beth99
04-08-2004, 07:30 PM
I'm wondering if anyone with locked/displaced discs has gone on to phase II? If so, what does your phase II involve? I'm only 3 months into phase I and assumed that I would have the option of weaning to a night splint for phase II, but after talking to my specialist the other day, he said that if my disc remains displaced that it would be a bad option (bone on bone rubbing). He said it's too early to tell what my options will be until my symptoms are gone, but now I'm worried that I'll have to get a lot of crowns or do something extreme. Since I'm fortunate to NOT have many of the terrible symptoms that some people have (migranes, etc) I was hoping to do something not so permanent. Anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks!
Beth
Thanks!
Beth
Sponsor
TiffanyAnn
04-08-2004, 09:51 PM
I'm wondering if anyone with locked/displaced discs has gone on to phase II? If so, what does your phase II involve? I'm only 3 months into phase I and assumed that I would have the option of weaning to a night splint for phase II, but after talking to my specialist the other day, he said that if my disc remains displaced that it would be a bad option (bone on bone rubbing). He said it's too early to tell what my options will be until my symptoms are gone, but now I'm worried that I'll have to get a lot of crowns or do something extreme. Since I'm fortunate to NOT have many of the terrible symptoms that some people have (migranes, etc) I was hoping to do something not so permanent. Anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks!
Beth
Hi Beth:
I have a displaced disc on the left side. My orthodontist gave me a few choices of what to do for phase ll. 1. Do alot of expensive crowns which is not an option for me, 2. do nothing and continue to use my splint 3. since I have had braces before and all I really need to do is move my lower front teeth back a little way so they don't hit against the back side of my front teeth every time I close my mouth he can make a lower retainer to move those teeth back a little ways and make me an upper splint to use while the teeth are moving. He said in most cases of TMJ people will have to use a splint at least at night for the rest of their lives. So, you definately can move onto phase ll with your discs still displaced and phase ll does not have to cost you thousands of dollars.
Tiffany
Thanks!
Beth
Hi Beth:
I have a displaced disc on the left side. My orthodontist gave me a few choices of what to do for phase ll. 1. Do alot of expensive crowns which is not an option for me, 2. do nothing and continue to use my splint 3. since I have had braces before and all I really need to do is move my lower front teeth back a little way so they don't hit against the back side of my front teeth every time I close my mouth he can make a lower retainer to move those teeth back a little ways and make me an upper splint to use while the teeth are moving. He said in most cases of TMJ people will have to use a splint at least at night for the rest of their lives. So, you definately can move onto phase ll with your discs still displaced and phase ll does not have to cost you thousands of dollars.
Tiffany
SRH_NF_isback
04-09-2004, 04:30 AM
Beth:
From what I was told, if the disks are still displaced then phase II would be aimed at a permanent solution to avoid any more damage done to the joints. So, as long are you are not in pain and there is no more damage being done, phase II can be done. For me, I think phase II will involve partial denture overlays on the back of my teeth....that is the cheapest way for me to go...$300 I was told.
Sheldon
From what I was told, if the disks are still displaced then phase II would be aimed at a permanent solution to avoid any more damage done to the joints. So, as long are you are not in pain and there is no more damage being done, phase II can be done. For me, I think phase II will involve partial denture overlays on the back of my teeth....that is the cheapest way for me to go...$300 I was told.
Sheldon
Carey
04-09-2004, 05:38 AM
Hi Beth,
my disc has been displaced for 4 years and my jaw has been locked during all this time with very limited opening. I was at the severe stage at phase 4, all up i have had 5 surgeries to my joint including the removal of my disc last June to hopefully increase my opening and pain relief. i am now left with bone on bone and i hear it crunching away from time to time. i worry about this because i am only 23 years old and weary of joint degeneration, but my disc had to be removed as it was damaged beyond repair.
Chin up.
Take care,
Carey
my disc has been displaced for 4 years and my jaw has been locked during all this time with very limited opening. I was at the severe stage at phase 4, all up i have had 5 surgeries to my joint including the removal of my disc last June to hopefully increase my opening and pain relief. i am now left with bone on bone and i hear it crunching away from time to time. i worry about this because i am only 23 years old and weary of joint degeneration, but my disc had to be removed as it was damaged beyond repair.
Chin up.
Take care,
Carey
Mosmom
04-09-2004, 10:48 AM
Good Morning, Beth
My daughter is getting ready for Phase II after 16 months in an upper splint. She, like you, had a displaced disk and locked jaw without the tremendous pain some of our other friends here are experiencing. The doctor will be taking models next visit, but is pretty sure that he will be starting with braces on top and a lower splint to keep the bite stable.
Mosmom
My daughter is getting ready for Phase II after 16 months in an upper splint. She, like you, had a displaced disk and locked jaw without the tremendous pain some of our other friends here are experiencing. The doctor will be taking models next visit, but is pretty sure that he will be starting with braces on top and a lower splint to keep the bite stable.
Mosmom
beth99
04-09-2004, 02:41 PM
Thank you to all of you for answering. I hope my phase II can be as simple (and reasonably priced) as what some of you are forcasting as possibilities. I had braces in middle school, so I'm assuming that I wouldn't get them again(??) I realize that I will be a night splint (at the least) forever, and I'm comfortable with that. It's the more permanent things (and costly options) that worry me. My specialist also said that he'd be doing bite analysis at the end of phase I to determine options. I guess if none of the options sound good, or if they are too expensive I should try to get a second opinion? That worries me since I really like and trust this dentist and I don't want someone else to reverse what he's started. I guess I will see when the time comes...it's just reassuring to hear from you guys that there will be (or should be) more reasonably priced options. Thanks.
Beth
Beth
SRH_NF_isback
04-10-2004, 01:41 PM
Beth:
I don't think it matters if you had braces early in childhood, since the braces you may have this time around will serve a totally different purpose. While braces normally aim at straightening up the teeth, braces for TMJ treatment aim at permanently keeping the jaw in the most optimal position.
Sheldon
I don't think it matters if you had braces early in childhood, since the braces you may have this time around will serve a totally different purpose. While braces normally aim at straightening up the teeth, braces for TMJ treatment aim at permanently keeping the jaw in the most optimal position.
Sheldon
beth99
04-11-2004, 11:31 PM
How long do people wear braces when the purpose is for adjusting the bite/TMJ?
jrm4337122
04-12-2004, 08:57 AM
i finished with bitesplints in dec an there is no more tmj pain after many years , i'm in phase two now wich for me is braces at 46 , my orthodontist /tmj doc is pulling the lower molors up an pullingthe upper molors down this is permanate an the molors are keeping my jaw space open now like it's suppose to an doing it very nice in 15 months i'll be braces an headgear free , orthodontics has worked very well for me . joe martin :bouncing: