Dr. Curtis Westersund - Dentalife

Dr. Curtis Westersund - Dentalife Dr. Westersund’s focus is treating his patients with a physiological (whole body) approach. Making the Mouth - Body - Life connection.

Dentalife's focus is to treat their guests with a physiological (whole body) approach. Downtown Calgary dentist, Dr. Westersund defines this as "Making the Mouth - Body - Life connection". Dentalife provides a case-specific approach directed to help patients find relief from dental issues, imbalances, and pain. Besides general and cosmetic dental treatments, Dr. Curtis Westersund provides TMJ diso

rder solutions (migraines, jaw, and neck pain caused by a bad bite) and snoring / sleep apnea treatment options.

06/03/2026

The clues are everywhere...neck pain, clenching, headaches, worn teeth. Email in bio to contact me!

06/02/2026

One of my favorite tools as a TMJ specialists! Have you ever seen one of these?

06/01/2026

Airway is not static. It changes with body composition, posture, tongue position, and overall biomechanics. After weight loss, we often see shifts in how the airway space presents on imaging, along with changes in breathing efficiency, muscle tone, and jaw function.

In TMJ and functional dentistry, this matters because even small structural changes can influence how the jaw, neck, and airway work together as a system. What we see on CBCT is not just anatomy. It reflects how the body is functioning in real time.

05/29/2026

Airway size alone does not tell the full story. Function, not just anatomy, is what matters. Jaw position, tongue posture, muscle balance, and neuromuscular control all influence how the airway actually performs in real life.

This is why two patients with similar airway measurements can present very differently clinically. One may function well, while another develops TMJ symptoms, clenching, or postural compensation patterns.

Dentists, I made this series for you. Drop your questions below.

05/28/2026

When we evaluate CBCT scans, airway size is only part of the story. A larger airway does not automatically mean better function. Jaw position, tongue posture, muscle tone, and neuromuscular balance all play a role in how the system works together.

In some cases, a “large” airway can be associated with poor tongue posture or reduced structural support, which may still contribute to instability in the bite and TMJ system. The goal is not just size. The goal is efficient, stable function across airway, jaw, and posture.

This is why CBCT interpretation requires more than measuring space. It requires understanding biomechanics as a whole system.

Dentists, visit [digitaltmj.com](http://digitaltmj.com) to reach out!

05/27/2026

When we look at CBCT imaging, airway size is one of the most important but overlooked findings in TMJ and functional dentistry. A reduced airway can influence breathing efficiency, sleep quality, oxygen intake, and how the jaw and neck muscles stabilize the head.

The body will always compensate. That often shows up as clenching, grinding, forward head posture, fatigue, or chronic TMJ strain. What looks like a “jaw problem” is often the body adapting to a restricted airway over time.

Understanding airway size through CBCT helps us see the real source of dysfunction, not just the symptoms.

Dentists, I teach this all over the world. Reach out to me.

05/26/2026

CBCT imaging allows us to see beyond teeth and into the airway, jaw position, and structural relationships that influence how the entire body functions. When the airway is restricted or the biomechanics are off, the body compensates through posture changes, muscle tension, and altered jaw function.

This can contribute to TMJ symptoms, poor sleep, fatigue, and chronic strain patterns that patients often don’t connect to their bite. When we understand the full picture through CBCT, we can identify what is helping the system function and what is working against it.

Dentists, I teach this all over the world. Reach out to me.

05/25/2026

In reality, I’m not “shaving teeth” in the way most people think. I’m making micro-adjustments measured in microns to remove high points that are overloading the jaw joint and muscles.

These tiny adjustments are guided by precise bite analysis and are designed to restore balance to the system, not change your smile. When the bite is properly calibrated, the jaw can function without strain, which is key for long-term TMJ relief.

05/24/2026

TMJ dysfunction can affect far more than your jaw. Poor jaw alignment and airway restriction can impact breathing, sleep quality, stress hormones, digestion, and nervous system regulation. When the body is under constant stress and not getting enough oxygen during sleep, inflammation increases and metabolism can suffer.

Many TMJ patients also struggle with fatigue, poor recovery, cravings, disrupted sleep, and chronic tension, all of which can make weight management more difficult. This is why TMJ treatment is about more than pain relief. It is about restoring proper function throughout the body.

Go to [digitaltmj.com/patients]

Address

255-801 6 Street SW # 255
Calgary, AB
T2P3V8

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 3pm
Tuesday 7am - 3pm
Wednesday 7am - 3pm
Thursday 7am - 3pm

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