Yes, the braces can be causing the tmj symptoms. But don't give up. Very basically, tmj is caused by an unbalanced bite and grinding and clenching. All the other hundreds of symptoms that happen do need to be dealt with, but getting your bite balanced is the most important thing. Be careful to not pop your jaw if you are so inclined to do so. That will cause damage.

You might ask your orthodontist if he knows how to make a bite splint at night time specifically for people like you who are having tmj symptoms because of the braces. If he/she doesn't, check around to see if you can find someone who does in your area.

For self help now, use lots of moist heat especially just before bed. Ice is helpful also if you think there is swelling. Eat or drink only soft foods for a while. As you know, absolutely no gum or ice chewing. Be careful not to open your mouth wide (yawning and even for the orthodontist). Watch your posture (don't thrust head (chin) forward) and use a good pillow to sleep at night. The best otc medication is ibuprofen if you can take it. Valium at night for a few weeks is also considered standard treatment (doesn't help me but it can help). Vicoprofen is the best narcotic if you are in real bad pain. But, anything to help you not grind at night at the spots where your teeth are in different spots than before and changing, etc., before your bite finally get balanced.

If this orthodontist is not trained in tmj, you might want to see one before you get your braces removed to make sure that your bite is properly balanced with bite (teeth) and facial/head muscles.

Take care. You should be okay if you can just get through the next months. Remember, no popping the joint though. Baby your jaw for now.
Carol

I can totally relate to you!

I am 26 years old and until 3 years ago considered myself to be in good health. 3 years ago I was "diagnosed" with mitral valve prolaspe. In the past year I have been diagnosed with gerd and take protonix every day (probably for the next couple of years at least) to help heal my esaphagus. I had 7 teeth out (all 4 wisdom and 3 others for braces). I have gotten braces. I have had them for almost exactly a year now and will probably have them for another year.

Most recently, I developed an ear infection. This was very strange for me as I have never even had an ear ache. I took antibiotics and after a week or so it was gone. Now 3 weeks later my ear is hurting again. I went to my pcp last week and he informed me that my ears are in perfect condition. That instead.......He believes that I have tmj!

Now, not like I need anything new to add to my list. I have ear pain, pains in my neck, teeth and jawline. I really thought my infection was back.

Sadly for me my mother has this disorder as well as rheumatiod arthritis so hopefully this will not be a sign of things to come for me.

I have an appoint with my orthodontists next week and am going to ask him about it. I may also call the oral surgeon who took out my wisdom teeth just before having my braces put on to see if he has any information for me. I have noticed since I have gotten braces that I clinch my teeth rather tightly when I sleep. I thought it was stress related.

What amazes me the most is that I keep thinking that there must be some kind of link between all of the "disorders" or "diseases" that I have. Or at least that would make sense to me. It is also very strange for me that I lived a fairly healthy life until just the past few years.

Best of luck!