Has anyone ever tried a orthotic appliance for tmj problems? Does it work.?

Question:

I have tmj. I have been to a dentist/tmj specialist. He suggeted that I have a orthotic appliance made for my jaw. I don't think my tmj problems are very severe but they have been bothering alot lately. I have pain on and off through out the day in my temples, eye, teeth, jaw, back of the head and sometimes neck. I also have ear pain, pressure and sound sensitivty on and off.I find the pain is worse when I wear my glasses because they push against my temples so I have stopped wearing them. I occasionally will hear some cracking it feels as though my jaw is loosing up not painful though. I never know what to expect from day to day. I do not have pain at night. My dentist said that most people wear the device at night but it can be worn in the day. Since I don't have pain at night will wearing it at night help me at all in the day? If anyone has had any experiances with these orthotic appliances good or bad let me know.

Answers:
Sounds like you have Bruxism (Grinding your teeth while you sleep) although TMD (Temporo-Mandibular joint Disorder) not TMJ (the joint itself) is not out of the question since you have cracking sounds in your jaw. What your dentist might be prescribing is a Nightguard or a splint which will soften the grinding. Either case there are no cures, but with proper treatment you could be symptom free. Although with TMD, it's like the common cold, it has to run its course. unfortunately its last between 3-10 years. The good news is that it always heals itself.

In both cases:

Do not chew gum or chewy or hard candy. Its like kicking your jaw when it's down.
Don't open your mouth wide.
Don't crack your jaw if you could help it.
Avoid propping you jaw on your hand or arm, this places too much pressure on your condiles.
Use a hot compress on sore spots, 15 minutes on 15 off.
Night appliances treat both Bruxism and TMD.

8 year Orthodontic veteran and 3 year TMD sufferer.

I have one and it got rid of my head aches. I don't wear it all the time. It looks like the see through braces that they have now. Just cover your top teeth and feels spongy when you bite down. It isn't much money (mine was only around $100) considering the head aches you will and are having. Get it and just wear it when you need it.

Has anyone ever tried a orthotic appliance for tmj problems? Does it work.?

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