Posted by David Nondahl on October 17, 2001 at 13:00:37:
In Reply to: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) posted by Pete on October 16, 2001 at 07:30:10:
I have had TMJ problems for several years. When I began to play the tuba again last March after a long break, the pain in my jaws was too great to continue. So I turned to a dentist who specializes in TMJ treatment. Based on a variety of tests and x-rays, he realigned my bite over the course of several months with a series of anterior repositioning splints on the lower teeth. I wear the splint at all times. Now that the bite has been changed, the next step is to make the teeth adjust to the new jaw position. This is done with crowns, braces, or both. I'm opting for the braces; they are cheaper and save the tooth structure. This will be a 2-3 year process altogether, and I don't regret it for a minute. I still have some jaw popping when I eat, but no more pain, and no pain when I play the tuba.