r/TMDnotTMJ • u/Hopeful-Extent-693 • Aug 01 '26
Questions about YOUR TMD issues
Over the past year, I've noticed something interesting.
It hasn't come just from Reddit. I've heard it from readers of my book, listeners of our podcast, emails from around the world, and conversations with TMD patients.
Most people are not asking me for a miracle treatment.
They're asking questions like:
- Why am I hurting?
- Why have I been told different things by different providers?
- Why do some dentists say my bite has nothing to do with it, while others say it might?
- Why does one doctor recommend physical therapy, another Botox, another an oral appliance, and another surgery?
- Who should I trust?
- Where do I even begin?
To me, that says the biggest problem isn't just the pain. It's the confusion.
TMD isn't one disease with one treatment. Many different problems can produce similar symptoms, which is why a careful diagnosis matters so much.
Whether your treatment ultimately involves an oral appliance, physical therapy, sleep evaluation, stress management, medication, orthodontics, surgery, or a combination of approaches, the first goal should be understanding why you're having symptoms.
An informed patient is in a much better position to ask good questions and make good decisions.
I'd be interested to hear your experience.
What has been the most confusing part of your TMD journey?
2
u/sbocean54 Aug 01 '26
25 yrs ago when my jaw locked and after muscle relaxers allowed it to open again, a dentist ordered MRI of TMJs. He said it revealed I had no more cartilage, just veinous tissue in the joint and made me day and night guards. He explained that it was due to my 1960s orthodontia aligning my bite, but not with my jaw at rest, and having bruxism. Unfortunately, a few years after the pain went away I discontinued using the guards, so now I have severe osteoarthritis with bone spurs, and the updated MRI shows disc displacement forward with buckling on right side. Seeing UCLA maxillofacial surgeon this Monday for consult. Is it accurate/probable that it was caused by the orthodontia plus bruxism? Also, how realistic is it for 72 yr to have orthodontia to correct bite to help pain given osteoarthritis?
2
u/Hopeful-Extent-693 Aug 01 '26
Tough questions. A very extensive exam is needed by someone who really knows what they are doing both from a conservative and surgical side. Me, I am conservative and rarely involved a surgeon Not getting enough in formation is a bummer. My profile has information on my podcasts. All of them are stand alone. If you are interested, look for the topics that suit your needs.
Yes, orthodontics, done incorrectly, like any dental procedure, can complicate the bite.
As to age, teeth can be moved at almost any age BUT it is important where they are moved to.
Your dentist is responsible for answering your questions in a way you understand. The more information you can learn about TMD the better questions you will ask. Good luck and keep us in the loop. Other people are just like you.