What do you think could be wrong with my jaw?!
Question: What do you think could be wrong with my jaw?
I also had rubber bands which move your jaw around to the right place but i only had those for 2 months...
my question is for the past like...6 months i guess my left jaw does this "Popping" thing. If i move it back...it kind of feels like it pops out of place. Sometimes when i wake up in the morning it's locked and i have to move my jaw around to get it "unlocked"
What do you think this could be?
Is it serious?
Answers:
You have a temporomandibular joint disorder (aka TMJ or TMD) that is being caused by your orthodontic treatment and you need to tell your orthodontist ASAP. It has been shown that traditional orthodontic treatment involving extraction of bicuspids causes TMJ problems in many patients so if this is what was done to you, then it is almost certain that is what is causing your problems. DO NOT go to an oral surgeon as advised by the other poster who is a dentist because he does not know about TMJ or he would not have made that recommendation. Unfortunately, almost all traditional orthodontists know very little about TMJ and nothing about how to treat it. The popping sound you hear and/or feel is due to a structure called the articular disk that is part of the temporomandibular joint becoming forced out of place and then going back into joint. And YES this can be serious if not addressed ASAP.
functional orthodontist; treated TMJ since 1984
It sounds like some issue with your TMJ (temporomandibular joint). There is a disc that is situated between the condyle of the jawbone and the skull. It may be out of place. Talk to your orthodontist regarding treatment options. An oral surgeon may also be helpful.
I am a dentist.
OK....PLAIN & SIMPLE...explain the issues you are having to your parents as they are the only ones who can authorize treatment. If the Orthodontist you have been using hasn't given you an explanation or has ignored your issues, you need to suggest to your parents that you be examined by another Orthodontists. Good luck and I wish you well.
The Denture Pro.
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The Denture Pro.
Have your dentist check it for you! In addition you might need a night guard to protect your jaw joint!