Does it bother you? Are you a candidate for surgery? Has the dentist ever recommended an occlusal guard?

I went to get more fillings done today. I was diagnosed with TMJ a while ago but it's never bothered me and it's never been painful. It was popping a lot today while I was getting my fillings done and the dentist recommended for me to wear an occlusal guard at night, which he says can drastically reduce my need for surgery later in life. I tried googling it but all I get is info on how to wear and care for the guard. I wanted to find information about if it really reduces the need for surgery and just overall patient experience.

By Kate on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 01:54 pm:

I have it but nothing has ever been recommended for it. It seems such a common thing these days. Someone told me it's often a result of wearing braces!! We get in there and mess with the alignment and while our teeth may look nice and straight, suddenly our jaw is out of whack. Did you have braces? Did you have this problem before or after the braces? I've heard surgery is hardly ever done on it and it's not a route I would ever take unless I was desperate. Like you, it's not painful but it can be annoying.

By Kate on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 01:57 pm:

BTW, I would assume he recommended the guard to avoid any teeth grinding or clenching you might do in your sleep, as those activities exacerbate TMJ.

By Rayanne on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 01:59 pm:

I have TMJ also, but my dentist reccommended to get my teeth shaved because one side hits before the other. I haven't had that done yet, but I need to go soon because it is starting to bether me again.

My friend wears the guard and says that it has helped her a lot. I hope that helps.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 02:06 pm:

I've never had braces. I don't clench or grind either while sleeping so that's why I wanted to research why he wanted me to get it. Because I need it or for the money he'd make.

By Cat on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 02:26 pm:

I was dx'd with TMJ about 15 years ago. I was having a lot of jaw pain at the time. It was also a very stressful time for me (lots of changes). My dentist recommended I relax. lol I do have a mouth guard for night that I got about 3 years ago. My dentist noticed my teeth were starting to wear down a bit. He suspected night time grinding. I haven't worn it for probably 2 1/2 years, though. It wasn't very comfortable, I couldn't get my mouth all the way closed with it in, and I'd wake up with a dry, smelly mouth. It probably wouldn't fit me anymore, anyway since I've had some chips repaired. And no, I never had braces. My dad's jaw popped ALL the time. Try sitting next to him at the dinner table! lol He never had any kind of mouth guard and he never complained of pain. If it's not bothering you, I wouldn't spend the money on one. If anything, I'd say try a sports mouth guard first. The kind you boil and the bite down on. I don't even know if I'd bother with that, though. It doesn't sound like it's bothering you at all. Just mho. Your dentist is the expert. Good luck.

By Tink on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 02:58 pm:

Count me in the TMJ club! I have tried to wear a guard but I have a really tough time sleeping in it. My dentist hasn't recommended surgery since mine isn't a constant problem. He did suggest getting the sport guard to see if it helped before shelling out the $1200 for the pro guard. It usually just bothers me when I'm stressed. I clench my jaw at night while sleeping and if it gets too bad, I'll put in the guard but I end up taking it out in my sleep. I didn't have braces, either. What is your dentist concerned about, if it isn't causing any pain and doesn't bother you? If he didn't even suggest a sports guard or explain why you needed in spite of a lack of pain or grinding, I'd be a bit suspicious. JMO, of course.

By Luvn29 on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 03:04 pm:

Typically the splint is used to relax the jaw. In most cases with TMJ, your jaw is not lined up correctly. The joint is wore out. When I am having problems out of mine, I can just put my tongue between between my upper and bottom teeth to get a little relief. The splint puts enough of a space in between your upper and bottom teeth that it gives the joint a break. It "splints" the jaw in a better position.

The splint is definitely a great help when you have symptoms of TMJ, and I can see how it can prevent the need for surgery, also.

By the way, you could be completely unaware that you clench or grind your teeth at night. I didn't realize I did it at first, either.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, December 8, 2005 - 03:19 pm:

The guard will only cost me $164 because insurance covers the rest. He wanted me to get it for the exact reasons that Luvn29 stated. I just don't know if i'm the type that would faithfully use it. I have good gag reflexes and if it gets anywhere near the back of my mouth, i'll be gagging all night, lol.