Braces????????? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Kara G · 10-14-2003, 09:37 PM

Back in March I went to a TMJ clinic, they took xrays and MRI's, and the whole TMJ consultaion process. I was unclear on what exactly may have caused this and what is the actual problem, becasue they werent very helpful one kept telling me about the splint, but then his boss or whomever came in and told me all i needed was braces, I wasnt satisfied with that so i decided to find another person. Well, I had my appointment today and we talked for no longer than five minutes and I was talking about my prior appointments with the other clinic, later to find out that this guy used to teach those poeple at that clinic, and i talked to him abotu what they had said and then he only checked my teeth and asked me if i wanted braces to straighten my teeth, and i was like Well yeah eventually, i didnt mean right now, and he took it as i wanted them now, and i told him i was mcuh more concerned abotu my jaw than whether my teeth are straight or not right now. But he kept insisting on braces and told me all abotu the cost and everything, and i just told them id think about it. So now i dont knwo whether i should get ANother opinion since i have no idea what he is thinking and since he teaches the other people too i dont trust them either,. My question is does having braces make any sense? My teeth have became crooked since i have had the jaw problems so if i get braces and they get straight again and i still have the problems with my jaw isnt that going to just make them crooked again? I dont want to waste the time and money on braces if im going to have the same problem. I mean right now i could care less if my teeth are crooked, I was just thinking they would start me on a different process to alleviate my jaw problems. So do any of you think it would be better just to keep getting more opinions? or just go with braces? Thanks for any help!!!

CherylLynn24 · 10-14-2003, 11:13 PM

Kara,

Get more opinions. You're never supposed to start moving the teeth until you're out of pain. It sometimes can cause more pain. It sounds like you need splint therapy to begin with. My Son developed TMJD while in braces. I had to get them taken off due to this. Get the pain taken care of first before braces.....look for others in your area that are experienced with TMJD.
Cheryl

Ouch-ear-pain · 10-14-2003, 11:35 PM

ANOTHER OPINIOIN

Isobelj · 10-14-2003, 11:47 PM

I've had to glean most of my information from online sources as I haven't yet found a specialized tmj professional to actually see, anyway two experienced tmj experts, Dr Richard Goldman and Dr Rebecca Griffiths (both have online books/websites available)-whose generally available material I've been reading -advise first of all relaxing the jaw (along with this pain and discomfort should disappear) so that it is in correct alignment before placing braces or doing any kind of irreversable treatment on the teeth, just as Cheryl says.

Be pushy (I'm giving myself this advice too after a difficult, disappointing and subverting appointment with a dentist!), think about what will help you, don't accept what you don't understand or what doesn't feel right. If you can find someone else to see then go to see them with your MRI etc., it is better to get more opinions and to find someone to help whom you are comfortable talking to. Maybe someone here could recommend a good specialist in your area? Good luck!
I wish some professionals could have lessons in manners and in simply listening sometimes!

Isobel

Michelle W · 10-16-2003, 09:59 PM

Kara,

I have read a couple of books, and it says you should get your TMJ symptoms under control first. I think you should be fitted with a splint to get you TMJD symptoms under control. How can the orthodontist know what to do to your teeth (or how to move them) if he doesn't get you comfortable with a splint first? My orthodontist only puts braces on the top or bottom first. He does one level at a time, so he can keep you more comfortable. I think you need several opinions. Keep posting so people can advise you as to whether your treatment sounds good.