I have had TMJ problems for many years. I would not recommend surgery or any type of mouth guard that the dentist says will realign your bite (I spent $700 and it did nothing but cause more pain). I go to a TMJ clinic at the University of Buffalo Orofacial Pain Center and I got a mouth guard through there. Also, the specialist there told me to get in the habit of positioning my mouth in a relaxed position with my tongue on the roof of my mouth as if I am saying the letter "L". I also did very gentle stretching exercises where I would open my mouth a little bit then close it and work up over weeks/months until I could open it pretty wide (do this very gradually or it will give you pain and a headache). I also put some heat on mine sometimes when it really hurt. I get a migraine type headache, sore jaw, neck and shoulder muscles. I can't sleep now without my mouthguard. I hope this helps. |