Guest guest Posted December 19, 2006 Report Share Posted December 19, 2006 I have TMJ, I was being treated for it with a mouth splint that prevented me from grinding my teeth. It was working, but one night when I first got pregnant, I was having bad nausea, so I took it out and just set it on my headboard. Well the next day my little Beagle chewed it to pieces. That splint cost almost $1000 (with all the fittings and the mold of my mouth and so forth). To replace it, it's another $500 minimum (that the insurance won't cover). So, I'm wondering if one of those " night mouth guard " things they sell at Wal-Mart might suffice? Does anyone have experience with them? Is there anything I can do naturally to try and treat this? With a baby on the way any day now, I really can't afford to get another splint. However, the headaches, and the ringing in my right ear are starting to get to me. Please share any advice if you can. Thanks! Paula Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2006 Report Share Posted December 19, 2006 Paula, Today, many dentists are making these splints with soft plastic. This is dangerous over the long run - why? The soft plastic engages the biting surfaces of the teeth in the opposing jaw, and this may feel comfortable, but any movement of the opposing jaw wiggles the roots of these engaged teeth while the biting surfaces are fixed, enmeshed in the splint. This wiggling starts to melt the supporting jawbone - and we get loosening of the teeth! The splint needs to be supportive, flat, and made of hard plastic. The teeth then glide over the smooth surface of the splint and are not obstructed by irregularities of the bite relationship that caused the problem in the first place. - - - If I've made myself clear, you're way ahead of many dentists! I see ads in dental journals and magazines by dental labs offering the soft splint! Jerry Mittelman, DDS, FAPM ---> Reply with your name and street or po box address for your free copy of The Holistic Dental Digest PLUS, now in its 27th year and helping people on 5 continents. --What dentists aren't likely to learn in Dental School - Paula Severson Monday, December 18, 2006 9:57 PM TMJ - any natural treatment ideas? I have TMJ, I was being treated for it with a mouth splint that prevented me from grinding my teeth. It was working, but one night when I first got pregnant, I was having bad nausea, so I took it out and just set it on my headboard. Well the next day my little Beagle chewed it to pieces. That splint cost almost $1000 (with all the fittings and the mold of my mouth and so forth). To replace it, it's another $500 minimum (that the insurance won't cover). So, I'm wondering if one of those " night mouth guard " things they sell at Wal-Mart might suffice? Does anyone have experience with them? Is there anything I can do naturally to try and treat this? With a baby on the way any day now, I really can't afford to get another splint. However, the headaches, and the ringing in my right ear are starting to get to me. Please share any advice if you can. Thanks! Paula Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2006 Report Share Posted December 20, 2006 Hi Jerry, My first splint was made of hard plastic with a smooth surface just like you described. It was great, but to be honest, I can't afford it again. It's my fault for letting my dog chew the first one. I guess I was looking for a " short cut " but it doesn't seem like there is one. So, are you saying getting another splint made by my dentist is my best treatment option? Paula Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held it's ground... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Hi Paula, Have you checked into local dental schools, to see if they have a program where they install the splint, ( dental students - need practice ) Best of Luck Rod Paula Severson <pokeracepj wrote: I have TMJ, I was being treated for it with a mouth splint that prevented me from grinding my teeth. It was working, but one night when I first got pregnant, I was having bad nausea, so I took it out and just set it on my headboard. Well the next day my little Beagle chewed it to pieces. That splint cost almost $1000 (with all the fittings and the mold of my mouth and so forth). To replace it, it's another $500 minimum (that the insurance won't cover). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Paula, sorry to be so late in replying, but I substituted one of my son's new soccer mouth guards once when we were on a trip and I had neglected to pack my splint. It was blue hard plastic, the kind you soften in hot water to mold to your mouth. It worked just fine for me and, in fact, I finally weaned myself of the splint. Good luck, enjoy that baby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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