Gary Wiele or Duane Keller? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Wonderdog · 08-13-2006, 07:41 PM

I checked the Great Doctors thread and there are none in my city (St. Louis).

Has anyone been treated by either Gary Wiele or Duane Keller?

Or do you know of a good dentist who treats TMD in St. Louis, MO?

I overstretched my jaw almost 7 years ago and have had constant pain in my cheeks since then. I can feel my jaw begin to clench as I drift off to sleep. The only relief I've gotten came several years ago when I had surgery and the anestiesiologist gave me a paralytic. When I woke up after surgery, my jaw felt better than it had in years.

I've had an NTI for this entire time, and while it may be protecting my discs, it does nothing for my masseter muscles. My dentist is in the camp of "occlusion doesn't matter". My primary care doc just says this will go away in time, and take ibuprofen.

While the thought of changing my bite scares me, I'm willing to try a diagnostic orthotic to see if it will help. From the experiences I've read, I won't proceed with anything permanent until my symptoms are completely resolved.

Thanks,
Wonderdog

bonib · 08-22-2006, 09:43 PM

Hi Wonderdog,
I don't know anything about Dr. Wiele. But I can tell you I have been seeing Dr. Keller, and the difference he has made in my life since January is phenominal. This man knows how to fix jaws!(mine anyway) When I started going to him I was in so much pain and was resigned to the fact that I would always feel like that. I had all kinds of tests. Tmjd was suggested to me and did research on the internet. After deciding that this was a possibility I went to an Orthodontist who basically did nothing for me but take my money. Dr. Keller was suggested to me by my Dentist. But after my first experience I was a little apprehensiveand skepital about seeing another Dr. regarding tmjd.

After my first examination Dr. Keller ordered mri. My jaw was dislocated and he called it a frozen jaw. After 6 months of treatment with splint therapy(I wear 24/7) and physical therapy. ( therapist is in his office) I am now able to open and close my mouth without pain.

I am now starting phase 2 which for me will be a overlay partial denture. This worked well for me because it was much cheaper and quicker than orthodontia and then get a bridge. Neither my medical or dental insurance would cover anything related to tmjd. I have paid for everything out of pocket. Bummer!

My pain that I had been having has pretty much been wiped out. Dr. Keller is conservative, but he makes sure I knew all of my options. He is compassionate as is his staff. I am always free to call his office with any problems or my preference was to e-mail him. He receives his own emails and always answers quickly with instructions.

If you would like to you could search my previous posts. I posted a thread on here regarding my first visit and my follow up after mri. I wish you good luck on your decision and your treatment.

Wonderdog · 08-22-2006, 10:45 PM

Bonnie,

Thanks for responding to my post. I'm so glad to read (from your reply and your previous posts) that you've been pleased with Dr. Keller.

I have an appointment with him in September.

Thanks again,
John

bonib · 08-23-2006, 08:35 AM

John,

Congratulations on your decision. You won't regret it. I have no doubt Dr. Keller will do everything possible to get you feeling better. Take care. Let me know how things turn out.

Bonnie