Splint won't help... - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Chowie · 08-18-2006, 11:09 PM

A lot of times when I wake up in the morning, my jaw will only open about 3/4 of an inch. A lot of times it would pop back into the right place and be normal for the day after an hour or so. It's been quite annyoing to live with, I went to my dentist and he told me about TMJ, and made me a splint. I wore it at night until my jaw started actually getting locked shut like before with the splint in it!

I went back to him and told him that I was waking up with my splint locked into my mouth!

His response? ... "That doesn't happen." he called me a liar, I guess?

He made me an appointment with a tmj specialist. I went and saw him, he didn't do anything. I have another appointment with him in a month. (this doctor will only work once a month and it's a long wait for appointments)

but today I woke up and my jaw was once again only opening 3/4 of an inch. It's been all day and it hasn't unlocked. I have NO idea what to do about it. It always comes open on its own. I feel so trapped with such little jaw movement.

How could my splint not work? If it did, my life would be a lot easier.

Catswold · 08-19-2006, 09:54 AM

It's very easy for a bite splint to not work. Hi Chowie. Frequently splints are not made properly or fitted exactly for each mouth. Everybodies' mouths are not the same and a good bite splint must be made specifically for your mouth. Even after that in my experience, you may need several splint adjustments until the splint gets to the best fit in your mouth.

Also, there are different kinds of bites splints - top, bottom, flat-planed, repositioning, to name a few. Flat-planed seems to be the splint of choice, but you and your TMJ dentist need to discuss this and come up with the best type of splint for you. A question - is your splint bulky or just covering your teeth? I have always had top bulky one (and they were helpful) until this last one that was made to just fit over my bottom teeth. I love it (and how many people can say they love a bite splint?)!!

This is only my opinion, (I've had TMJ for 26 years, which is currently in control and pain-free) but I think you need to reassess your doctors/dentists and see how they are or are not helping you. Do a lot of research on the Internet, on support sites, and then go back armed with knowledge. Doctors do not always know what is best, particularly with TMJ.

It sounds like I am really cutting down doctors and dentists, and I sortof am, but I also know the value of a good doctor. I hope and pray you will get the help you need.

Carol