Resident dentists...... TMD/Clenching/Headaches
Discussion
I've got this and I have an "appliance" that my dentist rebuilds and reprofiles as necessary - usually when I chew through it. I know when it needs adjusting as my neck starts to seize up again and the headaches start to kick back in.
I would recommend a specialist, there is a real difference in how I feel depending on whether my appliance is properly adjusted or not.
PS - IANAD!
I would recommend a specialist, there is a real difference in how I feel depending on whether my appliance is properly adjusted or not.
PS - IANAD!
Piglet said:
I've got this and I have an "appliance" that my dentist rebuilds and reprofiles as necessary - usually when I chew through it. I know when it needs adjusting as my neck starts to seize up again and the headaches start to kick back in.
I would recommend a specialist, there is a real difference in how I feel depending on whether my appliance is properly adjusted or not.
PS - IANAD!
That's really good to know, I've heard a properly adjusted appliance makes all the difference! I would recommend a specialist, there is a real difference in how I feel depending on whether my appliance is properly adjusted or not.
PS - IANAD!
I can't tell you the difference that my appliance makes to me. I spent more than two years in significant pain, having physio and chiropractic treatment to solve a problem in my neck and shoulders, along with daily headaches and more frequent migraines.
My dentist mentioned TMD/TMJ - it's one of her specialisms, I thought it was just away to get more money out of me but then went away and read about it and was convinced. My symptoms went away overnight after using the appliance and only come back when the appliance needs adjusting.
There is a name for the specialism that I now can't remember and a website that tells you where your local specialist is (although I note your occupation!).
My dentist mentioned TMD/TMJ - it's one of her specialisms, I thought it was just away to get more money out of me but then went away and read about it and was convinced. My symptoms went away overnight after using the appliance and only come back when the appliance needs adjusting.
There is a name for the specialism that I now can't remember and a website that tells you where your local specialist is (although I note your occupation!).
We hyg's aren't taught a massive amount about TMD, I am suffering the same symptoms as you were. But none of my current practices really deal with bruxism other than by giving a splint similar to the one I have currently.
There are a few different types of appliance, I'd like to hear the PH dentists opinions if they're about
I need fixing properly!
There are a few different types of appliance, I'd like to hear the PH dentists opinions if they're about
I need fixing properly!
I have a fair amount of overbite which apparently is classic for TMD/TMJ problems - mine was kicked off by a car accident which probably knocked everything out of line a bit more. So whilst mine is to some extent linked to grinding my teeth at night, it is more about the fact that my jaw doesn't sit properly so the muscles don't relax properly causing the muscles to spasm - the appliance allows my jaw to sit straight and everything to relax - so long as it's properly adjusted.
I don't know what type of device I have - good luck with getting sorted, I'd persevere with looking for a solution - my dentist is in Bristol which isn't much use to you but she is stonkingly good.
I don't know what type of device I have - good luck with getting sorted, I'd persevere with looking for a solution - my dentist is in Bristol which isn't much use to you but she is stonkingly good.
Christiaan said:
Michigan splint would be the best place to start (speaking having not examined you and depending on what sort of para function is occurring)
Not an "occlusal specialist" but do make a fair few for my patients... And local to you Rach.
More than willing to help if you want.
Hi Christiaan, that would be great, thank you! I'm a friend of your hyg.... so I'll arrange an appointment Not an "occlusal specialist" but do make a fair few for my patients... And local to you Rach.
More than willing to help if you want.
I'll second the Michigan splint- really useful especially when under much stress. I use a deprogrammer (knocked it up myself with duralay) and as soon as my teeth are separated, ahh the relief, all those muscles just relax...
Loads of research done on this subject, tooth separation and anterior guidance will help loads.
All the best,
Jim
Loads of research done on this subject, tooth separation and anterior guidance will help loads.
All the best,
Jim
michigan splints are the best bet, but some patients find them hard to tolerate. a bilaminar splint i.e. soft around the teeth but with a hard biting surface can sometimes be an effective halfway house and are much more likely to be tolerated thus being worn more regularly and actually make a difference
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