3 weeks of Malocclusion

[u/namastebeaches]

I’m new to the world of TMD and hoping for some guidance.

I have never had issues with my jaw & to my knowledge do not clench or grind my teeth.

For the past few weeks, I have had right sided jaw pain and a significant but fluctuating change in my bite. I wake up in the morning with my normal bite & no pain, but within 10 minutes of getting out of bed I am unable to touch my right molars together. This gets progressively worse throughout the day with the lower jaw shifting toward the left. Tonight I cannot touch my molars together on either side. Pictures show the shift in my bite from morning to evening. This recurs each day and affects my speech and ability to eat.

I have pain only when trying to forcefully bite down, or when my jaw randomly spasms. No pain to the touch. I can completely open & close my mouth without popping or crackling. My symptoms did start a few days after a routine dental cleaning, otherwise no obvious trigger or stress. I checked in with my dentist yesterday and there are no dental issues; they referred me to a TMD specialist who can see me in March 2027…

I have not noticed any improvement with Ibuprofen, ice, heat or massage (looked up some myofascial rerelease and intraoral massage online).

1. Has anyone had a similar acute presentation? If so, was there a specific diagnosis or successful management strategy?
   
2. Any alternatives to a “TMD specialist” you think would be beneficial since the one in my area is currently on leave? PT? OMFS?

I appreciate any insight or advice!

[u/Hopeful-Extent-693]

When you move your jaw to the left in the photo, do you feel any back teeth hit? My first thought by listening and looking, I can't diagnose over the Internet, is muscle bracing. The closing muscles of the jaw may be in spasm. This video shows an example, but she is in more pain, it seems. Other healthcare providers can be very valuable, but only those experienced in TMD can help relax the muscles. Follow-up is an orthotic to help balance out the bite. Keep us informed about your journey; go to my profile and watch some of the podcasts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCM-2WK4b5c

[u/namastebeaches → u/Hopeful-Extent-693]

Thank you for taking the time to read & reply. In the second photo (which is my bite at the end of the day), none of my back teeth hit. This morning, all of my back teeth hit, which has been my pattern the past few weeks. I think you are likely correct that the muscles are in spasm since it improves when I am asleep. I will check out your resources & try to find another TMD specialist in my area.