What are some tmj solutions without orthodontics?

Lots: As dentist, we build splints in conjunction with many other modalities depending on each case.--0cclusal equilabration physical therapy, acupuncture and stress reduction to name a few.

TMJ Solutions: I would drefer you to a TMJ specialist. He would determine if physical therapy might help, if mouth hand habits are contributing to TMJ pain, and offer other solutions such as a splint. Look for a conservative approach with no surgery involved. Surgery should only be considered as a last resort, as there is always the chance of complications when surgery is involved.

Three things mainly: Eat soft foods, don't open widely and don't do a lot of repetitive chewing (like gum). Your symptoms may go away if they have just started recently. If your symptoms have been around a long time, you may have permanently injured the cartiledge in the joint. These long term problems can be helped by use of an occlusal orthotic as needed or possibly even TMJ surgery to flush the joint and repair it.

Depends upon bite: Tmj (tmd) splints are used by many to diagnose and relieve the pain and correct function. Splint therapy in my hands requires about 6 months to complete to the patient's satisfaction. Once we have comfort and function the degree of bite discrepancy is determined, if small (<2mm), equilibration may be indicated. Orthodontics is used in cases where the bite discrepancy is larger (> 2mm).

Depends on needs: It depends on the severity of your TMJ problems. Options for treatment can be as simple as a plastic removable orthotic, or as complicated as long-term jaw repositioning ultimately ending with crowning all or most of your teeth. You really need to see your dentist and maybe even a TMJ specialist so plan of treatment specific to you can be made.

Many: Most TMJ treatment to reduce or eliminate pain or dysfunction does not require "braces".

Most are without: Orthodontics is typically not considered a first line treatment for TMJ or tmd issues. In fact, orthodontic tooth movement is likely to be contraindicated until acute jaw symptoms are reduced.

Night guards : For some a simple night guard will help. Always try what are called "reversible treatments" first, such as a night guard. Don't be talked into a lot of new crowns and grinding down of your teeth without a very thorough diagnostic workup by someone who is an actual specialist in the field of TMJ problems.

Depends on diagnosis: The correct diagnosis is essential. Orthodontics does not solve TMJ problems. However, splint treatment can control it. Often the bite changes during splint treatment and orthodontics is needed to prevent the jaw from returning to it's dysfunctional position without the splint in place.

Form and function: A balance exists between how the teeth fit together, how the joints function, how the muscle move and support jaw movement. When this is out of balance it is essential to diagnose why things are compromised and then use reversible diagnostic procedures to find the best functional position and then treat to that by whatever means are necessary. This may or may not involve orthodontics.

Depends: You need to have the problem diagnosed properly before you take any action. There are several treatment options but they are dependent on the diagnosis. I would recommend a TMJ evaluation by your dentist or someone your dentist can refer you to and have it assessed.

Diagnosis: You will need to get a proper diagnosis as TMJ can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A thorough examination is necessary. Orthodontics can be a solution but there are other treatment options from soft diets to physical therapy to orthotic spints to something as invasive as surgery. Make sure you go to someone that is trained and experienced with tmj.

Many: Orthodontics is not the answer. Do not be sold the idea of functional balance, it is really a bunch of malarkey. Short term, to reduce symptoms would be: softer diet, reduce amount of opening, use sparingly advil (ibuprofen) (nsaid med), moist heat and alternating ice. Be evaluated by an ethical and well educated dentist who will immediately rule out obvious problems. Best of luck long term.

Not THE solution: Orthodontics is not ever the first treatment of choice in the approach to TMJ problems. Oral orthotics (splints), along with other adjunctive treatment modalities, are often used to reduce symptoms and as a test to determine if the occlusal scheme(bite) is a contributing factor to the symptoms.This is best determined (and treated) by a doctor who specializes in the treatment of these disorders.

Depends: If malocclusion causative of, or contributory to, your joint dysfunction, failing to resolve your malocclusion probably means failing to resolve your joint dysfunction. There are treatments that will reduce symptoms, but don't expect "cure" if you don't address the cause.

Multiple options: it is best to discuss all the options for tmj treatment with individuals who treat tmj on a routine basis

A few things.: Orthodontics not usually needed. . 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.

Try massage: before you go to some extensive and costly procedure, as there is currently no 100% proven solution for TMJ, try facial massages and use of warm wet cloths on your jaw night. Try this for a few weeks and see if it helps. DO along with taking an anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant. You may find this combination is enough to get you out of pain.

See OFP specialist: Orofacial Pain specialists are dedicated exclusively to the treatment of orofacial pain, TMJ pain, jaw pain, facial pain, bruxism and TMJ disorders. Find a doctor close to where you live or work.

TMJ w/o ortho: It is most important to have your "TMJ" issue properly diagnosed first. Many perceived TMJ issues are not issues with the jaw joint itself. Many are Myofacial Pain Dysfunction. Some of these cases, when properly diagnosed, can have the discomfort lessened by using an orthotic night guard appliance that is custom fabricated for your particular bite.