Braces & T.M.J.

[kev187]

I had braces when i was 13. I was supposed to wear them for two years but i wore them one year with many brackets missing. I removed my braces and stop halfway. it was a super dumb move but now im 20 years old and im experiencing symptoms of tmj, ear poppping, jaw crackling, facial imbalance.

My question is if someone like me who wore braces halfway thru my treatment, then stop at a young age, cause tmj or jaw trouble?

[TMJJill]

I developed TMJD as an adult so I haven't experienced the same thing, but based upon the information I've gleaned from the internet and other chat boards as I've gone through my TMJD journey, there are many people out there with tmj who had it triggered by their orthodontic treatment when they were younger.

I certainly encourage people to seek out functional orthodontists who treat the entire bite as part of orthodontic treatments, not just making teeth straight.

If you are seeking out a new orthodontist to help treat your TMJ issues, I would recommend looking for a functional orthodontist who has extra training in neuromuscular or orofacial denistry.

[Jerseygirl]

Hi - I've had TMJ issues off and on for about 5 years. I do indeed have a bad bite and had braces as a kid but my bite and teeth shifted in my late 30s early 40s.

I saw MANY MANY specialists, oral surgeons and dentists who specialized in TMJ. One was a prosthodontist. I had bite splints made for top and bottom. One to be worn during day and one at night - they cost me a great deal of money and would give my jaw relief.

I've been told that sometimes people with horrendous bites do NOT have TMJD and people with great bites sometimes DO do. It is very hard to determine cause in some instances. I have also lost two molars from my bad bite and possibly grinding even though I wore a night guard for years.

Anyway - that all being said I've found that my TMJD (I add the "D" because it stands for disorder) is far worse during times of great stress. I clench involuntarily when I"m stressed out. When things lighten up for me my jaw feels better.

I have been told that correcting my bite will definitely help things though - so I'm all for that.

[DrBill]

Kev,

In this thread from April 2012

http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=42055

you said you just got your braces off. Yet in the above post you said they were removed at 13-14. Were you retreated? Have you discussed your jaw issues with your orthodontist?