Phase II----yikes - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

laina · 03-20-2006, 02:02 PM

I am going to the oral surgeon next Monday. I am finally finished wearing the stupid repositioning splint after a year. Now, I am a little nervous about the next step. My oral surgeon told me after this splint we would be ready to start Phase II treatment. I have no idea what that entails, but I'm worried because Phase I (repositioning splint) was horrible. Does anyone know what Phase II treatment is? Thanks.

laskalady · 03-20-2006, 04:56 PM

Im starting phase one next week!! What was so horrible about it? I iwll have to wear a splint 24/7 just to unlock my joints..and then i go to another splint..im sure its gonna suck. I was told phase 2 is braces or crowns..or some kind of shaving of the teeth ... each situation being different.

laina · 03-20-2006, 05:33 PM

The repositioning splint was horrible. I don't think everyone has this kind of splint though. This is a large bulky splint made of hard acrylic that fit over my lower teeth. I had to wear it to pull my lower jaw forward (reposition my jaw). I had to wear it 24/7 for about a year until my jaw settled in where my Dr. wanted it. It was really uncomfortable to wear, and my teeth don't really feel comfortable in the new jaw position. I'm not sure what the Phase II will be, but I am nervous that my phase II will be surgery. How eles could they keep my jaw in it's new position?

laskalady · 03-20-2006, 08:45 PM

Hmm..I dont think phase 2 will be surgery if your jaw is back in the proper position. Usually phase 2 is for holding that position. I am seeing a tmj guy who doesnt do surgery and he said phase 2 can be crown...shaving your teeth or braces. He recommended braces for me as he says the splint will leave me with an open bite. Do you have an open bite? Did you have limited range of motion before you wore your splint? Did you take it out to eat even? sorry for so many questions... I'm sure not looking forward to the splint.

laina · 03-20-2006, 09:07 PM

I don't mind the questions. Will you be wearing a repositioning splint? I could take the splint out to eat, brush, and floss. I had a few teeth filed a few weeks ago, which has made my bite feel really off and uncomfortable. My range of motion before the splint was pretty limited. It also varied depending on the day. I do have an open bite now, I think as a result of the splint because I never had that before. Your Dr. said you would need braces to fix the open bite? I think I may be seeing my very near future