Clinica Crocetta’s Gnathology Unit in Milan treats TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, bruxism, night-grinding and occlusal rehabilitations with Dr. Stefano Cagnina, using digital workflow for custom bite splints and a multidisciplinary approach to facial and head pain of dental origin.
What gnathology covers
Gnathology addresses the function of the masticatory system: TMJ disorders (pain, clicking, locking), bruxism and clenching, occlusal imbalance, tooth wear from grinding, and chronic muscle tension that can contribute to tension headaches and neck pain.
Diagnosis and digital bite splints
Assessment combines clinical examination, occlusal analysis and imaging when needed. Custom bite splints are designed digitally and milled or printed on-site, ensuring precise fit. Different splint types (anterior, full-coverage, repositioning) are selected based on diagnosis.
Bruxism: why it matters
Untreated bruxism progressively wears teeth, can cause fractures and exposes dentin, leading to sensitivity. A night splint protects the teeth and relaxes the masticatory muscles. Daytime clenching is managed with awareness techniques and sometimes a different daytime splint.
Occlusal rehabilitation for worn teeth
When teeth are heavily worn by grinding, rebuilding correct vertical dimension restores both function and aesthetics. The team combines aesthetic and functional goals, planning the full case digitally before any irreversible step.
Treatment pathway
Free first visit with clinical assessment. Bite splint typically delivered 1–2 weeks later. Follow-up at 1 and 3 months. Complex rehabilitations are staged and discussed in detail.
What international and Italian patients say about Gnathology
Reviews translated from Italian. Original verified reviews available on our Google Business profile (4.9★ · 287 reviews).
Stefano C. · Bite splint for bruxism · ★★★★★
I suffered from bruxism and woke up with headaches and jaw pain. Dr. Cagnina made me a custom digital bite splint and I finally sleep well. He explained the problem very clearly. He was the only one in Milan to propose a serious gnathological approach instead of the usual quick fix.
Giorgia D. · TMJ disorders · ★★★★★
I had TMJ pain and a clicking jaw for years. After many specialists, at Crocetta I finally found a solution. Targeted gnathological treatment and the symptoms disappeared. Professionalism and genuine listening to the patient. I recommend Crocetta to anyone looking for a competent gnathologist in Milan.
Luca M. · Occlusal rehabilitation · ★★★★★
My teeth were heavily worn by grinding. Dr. Cagnina performed a full occlusal rehabilitation, rebuilding the correct height. An aesthetic and functional approach together — an excellent result. You can perceive the great expertise. For gnathology and rehabilitations in Milan he is an absolute reference.
Stefano Morato · Long-term multidisciplinary care · ★★★★★
I have known the Crocetta studio for 2 years now, and in this period I have had the chance to get to know Dr. Piasente, his collaborators and his assistants well, and to appreciate their professionalism and ethical correctness. Each operator has their own area of expertise and all of them work as a team to ensure the patient the highest quality of care. Personally I have been to various studios and this is undoubtedly the one that gave me the greatest peace of mind, not to mention the convenience of the location, the cleanliness and the extreme punctuality of appointments. Furthermore, it was the only studio in Milan to propose an alternative treatment to orthodontics for my gnathological problem — even though the doctor specialises in invisible Invisalign orthodontics, which would have also resolved my reluctance to wear visible braces — once again proving that here the patient comes first.
Frequently asked questions
Can bruxism be cured?
The underlying cause (stress, sleep, occlusion) cannot always be eliminated, but the splint protects teeth and reduces muscle load — symptoms often improve significantly.
Are TMJ problems serious?
Mild cases can settle on their own; persistent pain, locking or clicking with pain warrants evaluation to prevent chronicity.
Will I need a splint forever?
Often long-term nightly use for bruxism — it is a protective device, like a retainer after orthodontics.
Can the gnathologist treat headaches?
When headaches are related to occlusion or muscle overload, gnathological treatment can help. A multidisciplinary evaluation distinguishes dental from other causes.
Is the bite splint custom-made?
Yes, fully custom and digitally designed from your own scan — no over-the-counter generic devices.
Looking for an English-speaking dentist in Milan?
The first visit at Clinica Crocetta is complimentary and includes diagnosis, digital scan and a personalised treatment plan in a single appointment. Learn more on our dedicated page: Unità di Gnatologia Milano.
? Book on WhatsApp · +39 373 853 9107 — Largo della Crocetta 1, Milan · Metro M3 Crocetta
Information for educational purposes, not a substitute for a clinical examination. Clinica Crocetta, Largo della Crocetta 1, Milan.