Are splints alone effective?

[JayTee11]

Hi all. I have TMJ and my lower jaw shifts forward to an underbite position when I'm relaxed. My current orthodontist has requested that I see an Oral Surgeon about this. I'm going to see my PCP today to get a referral to see an Oral Surgeon (I'm insured by Kaiser).

A little history on me: As a kid, I had overcrowding of the teeth and an underbite. I was put in an expander, and then braces, for 5 years to move my bottom teeth back. They also extracted one tooth to give my teeth a proper fit in my mouth. The position of my jaw, however, was never addressed.

My current orthodontist thinks that a splint might be sufficient enough to train my jaw to stay back, but wants to get another opinion.

My question is are splints ever effective enough treatment or should I just push for surgery to correct my jaw? I'm 35 years old.

Thanks.

[asmileconnectsus]

I know people who have just had splint therapy; however, they will always have to wear their splint. I was in splint therapy as part of my surgery process. I had a splint for the 3yrs leading up to my surgery. I think having a consult with an OS is a great next step! Good luck!

[JayTee11]

Thanks for the reply.

I figured wearing a splint would be an ongoing thing. Well, today I was referred to an OS. So now we play the waiting game... I'm so thankful for this forum right now. It's nice to know that I'm not the only person dealing with this.

[24braceface]

Hi,

My lower jaw also shifts forward when my jaw is relaxed. From my experience, splints alone aren't effective. When you're not wearing the splint, or not long after you take it out, your teeth will just shift back. Surgery is a better option for a permanent stable result.

[JayTee11]

I got a call today from the office of the OS and will be seeing him tomorrow morning! Ready for whatever...

[JayTee11]

Hey all. Just wanted to post an update:
Had my consult this morning and the OS feels that a splint will be good first step in my treatment. I have to wear it 24/7 for a few months. Hope it's not too bothersome. But if the splint works in the end, it's worth the wait.