I've had TMJ for a while now.. not sure when it came or why, but my dentist said that they're (who's they? I do not know) researching how orthodontic treatments can exacerbate/bring on TMJ. 10 years ago I got a palatal expander, then I had braces.

I SOMETIMES clench my jaw but I am very aware of it and when I notice that I'm doing it, I stop. I do NOT grind my teeth--my boyfriend will attest to that.

I've tried a regimen of pain relievers, weekly professional massages (both for stress and TMJ), I have a nightguard which hasn't made any difference (even after a re-fitting), and I even took a semester off of school because people keep saying stress is the culprit. I've been staying away from the bad, chewing intensive/large foods and bites.

My jaw still hurts. It'll give a painful pop most times I yawn (I yawn big and often.. and I can't help it; I've tried to). Recently sometimes when I am bite down on food I feel like my jaw is on the VERGE of dislocating or something.

Are there other options??
Could it be something other than TMJ?