I have TMJ, do you know why I cannot use...?!
Question: I have TMJ and my dentist told me a nightguard would help ease the pain. I don't have insurance so I cannot order one from him. So I wanted to buy one of those Dr.'s Nightguards they sell at pharmacies and they say that you cannot use them if you have been diagnosed with TMJ, does anyone know why?
Answers: I have TMJ and my dentist told me a nightguard would help ease the pain. I don't have insurance so I cannot order one from him. So I wanted to buy one of those Dr.'s Nightguards they sell at pharmacies and they say that you cannot use them if you have been diagnosed with TMJ, does anyone know why?
This is just their warning to prevent being sued. TMJ can be caused by many things like you bite simply not being aligned properly, and a guard wouldn't help this. However, majority of people grind their teeth or clench their teeth together at night and a guard would help that. Did you ask what your doc charges. Sometimes the dental office ones are not too expensive. You might also ask how much it would cost if they just made you bleaching trays. These are the thinner guards and work well b/c they are clear and you can wear them at night or during the day and it helps put the pressure on the guard instead of your TMJ. Yes, try a guard it will either help or not. You can buy a cheap OTC one and put it in some warm water to slightly soften. Then put it in your mouth and press against teeth some and bite slightly to help it more fit to your teeth. You can trim any pokey edges with a sharp knife and smooth them back with a lighter. You only need to wear a bottom guard to get benefits, but can wear the top if you like. The clenching and grinding causes major pressure on the TMJ, soreness, and headaches, and teeth wear.
my roomate has tmj and she has it BAD!!! i would hear her grinding her teeth all night from across the room! she bought a nightguard from walmart and she said it really helped her
Buy the pharmacy guard & try it. It won't ruin you, & it should help you to know if the fancy guard will actually help you. Be wary--25 years ago, I had specialized splint made by my dentist to deal with my bruxism, at a cost of $250.00. It worked fine the first night, but when I woke up the second morning & removed the guard, I discovered I had ground right thru the guard on one side, & it clearly was not going to prevent anything..He refused to replace it, so I went back to the cheap one, & it has been OK..