Doctor’s Night Guard

Since biting down on a popcorn kernel in the early 80’s I’ve had problems with my TMJ. I had headaches all of the time and I could hardly open up my mouth. Eventually it would lead to an experimental surgery, where bilateral silastic joints were put in. And from that point on I had to wear a night guard to protect my joints and prevent grinding. Back then the night guard was specially and custom made with a dentist at the oral facial maxilla clinic at the medical college. I have also had a few made at the dentist office. But they have to be semi soft because the hard kind are not tolerated. Eventually things changed and I have been using the Doctor’s Night Guard for many years. And any time I have dental work on the upper teeth, a new one must be made to accommodate the new shape of the teeth - most recently a crown. You can now make them using a microwave, but I opted for the old fashion boiling water approach. It is quite the production but at least there is a product out there that serves the purpose. There may even be better ones but this one seems to work. The only problem is that the spaces between my front upper teeth seem to getting bigger - which makes for an awkward smile. I don’t think much can be done about it and I’m not about to get braces. And getting older makes for moveable teeth. I’m really not happy about it but will need to live with it. Luckily the TMJ surgery worked. I can’t imagine having to live with headaches and a closed mouth. 

Doctor’s Night Guard

It all started with a piece of popcorn. As soon as I bit down hard on a kernel, my jaw was never the same. Then came the headaches and clicking until I could hardly open my mouth. Almost forty years ago I had an “experimental” bilateral TMJ surgery. The physical therapy was torture and all the tests leading up to the surgery were worse. Since then I have worn a soft night guard to grind on at night. Back then I had to go to a special dentist who made custom guards. There have been occasional setbacks, swollen joints, and going to the dentist can be tricky as I need frequent rest periods and an experienced hygienist. Luckily for me the surgery worked - for the most part. Over the last couple of days my husband was complaining about teeth/jaw discomfort. The last thing we need now is a trip to the dental office. Nowadays, night guards are store bought and you custom fit it yourself. Since I always keep a spare Doctor’s Night Guard splint on hand, we thought to give it a try. I ordered another one on Amazon for my back up. First, you boil the water, then “fit” the device to your upper teeth. So he tried it last night and thinks it may have done some good. I hope it continues to do the trick. Wearing a splint at night becomes second nature but it does take a while to get used to. I keep my fingers crossed every day in hopes that the surgery holds, and try to stay away from anything that might injure my jaw. I miss popcorn in spite of it. 

Dentists, Night Guards, and Dental Splints

Over thirty years ago I had what was then known as experimental TMJ surgery. I popped my jaw joint out of whack after chomping down on a popcorn that did not pop, and it was all downhill after that. I had headaches and neck pain constantly, a popping joint, and shaved down teeth to try and realign the mess until it hardly would open anymore. Following the surgery was months of physical therapy - including increasing the number of Popsicle sticks I could pry my mouth open with on the day after surgery. For the most part, Things have been so much better with an occasional reminder now and again - I really can't or won't eat anything that is hard - so pistachios, and a lot of other favorites are off limits out of fear! Routine dental visits can be torture because I can't tolerate a lot of pressure on my jaw or keep my mouth open for long periods of time. Since the surgery, I have always had to wear a mouth guard, so as not to grind down the joint and have the misery start all over again. That required a visit to s specialist who made a form fitting custom appliance at the Medical College. Since we moved, I've been using self made products, but decided to try a splint from the dentist. They started with a harder plastic mouth guard that of course is not covered by insurance. It required two impressions of both upper and lower teeth - gag! The sad part is that because it was hard, my jaw fought with it every night and lost, creating a very sore and swollen right side. So I returned to the dentist yesterday for a less intensive "cushy" splint that needed only one impression. Hopefully it will be able to sustain the impact of nightly fights. I'll probably chew through it in no time. But as long as it works, I really don't care. I'll find out tonight! 

TMJ Night Guard

For anyone out there who ever had TMJ issues, you never want to get in to a situation to put your poor joints at risk. Over thirty years ago I had TMJ surgery because I could no longer open my mouth, had headaches, shoulder and neck pain, and was generally miserable. Since then I need to wear a splint at night or the next day would be very uncomfortable. These appliances were always specially made at the Medical College. Since we moved to DC from Milwaukee I have been wearing an off the shelf brand and my front teeth have slowly been separating because it is a soft splint. So I finally decided to have my dentist make a splint - or night guard - for me. It required a visit to take impressions and it is made out of a harder, clear material. I was surprised it didn't have diamonds on it because it cost quite a lot. And of course, insurance does not pay for a cent - neither medical nor dental. But I can't risk getting in to a very uncomfortable jaw problem again. Every time I hear a click or feel any discomfort it is disconcerting to say the least. The first night was a bit uncomfortable because it is rigid and I need to get adjusted to the new appliance. Hopefully it will work out. I'm just glad there are devices out there that can ease the pain, but still can't believe how expensive they are. Let's hope I don't need another one any time soon - for so many reasons.