temporomandibular joint disorder orthodonist

Thomas_Holding

My mid 50s wife didn't see an orthodonist until later in life and so was still wearing braces in her 30s.
She now has TMD, she should have been wearing her retainers but didn't.
She has after about 15+ years is starting wearing them again in case this helps - would seeing an orthodonist help?

Cressida100

I have TMJ (RA related). I have a custom made retainer to wear at night to prevent the teeth grinding. There are lots of exercises online that can help a bit. But to be truthful I don't think there's much they can do. My dentist is aware of my TMJ and has never suggested an orthodontist. It can become an issue if her jaw starts locking open but I believe this is quite rare. I sometimes have to sort of click mine back into place

Thomas_Holding

Cressida100 said:

I have TMJ (RA related). I have a custom made retainer to wear at night to prevent the teeth grinding. There are lots of exercises online that can help a bit. But to be truthful I don't think there's much they can do. My dentist is aware of my TMJ and has never suggested an orthodontist. It can become an issue if her jaw starts locking open but I believe this is quite rare. I sometimes have to sort of click mine back into place

Thanks for that - I think that would be more pleasant and better although more expensive and more hassle than using her old retainers.

Toothsmith

Thomas_Holding said:

My mid 50s wife didn't see an orthodonist until later in life and so was still wearing braces in her 30s.
She now has TMD, she should have been wearing her retainers but didn't.
She has after about 15+ years is starting wearing them again in case this helps - would seeing an orthodonist help?

What does her dentist say?

If her retainers still fit after 15 years, then chances are her teeth haven't moved much - and so further orthodontics won't be required. 

Orthodontics isn't really a fix for TMJ problems & tooth grinding anyway. 

Bite appliances can help, but these need to be properly made (not bought online!) and 15 yr old retainers won't do the same job. 

marcia_

 I was referred to a consultant for TMJ. He instructed me to get a mouth guard which I did and said if no improvement in the pain he will start botox injections in a year which relaxes the muscles. Just waiting for my follow up appointment to get this done. 

Toothsmith

marcia_ said:

 I was referred to a consultant for TMJ. He instructed me to get a mouth guard which I did and said if no improvement in the pain he will start botox injections in a year which relaxes the muscles. Just waiting for my follow up appointment to get this done. 

"Get a mouth-guard" as in go back to your own dentist for one, I assume? Not get one of the 'online' heat to fit ones?

I'd generally make a simple mouth-guard for a pt of mine before referring.

Botox can be a very effective treatment for tooth-grinding, but custom mouth-guards can provide good relief to the majority of milder cases

marcia_

Toothsmith said:

marcia_ said:

 I was referred to a consultant for TMJ. He instructed me to get a mouth guard which I did and said if no improvement in the pain he will start botox injections in a year which relaxes the muscles. Just waiting for my follow up appointment to get this done. 

"Get a mouth-guard" as in go back to your own dentist for one, I assume? Not get one of the 'online' heat to fit ones?

I'd generally make a simple mouth-guard for a pt of mine before referring.

Botox can be a very effective treatment for tooth-grinding, but custom mouth-guards can provide good relief to the majority of milder cases

 Yes from the dentist, doesn't help much with the pain because I also clench during the day.i try and not but i do it without realising.