NEXT STEP?? Need Advice - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Lexusteel · 06-14-2004, 09:56 PM

Okay everyone, I really need your help. I am going to see the specialist tomorrow a 1:30 for an hour consult. My question is, If the soft mouth guard is helping soooo much, is there need for a next step?? I'm afaid I might do a "next step" and end up getting worse again. I mean I feel so good right now I don't want a set back. What do you think???

saaraah · 06-15-2004, 06:53 AM

imo, there's really no need to continue on to phase II especially when you're nervous about permanent changes. perhaps you could just continue on wearing the splint?

if my current splint therapy had worked, i was planning on wearing the splint for the rest of my life - no phase II for me. im a scaredy cat, and dont want any changes done to me.

take care.

- saaraah.

westin4 · 06-15-2004, 08:25 AM

Lex,
ewwwwww, do I understand that!! I was in a soft splint about a month ago and I was soooooooo nervous about getting out of that and into a hard one.

The hard one is much better for the long term as it is not nearly as big and doesn't feel so chunky. I have had a time getting the hard one adjusted to my comfort, but it is really starting to take place. Make sure if you go this route that you have someone who is willing to see you how ever many times it takes to get you adjusted.

This is the first dentist I have had that will not only see me every week if necessary, but has seen me twice a week if I have a problem.

Good luck and just really think about things. If you are comfortable, and just for the first time in a while, experiencing some relief.....give it some time,

Good luck with your decision,
Karen

feelines · 06-15-2004, 02:49 PM

I hope you can avoid what happened to me. I felt immensely better with the soft diagnostic splints, but I think I wore them too long before getting the hard splint. My bite opened up too much, and the hard splint helped on my right side but makes me worse on my left side. A friend of mine got her hard splint two weeks after wearing the soft splint (from the same dentist), is doing fine and has not experienced an irreversible bite change. I wish I had been informed about this before it occurred. It seems to be fairly common.

BLACKdragon78 · 06-16-2004, 11:29 AM

Lexusteel,
If you are seeing a TMJ specialist then he/she will probably suggest staying in the soft splint if its working for you. He might also suggest a hard acryllic splint. I wouldn't worry about a hard acryllic splint because specialists are trained to make sure it fits perfectly. I have had really good results with my acryllic splint. They spent almost two hours shaping it so that my jaw was perfectly in line. Because TMJ is such a complicated disorder tell them every single symptom you have even if it doesn't sound related. Anyhow, I hope your consultation goes well.