Slightly different tale to tell... Looking for support!

[Massmom]

I've been reading posts for the last few months, ever since I heard that I will likely need up to 2 years in braces. I haven't found a story that is exactly what I am going through, so I thought I'd post my own topic and hopefully someone will relate!

I guess I'll start by saying that my teeth look great: I had braces on the top when I was 14 to close a space. Since then (and I'm 35), I've always thought that my smile was my best feature! However, for as long as I can remember, I have had trouble with TMJ-- locking, popping, jaw pain off and on, night grinding and clenching. The effects are not felt so much each day, but this has been going on for years. I wore a night guard since my early 20s, and that was that. Or so I thought!

My teeth shifted gradually and, about 5 years ago, the nightguard grew too tight. I was busy with a new job and planning my wedding, so I stopped wearing it and didn't think too much about it. However, for a year now, I have been experiencing pins and needles feeling in my right hand, right foot and -in time- left foot. My neck is sore and my right shoulder flares up from time to time. This may not be related to my mouth, but I think one affects the other. In January, I noticed that my teeth were flaring forward. It's not so noticeable when looking directly at me, but I certainly notice it!! I asked my dentist about it. She didn't really comment, but referred me to an orthodontist. I went to a consultation, thinking that he may recommend a nightguard or maybe a retainer. I was completely shocked when he recommend bi-cuspid extraction and two years of metal braces!! (No ceramic to minimize bone loss) He said that my bite is completely off (traumatic) and this is the only way to fix it.

I do agree that even though my teeth look good, my bite is off. I only have a couple points of contact and, when resting, my mouth is open beneath my lips (not closed, like it used to be).

I immediately got a second opinion from a local orthodontist. I didn't tell him the first opinion: I just showed him my X rays and told him about my TMJ history. This ortho said if I had success with a nightguard, why not just start with that? He said, "I bet I know what the first opinion said- extration and braces, right?" When I confirmed this, he shook his head and said that was crazy. He said that it was sad how doctors in his field jumped to extreme measures before less invasive procedures. Since this was exactly what I wanted to hear, I successfully shook away the inner voice that told me that I now had one of each extreme opinion ('do everything' versus 'do next to nothing and wait') needed a third opinion!

I have been totally confused because I'm not sure who to trust. I don't want to spend $500 on a nightguard if that is just delaying the inevitable. Yet, my husband, after a long period of unemployment, is in a good place, and we are finally ready to have our second child! (our daughter is 3). Recently, I did get a third opinion from a family friend who is a well-respected dentist. He looked at my x rays and heard my story. He sided with Ortho #1, saying that I may need an occlusial equilibrium in addition to the nightguard, before braces. I respect his opinion, but I still needed to decide which course works for me at this time.

A week ago, I just decided to get the mouthguard made with Ortho #2 and go ahead with perhaps having a baby! After struggling with the pins and needles for a year (and chiropractic appointments twice a week, plus neurologists, MRIs, etc.), I just feel that I need a positive focus. I'm worried that things could get worse with my bite or my other issues, but... I just don't feel ready at this point to go full steam into extraction and braces. I know that looks can be deceiving and just because my teeth look okay, doesn't mean that there isn't a serious issue. I know that I'll have to face it eventually.

Can anyone else relate to this kind of dilemma? I know that I'm taking a chance, but am I making the right choice?

Thanks for your opinions! Reading your stories has really helped move me past the "poor me" stage, which I was in initially. It's all part of the journey, and if braces in my mid 30s is part of my journey, I know it's really not so bad!!!

[violetvee]

could you post your x-rays and teeth pictures.. it would be easier to view your dilemma with these info...

[clark2009]

sorry i have not read anything close to that! I never have had problems like that I have just had severely crooked teeth! Gool luck with your choice you make!

[Crafter]

I too believe that you might need braces, but 2 years seem too much. Also, I don´t understand why you can't just have ceramics or invisalign.

Invisalign is shorter.

Also, I have a 8 mm overbite and moderate crowding on my lowers and I will only need to wear my ceramics for 10 monts (well, could be more, but I needed a speedy process, otherwise could be up to 18 months).

The opinions you had are sooo different that is really difficult to decide. I hope by now you have made up your mind for the best option.