I was just diagnosed with TMJ by my dentist. I've really been noticing pain in my jaw,locking of my jaw and I even woke up last night with clenched teeth. He suggested a custom mouthguard but I just exhausted my dental benefit $$$ and was wondering how much these cost? Now at least I understand why I don't get a great night sleep these days....
Thanks for any info!
-Karyl

hi, i have worked in dentistry for 16 yrs... A night guard is a great investment. i wear mine every night, and have for 10+ years. I used to wake up with headaches and various jaw or tooth pain.. i have cracked some of my teeth! A specialist may charge 800.00 for a guard... I think a general dentist's fee will be around 350.00.. Our office charges 324.00. IT IS WORTH HAVING- even if you are paying out of pocket.. and just to clarify... Everyone has a TMJ, actually 2 of them. (Temporal mandibular joint) You are having trouble with one or both of them because of the behavior of clenching or grinding. Wearing a night guard can be very helpful in eliminating your symptoms of discomfort. Good luck, Angela

Thank you, Angela. I can swing $300 or $400...I will absolutely get going on this. I just had a crown put on due to a piece of cracked/missing tooth that I do not have a clue or remember how it went missing...perhaps in my sleep? I hope this will help
-Karyl

Quote:

Originally Posted by anjgelawalker hi, i have worked in dentistry for 16 yrs... A night guard is a great investment. i wear mine every night, and have for 10+ years. I used to wake up with headaches and various jaw or tooth pain.. i have cracked some of my teeth! A specialist may charge 800.00 for a guard... I think a general dentist's fee will be around 350.00.. Our office charges 324.00. IT IS WORTH HAVING- even if you are paying out of pocket.. and just to clarify... Everyone has a TMJ, actually 2 of them. (Temporal mandibular joint) You are having trouble with one or both of them because of the behavior of clenching or grinding. Wearing a night guard can be very helpful in eliminating your symptoms of discomfort. Good luck, Angela

i agree

do you go to a chiropractor? I finally mentioned it to mine and boy he really helped, plus he had a mouthguard that cost half the price of the dentist-- It sure worked for me. Take Care andGod Bless Kathi
ps mine only cost $75.oo

Thanks,Kathi! No..I don't go to a chiropractor...but had been considering one recently..after I pulled my back out (seems fine now...after 1 month)
It's interesting...but many,many years ago I was having ear pain (still do on occasion) and my regular doctor had no explanation. Now I wonder if this TMJ disorder started years ago.
Thanks for the advice everyone!
-Karyl

Night guard is totally worth it. There are also some exercises that you can do in addition to wearing the appliance that help a lot too. I will look online to see if I can find something for you. I don't know how to show you those exercises by word.

I found a demo on you tube. The link is YouTube - TMJ Exercises - Kinetic Health. The exercises help A LOT!! You can start them any time. Hope this helps!

I've dealt with TMJ pain since my late teens. Once it got so bad that some brilliant person suggested I see a physical therapist. (What's odd is that I worked for oral surgeons during the time it began to flare. They saw many TMJ patients and never referred anyone for PT, so I was stunned that it was a good option...some well kept secret.) lol

To say I love the person who told me (and the PT) forever would be an understatement. It helped me tremendously and your medical insurance might possibly cover. ? Worth checking out for sure. Mine was actually giving me neck and shoulder pain...not sure which came first but the physical therapy was a Godsend!!!

I don't wear a night guard now, but my joints pop and click like crazy...my husband will just look at me wide eyed when we're eating and say, "Doesn't that HURT???".

Me too. My jaw used to even lock up and I cou neither open nor close my mouth. OUCH!

I don't wear a night guard, yet. but I am thinking aobut investing in one once I go to the dentist again.