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Lo asked in HealthDental · 10 years ago

TMJ/ Open bite question and question about functional orthodontics!?

What would be the best method for correction of my TMJ problem and my open bite? I have already had braces and I do not want to go through that again. During my orthodontic treatment my tmj developed, so we did not use elastics or do anything to change my bite. I was researching and found something called a temporary anchorage device that can be used to correct open bites. I have had tmj and no pain for seven years. I went to see a different orthodontist who thinks I may have a tongue thrust, although we are not positive. He wants me to go to the ENT to make sure that my tonsils/adenoids/nose are not causing swallowing problems. I have asked my old orthodontist about my tonsils/adenoids potentially causing the open bite and he said that it's "hokus pokus." Anyways, the other orthodontist then wants me to wear a splint, go to myofunctional therapy, and do braces all over again. This seems very overwhelming. Is there a quicker/better way to achieve results?

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  • 10 years ago

    sorry i dont know anything about tmj, but i did have an open bit also and i got temporary anchoring devices to fix it. they put 12 TADs in and then put braces on my upper 4 back teeth on both sides (so they barely showed when i smiled) to attach the TADs to. It took about 5 months for my open bite to close and i am really happy with the results! now i have braces on all of my teeth to kind of even everything out, but hopefully i will only have them for a few months. Also, my orthodontist said that i have a tongue thrust and he put little pokey things on the backs of my bottom front teeth that are supposed to poke my tongue and stop it from pushing against my teeth, but i dont think its really working. but i would definitely recommend temporary anchoring devices as an alternative to jaw surgery. hope i helped!

    Source(s): http://www.pairorthodontics.com/ not sure if you live in southern california, but they are great!
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