embean
01-16-2009, 08:17 PM
I am 21 and have pretty much always had TMJ. I had braces a top jaw expander when I was 15-19 to fix overall jaw problems. I know I clench my jaw and grind my teeth at night. I got an appliance for this, which helped in the short term. Eventually I stopped using it because I could feel that I wasn't doing it anymore. I generally "know" when I do this. In recent months, my jaw pain/face muscle soreness/tension headaches/jaw clicking have gotten worse. I accept that I probably can't be "cured," but I am looking for treatment to manage this and prevent it from getting worse, as I'm pretty young.
I am not willing to have more orthodontics or any surgery. This is too expensive and I don't think appropriate for the amount of pain (nothing too horrible, just uncomfortable). I am interested in cranial sacral therapy. Has anyone experienced this? What IS it? Also, perhaps masseter massage.
Any other suggestions?
I am not willing to have more orthodontics or any surgery. This is too expensive and I don't think appropriate for the amount of pain (nothing too horrible, just uncomfortable). I am interested in cranial sacral therapy. Has anyone experienced this? What IS it? Also, perhaps masseter massage.
Any other suggestions?
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Thelma-Louise
01-16-2009, 08:49 PM
I have done cranial sacral therapy - did it for almost one year - I found it very helpful with over all body pain and muscle tightness and twitching I was experiencing and it did help my body relax as it had become so tight due to chronic tmj pain. I am not sure I buy into what it supposedly does - increase cranial sacral fluid around the brain - but it also addresses the facia - a thin sheath of membrane that covers the muscles of the entire body beneath the skin - which supposedly can become twisted and consequently restrict muscle movement and fluidity. It also helped with my sense of equilibrium. Its a light touch therapy applied to pressure points along the acupuncture meridian. Most of my sessions seemed to put me in a light meditative state - if not dreamy and feeling like I was floating - and I generally felt better after eacg treatment session.
I also did PT for 3-4 months which included among other things 20 mins of neck, spine and cranium massage which also helped relax my jaw, face and neck muscles.
However like most forms of therapies, they generally do not cure or fix the root cause of the problem but instead treat the symptoms - which therefore make them easier to live or cope with - but it must be continued on a regular basis to sustain continued relief or improvement. But if you are only dealing with slight or moderate discomfort they are certainly worth trying.
I also did PT for 3-4 months which included among other things 20 mins of neck, spine and cranium massage which also helped relax my jaw, face and neck muscles.
However like most forms of therapies, they generally do not cure or fix the root cause of the problem but instead treat the symptoms - which therefore make them easier to live or cope with - but it must be continued on a regular basis to sustain continued relief or improvement. But if you are only dealing with slight or moderate discomfort they are certainly worth trying.
embean
01-16-2009, 09:21 PM
I also did PT for 3-4 months which included among other things 20 mins of neck, spine and cranium massage which also helped relax my jaw, face and neck muscles.
What is PT?
What is PT?
Thelma-Louise
01-16-2009, 09:30 PM
Physical Therapy - there are various forms of it depending on what is being treated but I went to physical therapist who only treated tmj and jaw and cranial problems related to the neck and spine.
StillHope
01-16-2009, 10:22 PM
Hello embean,
I am going through the bite/tmj problems caused by dental work for 9 years and by now became quite educated. I can guess that due to the expansion braces they could have caused the open bite which made your jaw move forward out of its pain-free functional position; this created tmj symptoms.
Clicking may be the sign that the disk moves too forward and this happens because there is no stable bite (by whatever reason).
Have you had an MRI of your jaw? You are young so it's worth stopping the damage and prevent the worsening. I'd suggest to look for dentists who graduated from Pankey institute or KOIS center - this was a dentist's recommendation for me. The ones whom I saw were indeed knowledgeable. Those who were also decent didn't want to take my case and risk failing but the bad guys just took my money and didn't do much of anything b/c they knew that it would be time consuming to do it right. But at least those schools teach about the whole system of the teeth, gums, jaw, muscles.
I am going through the bite/tmj problems caused by dental work for 9 years and by now became quite educated. I can guess that due to the expansion braces they could have caused the open bite which made your jaw move forward out of its pain-free functional position; this created tmj symptoms.
Clicking may be the sign that the disk moves too forward and this happens because there is no stable bite (by whatever reason).
Have you had an MRI of your jaw? You are young so it's worth stopping the damage and prevent the worsening. I'd suggest to look for dentists who graduated from Pankey institute or KOIS center - this was a dentist's recommendation for me. The ones whom I saw were indeed knowledgeable. Those who were also decent didn't want to take my case and risk failing but the bad guys just took my money and didn't do much of anything b/c they knew that it would be time consuming to do it right. But at least those schools teach about the whole system of the teeth, gums, jaw, muscles.
embean
01-18-2009, 05:06 PM
Hello embean,
I am going through the bite/tmj problems caused by dental work for 9 years and by now became quite educated. I can guess that due to the expansion braces they could have caused the open bite which made your jaw move forward out of its pain-free functional position; this created tmj symptoms.
Clicking may be the sign that the disk moves too forward and this happens because there is no stable bite (by whatever reason).
Have you had an MRI of your jaw? You are young so it's worth stopping the damage and prevent the worsening. I'd suggest to look for dentists who graduated from Pankey institute or KOIS center - this was a dentist's recommendation for me. The ones whom I saw were indeed knowledgeable. Those who were also decent didn't want to take my case and risk failing but the bad guys just took my money and didn't do much of anything b/c they knew that it would be time consuming to do it right. But at least those schools teach about the whole system of the teeth, gums, jaw, muscles.
I don't doubt that the expander is what caused the problem. But, I also don't doubt that I needed the expander-- it fixed an overbite and crowding issues. The clicking, etc. is the lesser of two evils, you could say.
But, I'm curious to what you think an MRI could do. Surely they can't put my jaw "back" after expanding... take out bone that filled in? And, I wouldn't want to go to such lengths to correct what I perceive to be a minor problem at this point, anyway.
And, I live in Canada so dentists taking all your money isn't so much of an issue here ;)
I am going through the bite/tmj problems caused by dental work for 9 years and by now became quite educated. I can guess that due to the expansion braces they could have caused the open bite which made your jaw move forward out of its pain-free functional position; this created tmj symptoms.
Clicking may be the sign that the disk moves too forward and this happens because there is no stable bite (by whatever reason).
Have you had an MRI of your jaw? You are young so it's worth stopping the damage and prevent the worsening. I'd suggest to look for dentists who graduated from Pankey institute or KOIS center - this was a dentist's recommendation for me. The ones whom I saw were indeed knowledgeable. Those who were also decent didn't want to take my case and risk failing but the bad guys just took my money and didn't do much of anything b/c they knew that it would be time consuming to do it right. But at least those schools teach about the whole system of the teeth, gums, jaw, muscles.
I don't doubt that the expander is what caused the problem. But, I also don't doubt that I needed the expander-- it fixed an overbite and crowding issues. The clicking, etc. is the lesser of two evils, you could say.
But, I'm curious to what you think an MRI could do. Surely they can't put my jaw "back" after expanding... take out bone that filled in? And, I wouldn't want to go to such lengths to correct what I perceive to be a minor problem at this point, anyway.
And, I live in Canada so dentists taking all your money isn't so much of an issue here ;)
StillHope
01-18-2009, 07:39 PM
An MRI would tell the state of your soft tissues (disk, ligaments, etc.) in your TMJ. It's important to know before doing anything to your jaw/bite, etc. No, the arch should not be placed "back", of course. An occlusion specialist (a good one) have to be able to figure out what the bite problem is and how to correct it with minimal work. For example, if the bite is open they can extend the lower front teeth higher by composites. If instead there is a tooth in the back which makes your jaw shift and/or slide forward (causing a click and pain) they can alter that tooth.
So there are minor things to do to correct the bite.
However, be very careful with this b/c it is just as easy to make it all worse by any minor bite correction. This is why it's so important to have a really qualified dentist who can see the whole system to evaluate it and correct.
Ask them to always have a back-up ( at least in models) of your situation and to do first only reversible changes until you will be comfy.
So there are minor things to do to correct the bite.
However, be very careful with this b/c it is just as easy to make it all worse by any minor bite correction. This is why it's so important to have a really qualified dentist who can see the whole system to evaluate it and correct.
Ask them to always have a back-up ( at least in models) of your situation and to do first only reversible changes until you will be comfy.
nrcitygal
02-11-2009, 11:41 PM
I am 28 and have TMJ as well as an overbite and bulging c-5 and c-6 discs.
I have to believe its all related. My symptoms of tmj are fullness in ears, jaw and cheek pain, clicking, muscle spasms etc.....
I have a really huge overbite and a orthodontist recommended a splint called "silent night" that would act kind of like a "herpst device" (corrects overbite) and would pull my jaw forward. It is primarily used for snoring (which can be caused by overbite).
Cost : 300 dollars
I have also been told that just for TMJ there is a device called NTI appliance. cost around 400 dollars...
My chiropractor also has a device for around 30...
ay yay yay!! What are the options of treatment for TMJ and especially for OVERBITE.
Can overbite be corrected this late in life? (28 years old) when I've had it since babyhood....On the internet I mainly read its either surgery, phy therapy, splints or cortisone injections......
I'd REALLY appreciate any feedback and suggestions.......I think my overbite is what causes my tmj
I have to believe its all related. My symptoms of tmj are fullness in ears, jaw and cheek pain, clicking, muscle spasms etc.....
I have a really huge overbite and a orthodontist recommended a splint called "silent night" that would act kind of like a "herpst device" (corrects overbite) and would pull my jaw forward. It is primarily used for snoring (which can be caused by overbite).
Cost : 300 dollars
I have also been told that just for TMJ there is a device called NTI appliance. cost around 400 dollars...
My chiropractor also has a device for around 30...
ay yay yay!! What are the options of treatment for TMJ and especially for OVERBITE.
Can overbite be corrected this late in life? (28 years old) when I've had it since babyhood....On the internet I mainly read its either surgery, phy therapy, splints or cortisone injections......
I'd REALLY appreciate any feedback and suggestions.......I think my overbite is what causes my tmj
StillHope
02-12-2009, 01:25 AM
When you bite to eat do you have the contacts on all anterior teeth (front teeth)? Check with the narrow strips of paper.
According to Dr. Dawson's book on occlusion the overbite problems can be solved in a good way if there are stable contacts ("stops") on the fronts when you bite down (in a "proper position" which I won't define now).
Does your jaw slide forward after you bite?
Surgery is not a good answer for TMJ problems. It should be left as a very last reserve. If you read other posts I hope you got the idea that things can get much worse after the surgery.
I am wondering if your VDO (vertical dimension of the bite) is right for you. When you feel relaxed does it feel like you'd like to bite on the teeth "sooner" than when they actually touch? Are you clenching the teeth at night?
What is with your C5, C6?
According to Dr. Dawson's book on occlusion the overbite problems can be solved in a good way if there are stable contacts ("stops") on the fronts when you bite down (in a "proper position" which I won't define now).
Does your jaw slide forward after you bite?
Surgery is not a good answer for TMJ problems. It should be left as a very last reserve. If you read other posts I hope you got the idea that things can get much worse after the surgery.
I am wondering if your VDO (vertical dimension of the bite) is right for you. When you feel relaxed does it feel like you'd like to bite on the teeth "sooner" than when they actually touch? Are you clenching the teeth at night?
What is with your C5, C6?
nrcitygal
03-03-2009, 08:31 PM
how is an occlusion specialist (still hope) different from an orthodontist?
where would I find one that could give me alternatives?
where would I find one that could give me alternatives?
StillHope
03-03-2009, 08:53 PM
I think in theory they all suppose to understand occlusion but in practice not many really do.
Did you see a tmj specialist? If you like a specialist or a physician you can ask him/her for a recommendation. This is the best strategy I'd say b/c dentists like patients who were recommended by dental or med. professionals or by friends. So check around.
There are some dental schools which teach dentists about occlusion and tmj: Pankey Institute, Dawson's Center, Kois Center and Piper's Institute (on tmj). So if you find someone who had trainings in those schools it might be helpful to get a consult.
You can actually contact these schools for the local graduates in your area.
Did you see a tmj specialist? If you like a specialist or a physician you can ask him/her for a recommendation. This is the best strategy I'd say b/c dentists like patients who were recommended by dental or med. professionals or by friends. So check around.
There are some dental schools which teach dentists about occlusion and tmj: Pankey Institute, Dawson's Center, Kois Center and Piper's Institute (on tmj). So if you find someone who had trainings in those schools it might be helpful to get a consult.
You can actually contact these schools for the local graduates in your area.
MrsChen
03-04-2009, 12:56 AM
I am 21 and have pretty much always had TMJ. I had braces a top jaw expander when I was 15-19 to fix overall jaw problems. I know I clench my jaw and grind my teeth at night. I got an appliance for this, which helped in the short term. Eventually I stopped using it because I could feel that I wasn't doing it anymore. I generally "know" when I do this. In recent months, my jaw pain/face muscle soreness/tension headaches/jaw clicking have gotten worse. I accept that I probably can't be "cured," but I am looking for treatment to manage this and prevent it from getting worse, as I'm pretty young.
I am not willing to have more orthodontics or any surgery. This is too expensive and I don't think appropriate for the amount of pain (nothing too horrible, just uncomfortable). I am interested in cranial sacral therapy. Has anyone experienced this? What IS it? Also, perhaps masseter massage.
Any other suggestions?
Hi
I had TMJ in 1986 and I had horrible pain, I had a CT scan that showed my disc's where abnormal..
to make a long story short my sister inlaw worked at an Oral Surgeons office and I went to him and he told me I had TMJ, there is nothing most dentist can do for you. The Oral surgeon tried me on a splint for at least 3 months with no improvement. Oral Surgeon told me it was caused from stress.
I choose to have surgery, at that time they took out my discs that where deteriated and put tephlon ones in and surgery was a sucess..
Now a days there surgery is different that just use skin graffs, and it is less painful.
If I had to do the surgery again I would, due to the pain was sooo bad.
Good luck to you
Paula
I am not willing to have more orthodontics or any surgery. This is too expensive and I don't think appropriate for the amount of pain (nothing too horrible, just uncomfortable). I am interested in cranial sacral therapy. Has anyone experienced this? What IS it? Also, perhaps masseter massage.
Any other suggestions?
Hi
I had TMJ in 1986 and I had horrible pain, I had a CT scan that showed my disc's where abnormal..
to make a long story short my sister inlaw worked at an Oral Surgeons office and I went to him and he told me I had TMJ, there is nothing most dentist can do for you. The Oral surgeon tried me on a splint for at least 3 months with no improvement. Oral Surgeon told me it was caused from stress.
I choose to have surgery, at that time they took out my discs that where deteriated and put tephlon ones in and surgery was a sucess..
Now a days there surgery is different that just use skin graffs, and it is less painful.
If I had to do the surgery again I would, due to the pain was sooo bad.
Good luck to you
Paula