Before getting braces (which is irreversible) please make sure that you have tried all the conservative (reversible) treatments for this, such as splints (there are many different kinds, the one you had might just not be the right one for you), physical therapy, etc.
If you'd like more information on this, search "conservative treatment for tmj disorders" or "phases of treatments for tmj disorders" on google and you should pull up a great deal of info. Or if you need help let me know and I will see what I can find.
Also, things that you can do to reduce the pain now:
- advil (talk with your doc about possibly increasing the dosage to help with swelling)
- ice or moist heat (both are fine, it is really a personal preference.
- soft diet (no chewing if you really want to give your jaw a rest).
- always think "lips together teeth apart" when you are doing anything.. This way you are not clenching your teeth. If you make this a habit you will feel much better.
- practice good posture when you are sitting at the computer, standing, sleeping, etc. You can search this online too, or a physical therapist will help you.
hope this helps!
Stacy
