Yuku free message boards

Hi Jennifer,

I sent a note to your inbox about moving your post here. I hope you don't mind. You will most likely get more response here.

Many dentists make a mouthguard at first to see if it will relieve symptoms. They do this if you only complain of mild symptoms and they think it may be caused from grinding or clenching. This does help some people

If it's not helping and you have developed riinging, you may have a little more going on and need a more indepth diagnosis. If this dentist is not experienced enough to take the next steps in helping you, finding one who is would be a good next step.

Ringing of the ears is common with TMJ problems. You could run into a dentist or doctor who will not make this connection. If they won't, then they most likely can't help.

Many of us have had and do have ear problems and tinnitus.
This can be caused from the muscles reaction to grinding or clenching, but you may need more than a night guard to get it stopped.

This is normally the case when the muscles have affected the ears in this manner.

An experienced dentist, an accurate diagnosis of the problems you have and the appropriate splint can alleviate these symptoms for many people. Sometimes, physical therapy, massage therapy and exercise will help also.

Sometimes, this type of night guard will help as you have said, but developing the ringing after you started wearing it may be an indicator that it is not just right or not what you need.

Cymy Sue

Hi Jennifer,

You said the mouthpiece or guard fits over your 2 front teeth.
I assumed it is an NTI or something similar to this;



Many Dentists try these as a first treatment for TMJ symptoms, headaches, muscle tightness, etc. (Mine does.) They seem to work for many people with numerous problems. They don't work for everyone or every problem that can occur with TMJ.

For more information on this type of guard you can check Dr. Jim Boyd's Web-site...he's the inventor and had TMJ symptoms, pain, headaches....himself.

http://www.drjimboyd.com/

This site has a lot of information regarding the NTI and it's use for Migraines and other head & face pain.

http://www.nti-tss.com/


There are many other types of splints or mouth pieces. We normally call them splints. They're made for various problems.
Some are to make changes in your bite or how your bite comes together. We have a couple of threads with splint pictures and their use. I'll move them up so you can see.

Some are solely to support the joint, let the muslces relax and
allow them to function normally again. These are called Passive, Flatplanes and a few other names. These have been around a while, kind of lost popularity with newer types and techniques, but seem to be making a come back with many dentist.
This style would not help everyone's problems, as no one treatment or splint design does.

This is the type that has helped me.
(Many years of TMJD, multiple surgeries, nerve damage, bone loss, abnormal joint structure and no disc)
Using one similar to this, I am pain & symptom free. This was after 25 years of trying everything else available & making many mistakes with treatment and surgeries.......




Again, No one treatment or type splint will help everyone.
Everyone is different & has different problems.
Also, regardless of the type splint you may be prescribed,
It's only as good as the designer.

Not all dentist have the experience & knowledge required to be treating TMJ or designing splints.
They are allowed to treat anyway.
The dentists who do have this knowlegde and understanding of the TM joint and the problems we have, usually can help their patients.
It's not hopeless.
It's sometimes hard to find the right Provider to help.

Cymy Sue