Since my TMJ symptoms came as a result of my disgusting orthodontic treatment, I have always wondered, Marlene, how you endured braces after TMJ treatment. Did the braces bring back TMJ symptoms/cause a flare-up? I would be interested in hearing about the orthdontic treatment and how it helped/did not help your TMJ and bite.
Thank you once again for helping!
SueSt
At times, it was somewhat difficult to "endure" braces after my splint therapy. What I found particularly difficult was having to wear an expansion appliance to expand my upper palate (which was too narrow). Every time I had to expand the appliance with a little "key", I felt like my head was splitting in two for a couple of days. I persevered though. Fortunately, that part of the orthodontics only lasted about a month.
I did find at times that braces did cause minor flare-ups of some symptoms - headaches, light-headedness, sinus pressure mainly. These flare-ups usually occured for a period of a few days after the routine adjustments to the braces. I found the intensity of the flare-ups increased some during the time I had to wear the elastics. But none of the flare-ups compared to the pain of my TMJ prior to beginning treatment. My dentist also stated that I seemed to be one of those patients who are very sensitive to the forces exerted by braces.
Thank you! I am glad to know that it was bearable, for the most part. With my symptoms beginning during ortho treatment, I have had a hard time imagining how orthodontics could help. I suppose it improved your bite. Do you think the bite was the initial cause of the TMJ? My flareups that begin whenever orthodontist does adjustments don't seem to end - they just snowball and get worse. If I stop treatment, it gets better but does not completely heal.
I see from another post that you did functional orthodontics - thanks for explaining that to all of us! I did go to see a functional ortho guy but after talking to my orthodontist, the functional guy sent my molds and xrays back to me. He just didn't want to deal with it, I guess! I am pretty much on my own now, as I have seen the only specialists in the area. Ugh.
Thanks again for your help. You do so much for everyone on this board!
SueSt
Marlene, a question 
