I can't open my mouth too wide anymore. i had braces 1 yr. my orthodontist says it's ok. it's not. what could it be? where to go and how can be fixed?

See a dentist: See a dentist that specializes in TMJ and oral splints. Sounds like you might need some rehab on the jaw muscles. Also your tmjs will need to be examined. An oral surgeon is also a great option. Good luck.

TMJ-TMD symptom: What you describe is usually caused by some inflammation or trapping of the disc inside your jaw joints (tmj). This condition is very often related to muscle spasms in the adjoining muscles of the jaw. Find a dentist (orthodontist, general dentist, or oral surgeon) who has experience and training in the area for an evaluation and appropriate treatment which often helps.

Depends: You may have an acute TMJ inflamation. Normally people with an acute issue may have pain, diminished opening, lack of movement from side to side, tenderness when you press the areas in front of your ears. See your general dentist or someone who can evaluate and treat your joint inflamation. Start by going on a soft diet, use ice on your face (in front of your ears) (20 min on/off).

Myofacail Pain: You may have developed myofacial pain dysfunction (mfd) which has nothing to do with previous orthodontic treatment. It is most likely a muscular issue or something within your temporomandibular joint. I would speak to an oral surgeon and have the muscles of mastication evaluated.

What is too wide?: Dear thea, it could be a joint problem like arthritis, it most likely a muscle problem. If it bothers you, you should get another opinion. Any dentist can direct you to get help. In my town there are dentist that specialize in this issue. It is not a recognized specialty and you must be careful to go to a doctor that has a good reputation. Ask several dentist for a referral.

Tmj: You may have damage in the jaw joint . Special xrays or having an MRI may help in the diagnosis.

Depends: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can have symptoms (limited opening, soreness, etc..) that manifest through a huge variety of symptoms--so it is difficult to say. Many times braces are quickly blamed for temporomandibular disfunction/disorder (tmd) because some symptoms appear after braces. While this can be related, sometimes it is coincidence. You could get a second opinion.

TMD: Your symptoms could be related to an arthrogenic problem(joint dislocation involving disc displacement) or a myogenic problem(muscle splinting/contractions), or a combination of both. Both conditions can greatly reduce both your ability to open your mouth and its range of motion. Consult a craniomandibular (TMJ) specialist who is best qualified to evaluate and treat your condition.

TMJ: You may have TMJ Dysfunction. Did you see an Orthodontist or a GP that does orthodontics? You were probably told that your occlusion is OK and not causing or contributing to your TMJ Dysfunction. Please see an Oral Surgeon to image and evaluate your jaw joints. Appropriate treatment can proceed once cause is delineated.