shell389
04-21-2003, 04:16 PM
Well, I went back to my specialist twice now to have my new lower splint adjusted. (I was the one that it was too tight on my teeth) The first adjustment made really no difference. Today was the 2nd one and he thinks he may have adjusted it too much.(made it too loose) Now when I close my mouth down on the one side it pops off on the other side. He was so upset, but he was trying so hard to make it fit passively and not so tight.
Anyway, he told me to give it a try(3-4 days) and if it keeps popping out to call and they will send my impressions off for another splint to be made. He said there will be no charge as it was his fault and the lab guarantees them for him for a year.
In the meantime, I just cannot wait to get a lower splint that fits right and that I can actually wear to bed at night. So far I have only worn this one two nights between each adjustment. I have resorted back to wearing my upper one till this one is right. I have to wear something or I will have a definite headache. And in the meantime, I have not been able to wean off my flexeril. I figure it is not the right time to do it while trying to adjust to a new splint. If I would get a headache I would never know if it was the splint that caused it or the fact that I stopped the flexeril.
Whew! Sorry to go on and on. Guess this is just bugging me more than I thought. Take care everyone and thanks for listening. Shell
Anyway, he told me to give it a try(3-4 days) and if it keeps popping out to call and they will send my impressions off for another splint to be made. He said there will be no charge as it was his fault and the lab guarantees them for him for a year.
In the meantime, I just cannot wait to get a lower splint that fits right and that I can actually wear to bed at night. So far I have only worn this one two nights between each adjustment. I have resorted back to wearing my upper one till this one is right. I have to wear something or I will have a definite headache. And in the meantime, I have not been able to wean off my flexeril. I figure it is not the right time to do it while trying to adjust to a new splint. If I would get a headache I would never know if it was the splint that caused it or the fact that I stopped the flexeril.
Whew! Sorry to go on and on. Guess this is just bugging me more than I thought. Take care everyone and thanks for listening. Shell
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CherylLynn24
04-21-2003, 04:23 PM
Shell,
Sorry to hear of your splint woes. My son has a lower one, he says that it doesn't "fit" right. The tmj doc said it does. My son says that when he rests his teeth on the left, the right pops up!!! Sounds like you have a similar problem, too. Boy, I wish they'd get these things right, or at least listen. I'm sure the person wearing the thing can have a pretty good idea if it's right or not!!!
Cheryl
Cheryl
Sorry to hear of your splint woes. My son has a lower one, he says that it doesn't "fit" right. The tmj doc said it does. My son says that when he rests his teeth on the left, the right pops up!!! Sounds like you have a similar problem, too. Boy, I wish they'd get these things right, or at least listen. I'm sure the person wearing the thing can have a pretty good idea if it's right or not!!!
Cheryl
Cheryl
shell389
04-21-2003, 04:28 PM
Thanks Cheryl! You are exactly right. The person wearing it should know the best! Take care, Shell
CherylLynn24
04-21-2003, 04:47 PM
Shell,
At least your doc acknowledges the fact that something is wrong with your splint now. When my son's doc said that there was nothing wrong with his splint, I asked if it was normal for one side to pop up like that. (he started having neck pain lately, too, and I wondered if this might contribute to that) He pretty much ignored me, didn't seem to like the idea that I've been doing research on my own, either! The more that I'm learning from all of you, I need to find a new doc!!
Cheryl
At least your doc acknowledges the fact that something is wrong with your splint now. When my son's doc said that there was nothing wrong with his splint, I asked if it was normal for one side to pop up like that. (he started having neck pain lately, too, and I wondered if this might contribute to that) He pretty much ignored me, didn't seem to like the idea that I've been doing research on my own, either! The more that I'm learning from all of you, I need to find a new doc!!
Cheryl
shell389
04-21-2003, 10:08 PM
Cheryl, He sounds alot like my old dentist. He never admitted that the crown he put in started this whole mess. He just always blamed me for clenching my teeth. I never clenched or grinded until I got the crown that didn't fit right.
It took me awhile to get the right dentist. I had been treating with an orthodontist but he worked closely with my old dentist and would call him every time I asked too many questions. Then he wanted me to wear braces but insisted that I needed surgery too. I went to an oral surgeon for a 2nd opinion and he said in no way shape or form did I need surgery and that I should treat more conservatively I found this new dentist on the American Academy for Craniofacial Pain. I was very lucky to have found him. He is at seminars and conferences at least once a month to keep up on these things. Both his receptionist and hygienist have TMJD problems. It is a very understanding office and he was actually impressed by how much homework I had done.
I hope you have luck in finding someone to help your son. It is very possible that the neck pain is referred from the bite being off on his splint. Have you ever searched on the Academy's website to see if anyone near you specializes in this? It is well worth it. Take care and keep me posted on how your son does. Shell
It took me awhile to get the right dentist. I had been treating with an orthodontist but he worked closely with my old dentist and would call him every time I asked too many questions. Then he wanted me to wear braces but insisted that I needed surgery too. I went to an oral surgeon for a 2nd opinion and he said in no way shape or form did I need surgery and that I should treat more conservatively I found this new dentist on the American Academy for Craniofacial Pain. I was very lucky to have found him. He is at seminars and conferences at least once a month to keep up on these things. Both his receptionist and hygienist have TMJD problems. It is a very understanding office and he was actually impressed by how much homework I had done.
I hope you have luck in finding someone to help your son. It is very possible that the neck pain is referred from the bite being off on his splint. Have you ever searched on the Academy's website to see if anyone near you specializes in this? It is well worth it. Take care and keep me posted on how your son does. Shell
CherylLynn24
04-21-2003, 11:37 PM
Shell,
Believe it or not, the tmj doc I speak of, I found on the "American Academy" website. He's the one that wouldn't order any tests, and said after this next splint, if there is no improvement, go to a pain clinic! We've only been seeing him for not quite 2 months. So, after $165 initial office visit, $365 for the first splint, $85 for second office visit, and Lord only knows how much for the next splint, and we're still at square one! He has explained to me and the doc how his teeth don't touch at the same time, the doc doesn't seem to acknowledge it, or even check it for that matter. Now, in his letter to the pediatrician, he stated that the bite was not "ideal." Now I take that as not very good, or could be better, unless I'm wrong. Sorry, I just had to vent alittle, the next doc I'm sure will be better. ( I already have ideas in case this one doesn't work out) I'm glad you've found a winner, though! Let me know how it goes.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
Believe it or not, the tmj doc I speak of, I found on the "American Academy" website. He's the one that wouldn't order any tests, and said after this next splint, if there is no improvement, go to a pain clinic! We've only been seeing him for not quite 2 months. So, after $165 initial office visit, $365 for the first splint, $85 for second office visit, and Lord only knows how much for the next splint, and we're still at square one! He has explained to me and the doc how his teeth don't touch at the same time, the doc doesn't seem to acknowledge it, or even check it for that matter. Now, in his letter to the pediatrician, he stated that the bite was not "ideal." Now I take that as not very good, or could be better, unless I'm wrong. Sorry, I just had to vent alittle, the next doc I'm sure will be better. ( I already have ideas in case this one doesn't work out) I'm glad you've found a winner, though! Let me know how it goes.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
SCarpenter333
04-22-2003, 12:41 AM
You know Cheryl, my appt with a new doc is on the 28th, and I am going to ask HIM questions instead of him asking me. I have learned so much with this board!! You know, I am not going to take it lying down anymore either. No more will a doctor have power over me or my life just because they went to school longer than I did. The gull of some people! **sigh** ok, done now.. I think..
Shelly
Say hi to Mike for me. I have a Michael too ;)
Shelly
Say hi to Mike for me. I have a Michael too ;)
CherylLynn24
04-22-2003, 12:46 AM
Shell,
Good for you!!! It seems as though the only way we get any answers is if WE do the asking. No one will pound on our doors, so we have to pound on theirs.
Cheryl :bouncing:
Good for you!!! It seems as though the only way we get any answers is if WE do the asking. No one will pound on our doors, so we have to pound on theirs.
Cheryl :bouncing:
CherylLynn24
04-22-2003, 01:44 AM
double post
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
shell389
04-22-2003, 04:41 PM
Hi Cheryl, That is terrible that the dentist is on the Academy. Maybe he should get off it if he doesn't really understand TMJD. I sure hope you find someone better if you need to.
Take care and let us know how things work out. Shell
Take care and let us know how things work out. Shell
CherylLynn24
04-22-2003, 04:53 PM
Shell,
People on this board seem to know more than alot of the so-called specialists out there! Pending the outcome of tests, I've been thinking of a equilibration dentist, like Cymy Sue mentioned in an earlier post. I've checked the AES website, and have found a few in my area.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
People on this board seem to know more than alot of the so-called specialists out there! Pending the outcome of tests, I've been thinking of a equilibration dentist, like Cymy Sue mentioned in an earlier post. I've checked the AES website, and have found a few in my area.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
SCarpenter333
04-22-2003, 10:05 PM
LOL I have found Michael's to be handfulls! My Michael is 8 going on 9 May 22nd. :) I know he will need braces, thats for sure!!
Shelly
Shelly
CherylLynn24
04-22-2003, 11:47 PM
Shelly,
BEWARE with braces-if it's necessary, find a highly qualified orthodonist.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
BEWARE with braces-if it's necessary, find a highly qualified orthodonist.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
shell389
04-23-2003, 03:19 PM
Hi Cheryl and Shelly, Hope you are both doing well today.
Well, I wore the splint these last 2 nights and it just keeps popping off. So today I called the specialist and they told me to bring my impressions back over to them and they are going to have another one made. It will take 10 days to 2 weeks to get it back so in the meantime I will just keep wearing my top one. I am so glad I do not have to have new impressions made. I dread those. They always gag me.
Talking about kids and braces, I have a daughter, age 7 and the dentist had me take her to the orthodontist for a consult already. Well, they wanted her to wear a splint at nighttime to start stretching her jaw some so her bite straightens out. Seems, she has a crossbite and overbite already. Well, I told them no way that we will wait till all her teeth fall out (she has only lost 4 so far) and all the permanent ones come in. Guess I am a bad one to judge these things though as I wore braces as a teen and now here I am with crooked teeth and TMJD problems. But I think I can honestly say that unless her teeth are incredibly bad or she complains that her bite is causing her pain I am not too likely to have orthodontics done for her. I think there may be some connection to my wearing braces and the problems I have now. It is hard to say.
Well, take care and thanks for listening. Isn't this place great? Shell
Well, I wore the splint these last 2 nights and it just keeps popping off. So today I called the specialist and they told me to bring my impressions back over to them and they are going to have another one made. It will take 10 days to 2 weeks to get it back so in the meantime I will just keep wearing my top one. I am so glad I do not have to have new impressions made. I dread those. They always gag me.
Talking about kids and braces, I have a daughter, age 7 and the dentist had me take her to the orthodontist for a consult already. Well, they wanted her to wear a splint at nighttime to start stretching her jaw some so her bite straightens out. Seems, she has a crossbite and overbite already. Well, I told them no way that we will wait till all her teeth fall out (she has only lost 4 so far) and all the permanent ones come in. Guess I am a bad one to judge these things though as I wore braces as a teen and now here I am with crooked teeth and TMJD problems. But I think I can honestly say that unless her teeth are incredibly bad or she complains that her bite is causing her pain I am not too likely to have orthodontics done for her. I think there may be some connection to my wearing braces and the problems I have now. It is hard to say.
Well, take care and thanks for listening. Isn't this place great? Shell
SCarpenter333
04-23-2003, 11:11 PM
Hey Shell,
If she only needs a splint to streach the muscles, do it now because it wont take her that long. I am going to have my 12 year old assessed, and also have my son looked at. When I was 10 years old, an orthodontist told my mom they needed to break my jaw and reset it. Now that is drastic, and I am glad she didn't do it. But I am paying for it now. I told my daughter today,(she has an overbite just like what I had as a kid), that I would not let her go throught what I am, and I would take care of her jaw early.
I hope this helps.
Shelly
If she only needs a splint to streach the muscles, do it now because it wont take her that long. I am going to have my 12 year old assessed, and also have my son looked at. When I was 10 years old, an orthodontist told my mom they needed to break my jaw and reset it. Now that is drastic, and I am glad she didn't do it. But I am paying for it now. I told my daughter today,(she has an overbite just like what I had as a kid), that I would not let her go throught what I am, and I would take care of her jaw early.
I hope this helps.
Shelly
CherylLynn24
04-24-2003, 12:19 AM
Shell,
I'm glad to hear that you're getting a new splint made. Don't want anymore problems from a "bad" splint! I think my son needs another, it seems as though when he bites down, the other side pops up! Told the doc this the last visit, but I felt like he ignored me, go figure. Have an appt. with him next week, I'm not going to be so passive anymore, not mean or rude, but I'd like him to address some of my concerns already.
As for braces, good for you!!!! If I could go back in time, I never would have gotten braces for him. If Emily's teeth are fine or good enough, let it go. You don't want her going through all this. He has cried so many times saying that he'd rather have crooked teeth and no pain versus this. I've always attributed my own problems to a car accident, although, when I was young they wanted to slap braces on my teeth but my parents couldn't afford it. When I was about 19 or so, they gave me a top retainer to wear that was adjusted by the week, (I wore this during the day) and by night wore this bottom contraption that was supposed to bring my lower jaw forward. I wore this all for about 1 1/2-2 years. I am now wondering if that was a major contributer of my tmj problems. Anyway, why does it always seem to take so long to get a splint back!!!??? Hope you had a good day.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
I'm glad to hear that you're getting a new splint made. Don't want anymore problems from a "bad" splint! I think my son needs another, it seems as though when he bites down, the other side pops up! Told the doc this the last visit, but I felt like he ignored me, go figure. Have an appt. with him next week, I'm not going to be so passive anymore, not mean or rude, but I'd like him to address some of my concerns already.
As for braces, good for you!!!! If I could go back in time, I never would have gotten braces for him. If Emily's teeth are fine or good enough, let it go. You don't want her going through all this. He has cried so many times saying that he'd rather have crooked teeth and no pain versus this. I've always attributed my own problems to a car accident, although, when I was young they wanted to slap braces on my teeth but my parents couldn't afford it. When I was about 19 or so, they gave me a top retainer to wear that was adjusted by the week, (I wore this during the day) and by night wore this bottom contraption that was supposed to bring my lower jaw forward. I wore this all for about 1 1/2-2 years. I am now wondering if that was a major contributer of my tmj problems. Anyway, why does it always seem to take so long to get a splint back!!!??? Hope you had a good day.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
shell389
04-24-2003, 05:08 PM
Cheryl, Didn't see this post at first. Thanks for your support and advice re: Emily. I know they say it is not a big deal but I just really feel that maybe we shouldn't mess with things the way nature intends them to be unless we are in pain. Maybe I am being one sided but I am learning so much from my own experience here. I really appreciate the advice you gave and your sharing Mike's story. Hope he is doing okay today after the MRI's and that the results come in tomorrow like they say.
You should definitely push the dentist regarding Mike's splint popping up. I noticed some shifting in my upper teeth after wearing mine that way those 2 nights. ( a food trap opened back up in the back that was how I noticed) Definitely don't want to move the teeth anymore. I sure hope the dentist listens to you. Did it start popping up like that after an adjustment? Maybe the dentist doesn't want to admit he messed it up?
Take care and I will keep Mike in my prayers. (and you too!) Shell
You should definitely push the dentist regarding Mike's splint popping up. I noticed some shifting in my upper teeth after wearing mine that way those 2 nights. ( a food trap opened back up in the back that was how I noticed) Definitely don't want to move the teeth anymore. I sure hope the dentist listens to you. Did it start popping up like that after an adjustment? Maybe the dentist doesn't want to admit he messed it up?
Take care and I will keep Mike in my prayers. (and you too!) Shell
CherylLynn24
04-24-2003, 11:39 PM
Shell,
Did you take your impressions over to the doc yet? Hopefully, you can get your new splint soon. His started popping out after an adjustment, we told the guy, but he seemed to think it was fine. He's supposed to wear it 24/7, but since it's been popping, I told him only to wear it at night. We go back on wednesday, and this time I'll make sure he sits and listens to what I have to say. Thanks for your kindness, you and Emily will be in my prayers, also. Let me know how you've been.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
Did you take your impressions over to the doc yet? Hopefully, you can get your new splint soon. His started popping out after an adjustment, we told the guy, but he seemed to think it was fine. He's supposed to wear it 24/7, but since it's been popping, I told him only to wear it at night. We go back on wednesday, and this time I'll make sure he sits and listens to what I have to say. Thanks for your kindness, you and Emily will be in my prayers, also. Let me know how you've been.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
shell389
04-25-2003, 03:20 PM
Cheryl, My husband, Mike dropped my impressions off this morning. They told him it will take 10 days to 2 weeks to get the new nightguard back and they are going to call me as soon as it comes in. I am sure hoping that he can adjust this one right and that I can wear it at night and it really helps to alleviate some of the headaches I get.
How is Mike today? Did the MRI results come in? Keep me posted. Take care, Shell
How is Mike today? Did the MRI results come in? Keep me posted. Take care, Shell
CherylLynn24
04-25-2003, 03:38 PM
Shell,
I've got my fingers crossed for you that this splint does the trick. He's complaining his head's hurting pretty bad again. MRI came back of the head, all checked out o.k. I'm interested in the second two, tmj and neck, still waiting on those. I'm going to get him outside and play alittle basketball soon. The kid's going to start viewing me like a drill sargeant, but when I get him moving around more, he SMILES!!! Hang in there, until you get your new splint, things will get better.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
I've got my fingers crossed for you that this splint does the trick. He's complaining his head's hurting pretty bad again. MRI came back of the head, all checked out o.k. I'm interested in the second two, tmj and neck, still waiting on those. I'm going to get him outside and play alittle basketball soon. The kid's going to start viewing me like a drill sargeant, but when I get him moving around more, he SMILES!!! Hang in there, until you get your new splint, things will get better.
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-28-2003).]
shell389
04-25-2003, 09:46 PM
Cheryl, That is good news about Mike's head MRI coming back okay. Now hopefully the others will come back quickly and maybe the TMJ one will give you some answers. I know it is a relief when the one of the head comes back normal though. I will keep up the prayers for Mike. Did he have fun playing basketball? I cannot imagine being his age and having this problem. It must be really tough for him. Take care, Shell
CherylLynn24
04-26-2003, 12:58 AM
Shell,
Do you have any boys? The kid seems to forget that I'm over double his age!!! Playing basketball with a kid that age...whew...he's going to hurt me!!! I get the ball and he takes me down full-force. I keep telling him that he's going to break my bones, and that he forgets that I'm a girl!! Emily's at that barbie age, now that's alot safer-dressing up barbies. But hey, what's a few broken bones, as long as you get your kid to smile? lol I called the doc this morning about the tmj-MRI, he called me back twice during the course of the day, the second time saying that a 2nd person wanted to look at the MRI, so I don't know yet. Hopefully this isn't something bad. I'm hoping it was just an excuse since he hasn't gotten it yet. How are you feeling, Shell? You haven't really said, I'm hoping ok. You're in my prayers, this remake of the first splint will work. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif Take Care
Cheryl
Do you have any boys? The kid seems to forget that I'm over double his age!!! Playing basketball with a kid that age...whew...he's going to hurt me!!! I get the ball and he takes me down full-force. I keep telling him that he's going to break my bones, and that he forgets that I'm a girl!! Emily's at that barbie age, now that's alot safer-dressing up barbies. But hey, what's a few broken bones, as long as you get your kid to smile? lol I called the doc this morning about the tmj-MRI, he called me back twice during the course of the day, the second time saying that a 2nd person wanted to look at the MRI, so I don't know yet. Hopefully this isn't something bad. I'm hoping it was just an excuse since he hasn't gotten it yet. How are you feeling, Shell? You haven't really said, I'm hoping ok. You're in my prayers, this remake of the first splint will work. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/t_up.gif Take Care
Cheryl
shell389
04-26-2003, 01:59 PM
Hi Cheryl, That is too funny about the basketball. You'll need a massage after yesterday. Oh, funny you mentioned Barbies. Emily doesn't like them. I think I have a tomboy on my hands. Her latest thing is everyday since the weather is nicer I have to throw her the wiffle ball so she can hit it with the bat. She has a pretty strong hit too for a girl. I am so glad it is only a wiffleball. (it hits me sometimes) She is our only one. We aren't planning on having another.
I sure hope that the news is good on the TMJ MRI and that the Dr. was really just stalling. But maybe it is a good sign that someone else is looking at it if he isn't sure of what he sees on it. That way you can get the "right" answers hopefully. I sure hope they can find out something so they can start Mike on some treatment that will really help him.
Thanks for asking how I am feeling! I have actually had 2 really good months thanks to Flexeril but last night I started the weaning off process. (cut the pill in half) This is PMS week coming up to top it off. I am hoping that taking the Flexeril for the last 2 months has helped the muscles to heal some and that I won't get back into a bad state right away. I know that as long as my teeth are the way they are and as long as I continue to clench at night I will have flare ups. I am keeping the last refill bottle of flexeril on hand for when that happens. I am really hoping the lower splint will work for me too.
Well, take care and hope you have a good weekend! Shell
I sure hope that the news is good on the TMJ MRI and that the Dr. was really just stalling. But maybe it is a good sign that someone else is looking at it if he isn't sure of what he sees on it. That way you can get the "right" answers hopefully. I sure hope they can find out something so they can start Mike on some treatment that will really help him.
Thanks for asking how I am feeling! I have actually had 2 really good months thanks to Flexeril but last night I started the weaning off process. (cut the pill in half) This is PMS week coming up to top it off. I am hoping that taking the Flexeril for the last 2 months has helped the muscles to heal some and that I won't get back into a bad state right away. I know that as long as my teeth are the way they are and as long as I continue to clench at night I will have flare ups. I am keeping the last refill bottle of flexeril on hand for when that happens. I am really hoping the lower splint will work for me too.
Well, take care and hope you have a good weekend! Shell
CherylLynn24
04-26-2003, 02:16 PM
Shell,
Wow! Just wait until Emily wants to play hardball. lol I think that's great when girls like to get into sports. I was always more of a tomboy myself, had more fun playing baseball and football than sitting and playing with Barbies.
I'm glad to hear that you've been better for 2 months. It does sound as if the flexeril has helped relax and heal the muscles some. Good luck with the weaning process, I'm sure it'll be fine. You have a nice weekend, too!
Cheryl
Wow! Just wait until Emily wants to play hardball. lol I think that's great when girls like to get into sports. I was always more of a tomboy myself, had more fun playing baseball and football than sitting and playing with Barbies.
I'm glad to hear that you've been better for 2 months. It does sound as if the flexeril has helped relax and heal the muscles some. Good luck with the weaning process, I'm sure it'll be fine. You have a nice weekend, too!
Cheryl