how long to adjust to splint? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

jarjarbinks · 11-19-2005, 04:48 PM

hi,

i'm a new splint wearer, and i was wondering how long it takes to get used to wearing a splint? i was fitted w/ a lower splint on tuesday; it's saturday now, and it is still uncomfortable (and it seems to have changed by bite -- my jaw comes down more forward now). i am fine sleeping w/ it, but during daytime hours, i feel like taking it out every five minutes. back in the day, i used to wear a retainer, and i never got used to that, so maybe it's just me. that said, what's the typical break-in period for a splint? thanks!

bonib · 11-19-2005, 06:49 PM

Hi JarJar,

Sorry you are having so much trouble with you new splint. Have you told your Dentist how much trouble you are having with it? I am on my second splint, I had a lot of trouble with my first one and never did get used to it. I actually broke the darn thing continually messing with it.(twice) I know exactly what you mean when you say you take it out every 5 minutes. I thought I was just never going to be able to wear one.

I went without splint for one month pain was unbearable went to new Dentist. This splint is working for me a hundred times better. My Pain level is better and he listens to me with my concerns regarding bite. He made it clear to me that if I have any discomfort or trouble adjusting to discuss this with him. I have done this. I am now into my second week with new splint and I only take it out to clean. I'm even getting pretty good at eating with it on. I never ever thought I would be able to do that.

My first experience was bad because my Dr. didn't explain what to expect and I didn't ask enough questions. So Just be sure and let Dr. know what is going on and see if he/she can do anything to help you adjust. Take care and I hope things get better for you soon. Bonnie

sunflower22 · 11-20-2005, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonib

Hi JarJar,

Sorry you are having so much trouble with you new splint. Have you told your Dentist how much trouble you are having with it? I am on my second splint, I had a lot of trouble with my first one and never did get used to it. I actually broke the darn thing continually messing with it.(twice) I know exactly what you mean when you say you take it out every 5 minutes. I thought I was just never going to be able to wear one.

I went without splint for one month pain was unbearable went to new Dentist. This splint is working for me a hundred times better. My Pain level is better and he listens to me with my concerns regarding bite. He made it clear to me that if I have any discomfort or trouble adjusting to discuss this with him. I have done this. I am now into my second week with new splint and I only take it out to clean. I'm even getting pretty good at eating with it on. I never ever thought I would be able to do that.

My first experience was bad because my Dr. didn't explain what to expect and I didn't ask enough questions. So Just be sure and let Dr. know what is going on and see if he/she can do anything to help you adjust. Take care and I hope things get better for you soon. Bonnie

You can take your splint out to eat that's what I do but when I am done it goes back in.

sunflower22 · 11-20-2005, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarjarbinks

hi,

i'm a new splint wearer, and i was wondering how long it takes to get used to wearing a splint? i was fitted w/ a lower splint on tuesday; it's saturday now, and it is still uncomfortable (and it seems to have changed by bite -- my jaw comes down more forward now). i am fine sleeping w/ it, but during daytime hours, i feel like taking it out every five minutes. back in the day, i used to wear a retainer, and i never got used to that, so maybe it's just me. that said, what's the typical break-in period for a splint? thanks!

For me it took no time at all for me to get use to my splint I think I was use to it like by the end of the week. I never even kept taking my out. I have an upper splint so a lower might be different. The uppers are better for talking.

bonib · 11-20-2005, 06:32 PM

Thanks Sunflower for the information. My dentist told me to wear when I eat. He also told me to be very careful when I brush my teeth not close my mouth. Which makes is really hard to swallow. I will ask him again about eating. Because it is not a easy to do. Thanks again and take care. Bonnie