Disability and Dentistry

GoneSavage

I've just been advised that I have something called TMJ, which results in chronic jaw and ear ache. I was informed that I would need to see a private orthodontist to correct my bite and straighten my teeth to help with this, as the NHS won't provide it due to changes in 2006.

After enquiring with several Ortho's in Scotland, I have been given an approximate price of £3000 for treatment. I am however in receipt of DLA and IB and can not afford such pricing.

At my Psychiatric appointment today I was speaking to a fellow patient who stated that there is a grant which can be applied for, however, to assist with funding. Is she correct here?

DomRavioli

I wouldn't trust anything said in a Psychiatrists office. Most people are there because they have severe enduring mental health issues. When it comes to grants, speak to the CAB or welfare rights.

Racheldevon

I have the same condition, treatment really depends on the cause of the TMJ, in a significant number of cases it is secondary to something else, such as grinding your teeth at night. My dentist ( a private one as I couldn't get an NHS one) referred my to my lcoal hospital, the Maxillofacial team, who assessed it, and recommended a mouth guard to be worn at night as a first step. This was done ont he NHS, but it may be different in Scotland - worth maybe asking your GP to refer you to the Maxillofacial team and seeing what you can get on the NHS if anything perhaps