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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Ears, Eyes & Mouth
/ TMJ Support Group

braces question

floridakris
floridakris
Hi everyone, I have 2 children that have serious overcrowding issues(some of their teeth are coming in sideways and backwards), anyhow I would love some thoughts on braces. I do believe that they will have to have them, not for cosmetic reason but because of the gum issues involved(overcrowding causes gum recession, we've already been warned of this). I would LOVE some advice on this, I do not want my kids to develop tmj because of braces. I have developed tmj because of dental work(2 crowns because I cracked 2 teeth from grinding).
any advice would be great. Thanks, Florida
deleted_user
deleted_user
what would be worse, gum recession or tmjd....
I know which one I would pick.

'Wild horses' would not ever let my children have braces on.!!

Children - whose jaws have not caught up growth wise with the growth rate of secondary teeth.

Let the jaw grow.

Seek advice from a NM dentist, they can assist with jaw growth.

YOU, are in control of their destiny.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi there-----I highly recommend seeking out a Functional Jaw orthodontist who specializes in TMD treatments for your children. They are not like traditional Ortho's...and do things very differently, taking into consideration the jaw/teeth/muscle relationships. You can start by looking off the ICCMO website, see who is in your area, and call and make sure that they practice functional Jaw orthodontics, as well as tmj neuromuscular treatments. If you have TMD, they are predisposed to it already. I can't stress that enough. !! A good one in florida is Dr. Ralph Garcia.....but I could help you find someone if need be. My doctor's credentials are similar to his.....if you need more info.....just send me an email. If your kids have overcrowding...they will need expansion....and a complete ortho. workup including tomographic x-rays, ceph x-ray...and exam of the tmj's. Take care......:)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh, and forgot to mention that my daughter is also in treatment....(she's 9).....so if you have questions about specifics with her case and how my doctor treats children's ortho cases.....just let me know....
deleted_user
deleted_user
The vast majority of people do NOT get TMJ from braces. Having "bad teeth" can be a serious social and career setback. It is also detrimental to oral health. Perhaps your TMJ is due to tooth grinding and NOT due to dental work. I would get my children braces. Discuss the matter and your concerns further with dentists and orthodontists. They can reassure you that the health repercussions, not just the cosmetics, support the use of braces. I'm glad I had them! (My TMJ is due to an accident where I broke my jaw after being thrown forward over the handlebars of a bicycle going 20 mph, landed jaw first.)