phase II - displaced discs - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

beth99 · 04-08-2004, 04:30 PM

I'm wondering if anyone with locked/displaced discs has gone on to phase II? If so, what does your phase II involve? I'm only 3 months into phase I and assumed that I would have the option of weaning to a night splint for phase II, but after talking to my specialist the other day, he said that if my disc remains displaced that it would be a bad option (bone on bone rubbing). He said it's too early to tell what my options will be until my symptoms are gone, but now I'm worried that I'll have to get a lot of crowns or do something extreme. Since I'm fortunate to NOT have many of the terrible symptoms that some people have (migranes, etc) I was hoping to do something not so permanent. Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks!
Beth

TiffanyAnn · 04-08-2004, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beth99

I'm wondering if anyone with locked/displaced discs has gone on to phase II? If so, what does your phase II involve? I'm only 3 months into phase I and assumed that I would have the option of weaning to a night splint for phase II, but after talking to my specialist the other day, he said that if my disc remains displaced that it would be a bad option (bone on bone rubbing). He said it's too early to tell what my options will be until my symptoms are gone, but now I'm worried that I'll have to get a lot of crowns or do something extreme. Since I'm fortunate to NOT have many of the terrible symptoms that some people have (migranes, etc) I was hoping to do something not so permanent. Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks!
Beth

Hi Beth:
I have a displaced disc on the left side. My orthodontist gave me a few choices of what to do for phase ll. 1. Do alot of expensive crowns which is not an option for me, 2. do nothing and continue to use my splint 3. since I have had braces before and all I really need to do is move my lower front teeth back a little way so they don't hit against the back side of my front teeth every time I close my mouth he can make a lower retainer to move those teeth back a little ways and make me an upper splint to use while the teeth are moving. He said in most cases of TMJ people will have to use a splint at least at night for the rest of their lives. So, you definately can move onto phase ll with your discs still displaced and phase ll does not have to cost you thousands of dollars.
Tiffany

SRH_NF_isback · 04-09-2004, 01:30 AM

Beth:

From what I was told, if the disks are still displaced then phase II would be aimed at a permanent solution to avoid any more damage done to the joints. So, as long are you are not in pain and there is no more damage being done, phase II can be done. For me, I think phase II will involve partial denture overlays on the back of my teeth....that is the cheapest way for me to go...$300 I was told.

Sheldon

Carey · 04-09-2004, 02:38 AM

Hi Beth,

my disc has been displaced for 4 years and my jaw has been locked during all this time with very limited opening. I was at the severe stage at phase 4, all up i have had 5 surgeries to my joint including the removal of my disc last June to hopefully increase my opening and pain relief. i am now left with bone on bone and i hear it crunching away from time to time. i worry about this because i am only 23 years old and weary of joint degeneration, but my disc had to be removed as it was damaged beyond repair.
Chin up.

Take care,
Carey

Mosmom · 04-09-2004, 07:48 AM

Good Morning, Beth
My daughter is getting ready for Phase II after 16 months in an upper splint. She, like you, had a displaced disk and locked jaw without the tremendous pain some of our other friends here are experiencing. The doctor will be taking models next visit, but is pretty sure that he will be starting with braces on top and a lower splint to keep the bite stable.

Mosmom