and the results remain highly consistent in a wide variety of test settings.
Is the TMJ Scale accepted by the major TMJ specialty organizations?
- The American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP), a highly prestigious and leading organization of TMJ Specialists in the U.S. and abroad, recommends the TMJ Scale Patient Self-Test as a screening tool for those who are having symptoms and want to learn more about their problem and help them decide if professional assistance is needed. The AACP describes the TMJ Scale Patient Self-Test as clinically proven, quick and inexpensive. Professional lectures and invited presentations on the TMJ Scale™ have been given across the U.S. over the years to many of the major academic and clinical academies, universities and organizations specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders (see references).
Where can I read about others who have been helped by the TMJ Scale?
- If you would like to read about others who have been helped by the TMJ Scale™, please see the Case Studies section. Many of you will find similarities to your own difficulties.
Where can I find more information about TMJ?
- We provide some information about TMJ disorders on this site. Please also see our links to other sites where you can obtain much more information about diagnosis and treatments for “TMJ”.
As a clinician, where can I find more information on the research and use of the TMJ Scale?
- If you are a dentist and/or TMJ Specialist and would like additional information on the use of the TMJ Scale™, please go to the Clinicians page of this website.