Eric1

Hi everyone, I haven't posted in awhile but I just got caught up with things. I think I mentioned before that I've had tmj for probably alot of my life to some degree without realizing it. I've read many places not realizing is common, and also how it mimics other symptoms. I've seen a few tmj specialists in the Pittsburgh area when I first realized what was wrong when I was 23. I think we all degree the difference in doctors concerning their expertise with tmj can be great. My first tmj doctor designed a ridiculous bite splint that never worked and I've also had braces before which never really move my teeth enough to give me the type of room I needed. I also had over 10 brackets break off and lots of delays with my doctor so that probably had something to do with it.
So recently I spent over 1200 dollars on a bite splint which is supposed to be phase 1 treatment before you start orthodontics. It really never helped much and about 3 weeks ago I had this new technique performend called accelerated osteogenic orthodontics. I researched this for many hours and I saw Dr. Brendan Stack an orhtodontist in northern virginia. Hes a founding member of American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. He uses the Viazi technique of faster braces which uses a triangular style bracket and bands that adjust to changes in heat. Anyway he recommended this osteogenic technique over even the Viazi method. It requires a surgery to the gumline which I believe loosens the bone temporarily allowing the teeth to be moved in 3-9 months usually. The photographs I've seen are simply amazing with alot of movement from people who had little room or even extreme overbites. I will keep everyone updated with how it goes, and I'm a pretty serious case. I have a good bit of pain, both of my joints are generally frozen most of the time. My neck is extremely tight and pain behind the eyes, cramping muscles, you name it I'm probably experiencing some level of it. So to me this is probably my last chance I'm thinking and I really need this to work. So far I've seen a decent amount of movement already, teeth that used to meet in the center, now my top teeth are actually out beyond them. He did tell me the 4th to 8th week are the most movement though. This technique has caught on around the country. I'm actually seeing the founder and it takes me aabout 3 hours to get there but I'm sure it will be worth it. Well this post is getting long and I'll keep you all up to date. Take care and I hope tomorrow goes well for everyone. I had a tough day myself today but I remembered this board and I think should post more often. Take care bye.

[This message has been edited by Eric1 (edited 10-15-2003).]

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 10-15-2003).]