I was prescribed an over the counter mouthguard from my doctor. I can't sleep with it in or have it in during the day because it bugs me and makes my jaw's sore because I can't close my mouth when it is in there. When I do have it in I play with it in my mouth and when I bite on the back of it with my very back teeth my jaw cracks and then get's locked and I have to slide the mouthguard out with my tounge and then wiggle my jaw. I think my jaw get's dislocated. Should I see my dentist about this becuase my TMJ is just getting worse and worse.
~Ear~
I can't help you out with the jaw locking, as my Son nor I have that particular problem. Maybe the others here can. Good Luck in finding a dentist.
Cheryl
Thanks cheryl,
you have jaw locking too? Interesting don't you hate it? I know I do. It only hurts sometimes. I have never had it lock to where I can't get it to open have you??
~Ear~
Hi Ear (and Cheryl too!!)
Can you describe what you mean by "jaw locking"??? If it isn't that you are locking shut... is it more of a dislocation of the joint that causes pain - and maybe restricts your openning some??
Thanks much! RR
ouch-ear-pain - i think that it would be highly beneficial for you to get a proper splint that is made by a trained professional.
where in the USA do you live? maybe someone on this board is in your area and can suggest a good dentist to go to. have you checked out any neuromuscular dentists?
Thanks so much for all of your replies,
I have not found a good dentist and I don't know what a neuro mascular dentist is. (Laughing) When I open my mouth not even always wide my jaw locks with itself I guess. Then I have to wiggle it shut or sometimes open till I hear a crack and a BIG pop. It hurts sometimes. I will get a splint as soon as I can find a really good dentist! Thanks for all of ya'lls replies!
I live in California. I have searched for good dentists but can't find none. I will find one some-day though. Anyone know any good dentists or anything??? Thanks
ouch-ear-pain: i'd suggest starting a new topic along the lines of "anyone know of a good [neuromuscular] dentist in california?" or something, so that others will be specifically aware of your quest.
a nightguard is typically only worn at night time in the hopes of reducing the effects of grinding and/or stopping the grinding. of course, controversy exists on if they work or not.
a splint is worn 24/7 and can either be a stablizing or repositional. neuromuscular dentists tend to use repositional splints if there isnt enough space between the condyle and fossa. thus, it "repositions" the lower jaw by pulling it forward, in the hopes of getting a better occlusion, which should reduce the pain [if malocclusion is the cause of your problem].
to learn more about neuromuscular dentistry, try a search on the forum, since there are a whole lot more educated people who know way more than i do about neuromuscular dentistry.
good luck,
- saaraah.
[This message has been edited by saaraah (edited 09-14-2003).]
My TMJ specialist told me that people with an overbite are more likely to have TMJ problems. It is called a class II bite abnormality. Where are you looking for a TMJ specialist? Perhaps you can get a referral from your dentist. You can look up the Las Vegas Institute on the internet and they have a list of dentists who have taken neuromuscular dentistry courses. The Functional Jaw Orthopedics website has a list of specialists. Check the yellow pages of the phone directory.
Thanks yes I have looked some up and I am makin an appt. with one. I too heard people with overbites are more likely to have TMJ. I wonder why that is?
LOL, one more thing my jaw get's locked and I have heard often that means your jaw is out of line. Could this as well be a reason for my TMJ??? Ya think?
Ah, I just got some literature on this at my oral surgeon.
What causes your jaw to lock open is that the cushion that lies between your condyle and the upper jaw slips out of place, so your lower jaw isn't able to move. The pop you hear is the cushion (it has a proper name...just can't remember it...) moving back into place, allowing your jaw to close again.
__________________
If the stars are aligned against you, realign the stars.
Does and could this mean nothing is out of place?? I have heard various different things about, "jaw locking" and I am just so confused. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif Thanks for all of your help and if any of you can help answer my question please do!!
Also, why does my jaw pop and crack almost EVERY time I open it now?? Thanks
ouch - to put it simply, when your jaw locks, it means that the disc [meniscus] that normally is between the condyle [part of the mandible] and the fossa [part of the maxilla] gets [usually] anteriorly displaced.. it gets "stuck" forward, so your jaw cant move. it acts like a door stop. when you hear the "pop", that means it's going back into position.
My mouth guard :( 
