TMJ disorder

[live,laugh&love]

When I went in for my bi-annual dental appointment in January of this year, I mentioned to my dentist that I was having some pain in near my TMJ and was also hearing the clicking noises (my jaw had also got stuck open a few times). She thought that it was possible for it to be a TMJ disorder, but it could also be caused by my wisdom teeth.

I went to the oral surgeon and had my 4 (2 impacted) wisdom teeth removed in early February. By the time my next dental appointment came (July) I was still hearing the clicking noise and still in some discomfort. My dentist performed the TMJ exam and noticed that I was also having pain all the way down, meaning that it was probably a muscular problem, but it could still be a TMD. He (the office I go to is a husband and wife team, so sometimes I see him and sometimes I see her) thought that bc it could just be muscular not to go see a specialist yet. He took impressions so that an occlusion guard could be made, to see if that would help.

I was supposed to get my guard about a month ago, but I still haven't gotten it yet (they haven't gotten it yet from the company that makes it, but it is guaranteed to be here by this Thursday).

Last Thursday, I went to my orthodontist for a consult. Bc my jaw grew after I got my first set off about 5 years ago she suggested that I get braces again (my bite is misaligned). Bc my orthodontist and dentist are in the same building, I walked down to my dentist to ask him if I would still be able to use the guard.

He said that most likely they wouldn't fit over my braces, but we would see at my appointment. He also said that even if it does, that I probably wouldn't be able to use it bc the pressure put on the guard could break some of the brackets off of my braces. Is this true? And if so, is there something else that could help with my discomfort until I get my braces off? I forgot to ask my ortho this...I will probably end up calling her, but I wanted to see what happens at my dentist appointment Thursday. And then I also got the idea to ask here to see if you guys had any info, especially if someone has/had TMD with braces.

Thanks! Caitie

[Sunny]

Caitie you need to talk to your ortho about this as any appliances need to come through him while you're having orthodontic treatment. There are some bite guards available for people with TMD, but they have to be continually changed.

Also your ortho will need to be careful when doing particular treatments to fix your bite, as this can affect your TMD ... often for the worst.

Have either your ortho or dentist suggested muscle relaxants or physio for your TMD?

[live,laugh&love]

yeah, i figured i needed to. actually, she knows that I may have TMD (told her at my consult).

my dentist mentioned something about muscle relaxants a while ago, but wanted to try the bite guard first (although maybe he will want to try that now, since i probably won't be able to have the bite guard until after i get my braces off). he didn't suggest physio per se, but told me that we could try some stretches if the bite guard didn't work (or in conjunction with it).

[lauralea]

i have TMGJ issus after having my braces removed as a kid, however, that was one of the reasons to get back in them, to see if braces could help out my TMJ, and honestly so far, I have not had TMJ pain since I had them put on. THANK GOD!

[Phantom Muse]

My daughter's TMJ disappeared after she'd had her braces for a few months. Glad to hear that it is looking up for you, too, Lauralea! I have never had it, but I have seen how uncomfortable it can be. So happy for you!

[gilchristraven]

I think if you really want to help yourself you'll eventually do all of those things except treating it yourself with a mouthguard. see your dentist first and if an oral surgeon is required then one that follows your insurance plan will be referred. the case you describe seems to be too serious to not treat and could lead to other serious problems with your jaw in the future.

[carolinebrown]

Patient can go for Orthognathic surgery for complete treatment of TMJ disorder. With this surgery user can correct the condition of face and jaw, TMJ disorder and other orthodontic problem.

[judy.h]

Hey... I'm not sure that I post in correct page, but I'm new in this forum and I hope that you will ignore my mistake.. Well..
I spent almost 2 month with daily constant headaches. In the interim I tried various remedies: migraine medications, acupuncture, allergists, etc
Last week I heard about TMJ.. What is that? how can I treat this? I ask a friend about my headaches and she tell me about TMJ. Someone we give me a doctor's website... Treatments for craniofacial pain, tmj disorders and custom dental appliances | MACP
I'm afraid to go there. If someone knows more that doctor can tell me? I can't resist with this headaches. I'm going crazy.
Please help me.
Thanks. I'm waiting your post