I have tmj with my jaw. please help. is there a retainer of braces or something to fix it?

Difficult question.: "tmj" is not just one disease, it is one of many conditions generally referred to as temporomandibular disorders. It can be a combination of muscle and/or joint problems, it can cause pain or limited opening or jaw joint popping or clicking. Generally treatment begins with medication and soft diet, progressing to splint (night guard) therapy. Orthodontic treatment or even surgery may be indicated.

TMJ: Contact your dentist to make sure it is dental related. He can fabricate a TMJ splint. It is a horse shoe shaped clear plastic that snaps over your top or bottom teeth. He may also prescribe physical therapy and medication.

Vague questions: The best answer to your question is to see your dentist, preferably a tmj/tmd specialist. A thorough history, x-rays, and a examination are imperative to helping you learn more about tmd and point you in the right direction for treatment.

Find the cause: A problem with the jaw joint is usually caused by a problem that causes trauma inside the joint. You need to find a dentist who can help you find a better functional position; see if you can decrease or stop the pain. A splint and physical therapy may be part of the answer. Talk to your dentist and see if your dentist can help you or refer you to someone who can.

Cause: Malocclusion (bad bite) often implicated in joint dysfunction. Resolving malocclusion more often than not aids in reduction of symptoms. Occlusal orthotic, a removable splint sometimes confused with a retainer, acts as band-aid to mask symptoms, but it doesn't "cure" dysfunction. Please make sure your dentist refers you for orthodontic consultation as part of comprehensive TMJ evaluation.

A few ideas: Depends on symptoms, and cause of symptoms. 3 signs of TMJ dysfunction: joint noises, joint pain & limited oral opening. Self treat with soft diet, jaw exercises, massage, heat/cold, OTC pain meds. A splint or physical therapy would be next. Occasionally muscle relaxants, biofeedback. Xrays are done for diagnosis. Surgery usually reserved for serious symptoms not responsive to other treatments.