TMJ Support Group

Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ syndrome, is an acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.

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AOKBC 04/05/2011

So I went & had a consultation today with a specialist & until i have the money to get back to get my mouth guard made. I was told that until then i could go to a sports store & get a mouth guard there.
So I have been wearing it now on & off for approx 5 hours & I was also told to apply an ice pack to my jaw (I already couldn't open my mouth all the way when I was at my appointment) I can now hardly open my mouth & my pain has increased.
Is it normal to be in so much pain when you first start wearing a mouth guard? Im a bit worried that its going to make it worse.

Help??

deleted_user 04/05/2011

Hello. I don't have the money to get a bite splint from the dentist/orthodontist people either, though everyone tells me I need to get one. Well I also need to pay rent and have no income.

Anywho, I got two different cheapos from the stores, and neither if them worked out for me. I spit them both out in my sleep. Neither one caused pain, so I would suggest if it's causing you pain to not use it, and/or buy a different cheapo and try that.

The first one I got was 30 bucks, supposed to be a "night guard". It was a little slimmer than the one used for sports, but just as useless. The 2nd one I got was 2 dollars from Meijer, thicker and more annoying, but just as useless.

hugs
JD

AOKBC 04/05/2011

Thanx for your reply. Ya the one I got says its for concussion & TMJ. & yes it fell out last night when i was sleeping, does anyone know if the
ones you get custom made fall out in the middle of the night also?

deleted_user 04/05/2011

Hello, I have a "custom made" splint and I wear it 24/7. It is used to move the jaw forward to relieve pressure on the joints. The over the counter ones you can buy are only to keep your mouth open wide enough that you can't grind (which is probably what is causing some of your pain). Any new appliance is going to cause some amount of pain, but honestly, the cost of a custom made appliance is well worth saving for, if your TMJ problems are serious enough to be effecting your life. It clicks onto your teeth, and so can't fall out. Best wishes.
C

AOKBC 04/06/2011

Thank you clicox, Yes I am going to be getting a custom made one, this one is just until i can get it because its not going to be for another month.

Luckybingobaby 04/08/2011

I can't live without my night guard. If I forget to wear it, my TN reactivates. II found this lab that does custom for $150 or less.

http://www.nightguardlab.com/index.php

I haven't used this place yet but it is worth checking out. The off the rack mouth guards are worthless. Your mouthguard should not be falling out. It should be a tight fit. Good Luck!!

Kinsley11 08/11/2018

Luckybingobaby I know this is an outdated thread but wanted to let you know that the night guard lab you referenced above ^ is no longer in operation. You can still find affordable alternative night guard labs online and avoid paying the dental office prices: https://sentinelmouthguards.com/5-reasons-not-pay-dentist-make-custom-night-guard/

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