The orthodontist gave me a very thick splint about 3 months ago to wear at night. It has helped a little bit, but very slowly. Every time I go to the orthodontist, he just tells me to wear the appliance more. I would like to explore more treatment methods by going to a TMJ specialist, but our insurance doesn't cover it and my mom doesn't want to pay thousands of dollars. My jaw has locked more than twice in the past and it clicks almost every time I open my mouth. Would a TMJ specialist be a good option?
2006-08-13 07:13:59 · 11 answers · asked by the mentalist 4 in Health ➔ Dental
I went to a TMJ specialist ... and about the only thing she did was make me an appliance to wear like the one that you described. It helped keep the pain to a minimum, but I didn't like it because whenever I took it out, my teeth didn't bite together correctly anymore.
I think the only other treatment option that is available (besides managing the pain with ibuprofen & the like) is to have your jaw broken & re-set. Personally, I wouldn't care to do that. And I've heard that in some cases even that doesn't help.
My advice would be to try to avoid stress (which always seems to be an aggravating factor for me), continue to wear the splint provided by your orthodontis & take ibuprofen if the pain gets too bad.
Also, try to avoid eating foods that are tough to chew, chewing gum & those foods likely to aggravate the clicking, locking, pain etc.
Good luck!
2006-08-13 07:17:54 · answer #1 · answered by mom1025 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are "appliances" and then there are "appliances," if you know what I mean. A "simple" night guard may not suffice for your problem. It sounds like you need an "actual" TMJ appliance that will determine the ideal position for your jaws and not one that is just made to fit in between your jaws as they are situated now, which might not be the ideal position. Once the ideal jaw position is located, you will need your bite adjusted. This is a "fine tuning" that accomplishes what braces can not.
Anything that alters the position of the teeth and the way that the teeth come together, including both Invisalign and conventional braces, can affect your TMJ. If treatment is done without regard to proper occlusion (which sounds moronic, but it happens when esthetics is the major concern), it can lead to TMJ problems. If you have a bite problem that is causing TMJ problems and the dentist takes this into consideration, you may be able to get some improvement of the situation. In my experience, virtually ALL patients need some amount of "bite adjustment" by the dentist (me) to be sure that their final result does not cause TMJ problems. Orthodontia generally is concerned with relatively gross degrees of movement and there is little control over the amazingly infinitesimal changes in cusp angulation that can lead to TMJ problems. "Care, skill and judgement" are required to really fine tune the final result.
I am sorry if this offends some dentists, but any dentist can make a "plain old night guard." You need someone who knows what they are doing to make an appliance that will help with a TMJ problem. You can find a specialist or knowledgeable general dentist to make this appliance.
2006-08-13 07:35:56 · answer #2 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have TMD as well. I don't get my splint till next week. Are you currently wearing braces? If so the braces will definitely help correct some of your problem. I was diagnosed years ago but only recently has it been bad. I was told that the splint can take a while before it actually works completely. An oral surgeon would be your next step, but you are like me, no insurance and it is way too much money to pay for it. I did alot of research on corrective measures taken by oral surgeons and I heard alot of negativity about having any thing drastic done to fix TMD. So maybe you need to just give it some more time and see how it goes. Best of luck to you.
2006-08-13 09:31:47 · answer #3 · answered by Beth 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First go to another orthodontist and get a second opinion. Let him know your insurance doesn't cover TMJ specialist.
2006-08-13 07:17:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think a TMJ specialist could do more than your dentist has already done. Continue to wear your mouth piece (diligently this time) and you should begin to see some improvement.
2016-03-16 21:55:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends if you're into spending more money.
It's too bad you don't live in Canada or have free coverage.
I have TMJ too, but just mild. It comes and goes. My friend had it really bad for a while and couldn't sing (broadway singer). He went for massage and gave up singing for a bit and it really helped him. Ice packs /heat packs too helped to relieve pain.
Hope this helps.
2006-08-13 07:17:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have tmj, i used 2 c a surgon bout mine and like u he gave me a mouth peiceit worked as well as a chocolate fire guard! he did tell me i could have and op 2 tighten the muscle in my jaw! i had physio therapy aswell and that did help!
2006-08-13 09:39:43 · answer #7 · answered by jess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you may have to fight with your insurance company on this one. If your insurance doesnt cover this then you may have to call/write to your insurance company to petition coverage.
2006-08-13 07:19:04 · answer #8 · answered by xoil1321321432423 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if your insurance will not cover it-it is not your option-it is your Moms' decision.
2006-08-13 07:16:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES YOU SHOULD GO YOU ARE A TREASURE OF PAKISTAN DONT LOSE YOUR SELF JUST LIKE THAT.
2006-08-13 07:17:20 · answer #10 · answered by carstereoplus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋