Can I get braces? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

strawberryglaze · 07-31-2008, 01:11 PM

I'm 15, and my TMD started about half a year ago with my jaw popping/clicking, and eventually it got locked. I used to be able to open my jaw back up by pushing on the side of my jaw, but I've stopped being able to do that for a while now, and now there is pain when I open my mouth wider than the width of one finger (the wider I try to open my mouth, the more painful it gets). Before this happened, I was planning to get braces, but now I'm wondering if I still can or should. I've been to a few orthodontists in my area and they each have different opinions on what I should do, since I am an "unusual case". I know that braces may not fix my TMD, but I still want them so I can fix my crooked teeth. Does anyone know whether I can still get braces with my locked jaw, and whether it would be safe for me to do it?

Thelma-Louise · 07-31-2008, 08:08 PM

Braces done by the right orthodontist can actually help - the right ortho should be able to reposition your joints and teeth to allow for maximum opening. What you are looking for though is not an ordinary ortho - you need one who is trained in orthopedics of the jaw, face and cranial structure and who is trained in FJO - functional jaw orthotics. If the drs you have seen felt you have an unusual case then they are not trained or experienced enough to treat you. Most orthos tend to be limited in just moving the teeth for aesthethic appearances only - what you need is a tmj dentist that also does braces.

pipdog · 08-01-2008, 12:40 AM

I would second what Thelma Louise has suggested.

Until recently I thought orthodontists were orthodontists end of story but there are two camps and they are at war with each other:

The majority are old school and look at the teeth/bite in isolation, I call them the 'beautiful smiles' crowd as this is what they push.

The others call their specialisation 'functional jaw orthopaedics' and they look at the whole 'maxillofacial triangle' meaning the bones/TMJ, teeth and muscles. They understand how it works as a unit and are able by using various forms of imaging to see what is out of balance and correct it.

Check out 'The TMJ Manifesto' by Terrance J. Spahl