Braces and TMJ (long, sorry)

[Sabnau22]

Hi everyone,
I am feeling stressed! I dislocated my jaw in an accident 6 years ago. I had to have surgery and a lot treatment to unlock it. I have been wearing a splint to sleep ever since. Well, now I have noticed my teeth moving and my headaches are back.

I am very unhappy with my regular dentist (new insurance). I went in to ask her about replacing a cap on my front tooth and she said she wouldn't fix it because I would just pop it off again due to my jaw disfunction. However, if I did her treatment plan (3 years and $20,000!!!!) she could help me. Obviously I am not impressed!!

I would like to go to a new dentist or orthodontist and see if they will fix my front tooth first of all and maybe fit me for braces. Has anyone had success with braces and TMJ? I am not excited about wearing braces at 23 years old but if it will help...

I am very nervous about finding a new dentist. I feel that so many doctors are untrustworthy and only looking for money! Any advice?

 

[RebeccaH]

RebeccaH

I have TMJ and for several years tried everything. I found the best help came from a physio and massage. I have to be very careful when going to the dentist as I cannot have my mouth open too long. Have just had to go to another dentist as mine died and he was fantastic about it. Keep trying to you find a caring understanding one. My doctors wife also suffers from it so that has helped. Good luck

 

[BAX]

Braces

I got braces at 28 to help with my TMJ. Have to say that my transition was difficult and I have not been the best patient, but overall I am a year into my treatment and do not mind the braces at all.

I have already seen significant change in my teeth and a great improvement in my TMJ.

I would suggest going for it AFTER you get your second opinion.

 

[Nik]

Braces and TMJ

I also have TMJ although I didn't know it until I went to an orthodontist. My regular dentist suggested going because of another problem with my bite. I have had braces now for about 3 months and the orthodontist said it would take about 18 months to correct my bite and TMJ. My teeth are certainly moving as my bite is constantly changing. I have noticed less jaw discomfort. Although I hate wearing braces for the second time in my life and in my mid-30s to boot, I am very excited to see the result when this is finished.

Also, the total plan is costing me about $4000. I would definitely shop around the orthodontists in your area. And ask your students! They are so supportive and understanding and will be happy to share their stories about braces and their orthodontist.

 

[Sabnau22]

Thanks!

Thanks for the support everyone, I am feeling much less stressed today. =)

 

[JRob]

Been there, Done that!

I also suffer from TMJ. I had a very stressful year last year. It was my first year co-teaching with a new teacher, and I was planning my wedding. My orthodontist also recommended getting braces. My pain was so bad that there were days that I couldn't eat solid foods, since my mouth wouldn't open up far enough. After days agonizing over the fact that I was going to have to retreat to my highschool days, I decided that braces were my only option of relieving my pain. I only had to get them on my top teeth, and I wore them for four months. I had them taken off two weeks before my wedding, and I haven't been in pain since. I wear a retainer to bed every night so my teeth don't shift again. I would highly recommend getting the braces if you can afford it...

 

[alliecat]

17 years old and have very bad TMJ!

hi, i am 17 years old and just finishing my senior year and about to go off to college in Boston. i have the worst case of TMJ and i am always in pain. my bite is so different than it was 2 years ago and some teeth dont even touch. i want and need the surgery very badly but am so upset about getting the braces on, yet again..... i heard that you only had them on the top teeth, do you know if it is possible to have them on the bottom only? also, was it difficult after the surgery? do you think it would be smart to have it done and then leave 2 months after?