Braces and TMJ bite problems

[sabby]

Hello all! :wave:

I'm having braces put on Tuesday afternoon to correct some minor bite problems. While I've never had issue with the appearance of my teeth, I've had to wear a bite plate from the time I was 16 (I'm now 23) to prevent jaw pain. Only recently I've been to a dentist who actually recommended me to an orthodontist, who diagnosed me with a small overbite and some additional bite problems that he can correct in about 15 months of braces. What I'm mainly concerned about is that I won't be able to wear my nighttime appliance anymore - last week I tried sleeping for a few nights without the bite plane and after 3 or 4 nights my jaw was stiff and sore. Has anyone else had experience with going from wearing a nighttime bite appliance to wearing braces? How have you managed the pain and stiffness?

[smilez4me]

Hi Saaby and welcome.

I am sure many will have great advice for you here.
I had MAGO treatment done for my TMJ and it worked wonders. I would still wear my appliance at nightime until i got my braces. There are several things they can do for your bite to help your TMJ. For me I didnt have any pain or stiffness until the 10th month and this came from clenching. I was fitted for a nighttime appliance WITH the braces and that got everything back in shape.
Talk to the Ortho about your concerns and ask them what they can do if you should run into pain or stiffness during your treatment. Good luck and keep us posted

[Sunny]

Hi and welcome Sabby! :)

This is something you should have discussed with your ortho during your initial appointments. Please make sure you do this as soon as possible, so that the right plans are put in place to make sure your jaw joints are taken care of during your treatment.

Good luck! :thumb: