Hi, I’m Dr. Curtis Westersund, a TMJ dentist in Calgary, and I’ve spent over 30 years helping patients who suffer from jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, and that frustrating feeling that something just isn’t right.
If you’re here, chances are you’ve already tried a few things to fix your TMJ pain. Maybe a nightguard. Maybe some physio. Maybe you’ve even been told it’s “all in your head.”
Let me reassure you: It’s not. And you’re not alone.
TMJ (or more accurately, TMD—Temporomandibular Disorders) affects millions of people, but the signs can be sneaky and misunderstood. Clicking jaws, neck pain, headaches, ear ringing, shoulder tension, locked jaws, bite issues… they’re all part of the same complex picture.
How TMJ Pain Can Wreck Your Day—and Your Life
TMJ pain doesn’t just stay in the jaw. It can make your whole body feel out of balance. I’ve met patients who’ve had migraines for decades, difficulty sleeping, sore necks that just wouldn’t go away, even constant dizziness—and they never thought their jaw might be part of the problem.
When your bite is off, it puts stress on your muscles, joints, and posture. That means even everyday things—like working at a computer, talking to a friend, or enjoying a meal—can become exhausting or even painful. It’s not just frustrating. It affects your work, your relationships, your energy, and your confidence.
That’s why as a TMJ dentist in Calgary, I focus on a bigger picture approach—one that doesn’t just “treat the teeth,” but addresses the biomechanics of how everything works together.
A Biomechanical Approach That Looks at the Whole You
At Dentalife, we don’t guess. We measure.
My approach is grounded in biomechanics—how your jaw, teeth, muscles, posture, and nervous system work together. When one part of that system is off, the others start to compensate. That’s when the pain starts.
So, how do we help?
- We use biometric tools—including digital bite sensors (like the T-Scan) and EMG scans—to understand what your muscles are doing when you chew, rest, or move your jaw.
- We test and measure your bite in a sitting, upright position—just like how you live your life, not laying down in a dental chair.
- We customize your treatment based on your unique jaw movement, muscle tension, and body posture.
- We don’t chase symptoms—we work to fix the root cause of your pain.
In short, we help bring your jaw, bite, and body back into balance.
Over 30 Years Helping Patients (and Dentists) Around the World
Being a TMJ dentist in Calgary for over three decades has been an incredible journey. I’ve treated many, many patients who thought they had to live with pain. I’ve had the privilege of working with dentists around the world—from Canada to Japan, from Brazil to India—teaching them how to diagnose and treat TMJ issues using a physiologic, science-based approach.
I currently serve as President of the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO), and I’m proud to be part of a community advancing the science of TMD care. I’ve written for journals like Cranio and The T-Scan Handbook, and I teach online for the Neuromuscular Orthodontics Mastership program at Jaume I University in Spain.
But the heart of my practice will always be helping real people in my own community find relief from the pain that’s been holding them back.
Don’t Let TMJ Pain Define Your Life
You don’t have to “just live with it.” And you definitely don’t have to keep bouncing from provider to provider, hoping someone finally gets it.
TMJ pain relief is possible—with the right understanding, tools, and approach. As a TMJ dentist in Calgary, I’m here to help you understand what’s going on in your body, and how we can fix it—together.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a pain-free, balanced life, reach out to us at Dentalife.
Let’s help you smile, sleep, and live comfortably again.
Book your TMJ consultation today.
