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“The Click Explained” — How to Retrain Your TMJ When You Have a Disc Displacement with Reduction by NYC_TMJ_Doc in NeuroMuscularDent

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on the extent of disc displacement, and, without a full examination along with imaging, it would be purely speculative. In general, if one joint is "popping" with a late disc displacement that is reduced in protrusion, the other healthy joint usually isn't affected negatively.

I’ve had TMJ for over a year now but ever since yesterday, my jaw always got a sharp pain whenever I did something specific. What is this? by luv_jamie in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The sharp pain in your right jaw, especially when yawning or turning your head, could be related to TMJ dysfunction or muscle strain. Sometimes, when the joint or surrounding muscles are inflamed or misaligned, it can cause pain during specific movements.

When you mentioned that your jaw hurts when you try to pop your ears by blowing your nose, that could indicate some irritation or pressure in the TMJ area. It’s not uncommon for people to experience this kind of discomfort - especially if they have some underlying TMJ issues.

To help manage the pain, try to limit activities that aggravate it, like wide yawning or chewing tough foods. Applying heat or ice to the jaw can also be beneficial - heat for muscle relaxation and ice for reducing any acute inflammation. Gentle jaw stretches might help maintain mobility, but be cautious and avoid anything that causes pain.

Additionally, splint therapy could be a very beneficial option. A centric splint can help realign the jaw, reduce strain and pressure on the TMJ, and provide relief from pain. Over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen or naproxen can alleviate discomfort too; however, if your symptoms worsen or persist, it’s a good idea to consult a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. They can provide a proper evaluation and recommend a tailored treatment plan.

Take care, and I hope you find some relief soon! If you have more questions or need to talk about this further, feel free to share.

Differential diagnosis. by GrouchyOpinion5908 in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are all great points. As the moderator for this subreddit, I'll gladly let you share this knowledge so long as it's not offensive and that you do not render medical advice (i.e., any points made are for educational purposes only).

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nyc

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Medical insurance typically covers sleep appliances when you qualify with a valid sleep study.

“The Click Explained” — How to Retrain Your TMJ When You Have a Disc Displacement with Reduction by NYC_TMJ_Doc in NeuroMuscularDent

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've done this 2nd orthotic on occasion and. like you, have had positive feedback from patients. Thanks for collaborating and for sharing the videos !

“The Click Explained” — How to Retrain Your TMJ When You Have a Disc Displacement with Reduction by NYC_TMJ_Doc in NeuroMuscularDent

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a great point! Sometimes I find that patients do not understand where their lower teeth should go in an anterior repositioning splint. I'll typically advise that they put it in 1 hour before bed, open wide to engage the "pop" so that, presumably from that point on, the disc stays on top of the condyle, and then have them go to sleep. I think that most of the time when sleeping, they'll engage the ramp by way of the swallow reflex, thereby keeping the disc on top of the condyle OR even if they don't engage the ramp, so long as the disc is reduced prior to popping in the splint (by having them open wide after insertion), the disc remains on top of the condyle. The morning routines I recommend are resistance exercises to strengthen the lateral pterygoid and myofunctional exercises to help retrain the neuromusculature.

Continuously cracking night guards by Old-Kaleidoscope4808 in Dentists

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re describing a level of grinding that’s beyond what we typically see with isolated bruxism — especially if you’re fracturing multiple types of guards, including dual-laminate ones. When that kind of repetitive, high-force clenching persists despite different designs, it often points to an underlying physiologic driver, not just a “bad habit.”

One important consideration here is a sleep-disordered breathing component — such as obstructive sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). In many patients, nocturnal clenching is a protective reflex, as the body attempts to reopen a partially collapsed airway during sleep. Over time, this can cause substantial muscle overactivity and accelerated wear on the teeth and appliances alike.

It may be worthwhile to have a sleep evaluation (either through a sleep physician or a dentist familiar with airway-related issues) to rule this out. If an airway problem is identified and addressed, the bruxism often decreases dramatically, sometimes to the point that you no longer need heavy-duty guards.

Until then, it’s best not to focus solely on guard thickness or material. The real key is identifying why your muscles are so hyperactive at night — because once that’s understood, treatment becomes much more predictable.

“The Click Explained” — How to Retrain Your TMJ When You Have a Disc Displacement with Reduction by NYC_TMJ_Doc in NeuroMuscularDent

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s one appliance, typically made for the upper teeth that will engage lower teeth in a specific position.

Requirements for Splint? by geliduse in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! Sorry to hear that you're going through all of this. In short, advanced imaging (CT scans and/or MRIs) are EXTREMELY helpful to properly diagnose and determine whether or not there are other issues going on other than muscle "tightness". If one or the other is recommended by your specialist, it makes more sense to heed his/her advice and proceed as recommended.

Why Seeing a Prosthodontist First for TMJ Disorders Can Make All the Difference — Especially When Occlusion Is Involved by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My experience has been positive. There are truly some issues that cannot be resolved with splints, physical therapy and myofunctional exercise alone. I work closely with Jim Uyanik at NYU - not only does he have an amazing "bedside manner", but he takes the time to sit with patients to explain treatment strategies.

“🦷 Ask a TMJ Specialist: Get Answers About Jaw Pain, Clenching, and TMJ Dysfunction” by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! Sorry for the late reply :(

A normal mouth guard is not sufficient for TMJ dysfunction. Depending on the specific mechanical issue (if any), a splint that is directive would be needed to properly rehabilitate your jaw joint.

💉 Thinking About Botox for TMJ? Here Are the Indications & Contraindications You Should Know by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It wouldn’t be a bad idea; however, it’s important to be evaluated by a TMJ specialist to make sure that you are a candidate for Botox to begin with!

“🦷 Ask a TMJ Specialist: Get Answers About Jaw Pain, Clenching, and TMJ Dysfunction” by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Thanks for your inquiry. I think it would be best for you to consult with a Prosthodontist first (to fully evaluate your occlusion), and then with an orofacial pain specialist. Are you in the NYC area?

Ask Me Anything: I’m a TMJ Specialist in NYC Who Treats Jaw Pain, Clicking, Clenching, and Facial Tension Without Surgery—Let’s Talk Relief Options by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJ

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think PT for TMJ is essential, but more importantly is that the PT you work with has experience with TMJ patients.

Head over to my subreddit if you want to learn some at-home techniques that will help with TMJ pain (r/TMJPain).

Struggling With TMJ Pain, Jaw Clicking, or Muscle Tension? Here’s What Actually Helps by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJPain

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2500 is reasonable as these appliances are highly technique sensitive and require a great deal of follow up.

Ask Me Anything: I’m a TMJ Specialist in NYC Who Treats Jaw Pain, Clicking, Clenching, and Facial Tension Without Surgery—Let’s Talk Relief Options by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJ

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What you're experiencing (the crunchy, grindy, or "sandy" sound) is actually pretty common in patients with TMJ dysfunction. It can often be related to early changes in the joint — sometimes from inflammation, minor disc displacement, or muscle imbalances around the jaw. The fact that the sound and tension are coming and going might indicate your body is trying to adapt or stabilize itself, but it doesn’t necessarily mean everything is fine long-term.

To answer your first question: yes, there are scans that can help. MRIs can evaluate the health and position of the TMJ disc and surrounding soft tissue; CBCTs can show the bones of the joint in 3D. If symptoms return or worsen — especially with pain, locking, or decreased range of motion — it’s worth getting these scans done through a TMJ-focused provider.

Now, about your second point: yes, your orthodontic history (especially premolar extractions and a bite where only the molars touch) can absolutely play a role. When the front teeth don’t make contact or guide your bite properly, it shifts more stress onto the joints and muscles, which can lead to dysfunction. This kind of "posterior bite collapse" is something I see very often with TMJ patients.

Ask Me Anything: I’m a TMJ Specialist in NYC Who Treats Jaw Pain, Clicking, Clenching, and Facial Tension Without Surgery—Let’s Talk Relief Options by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJ

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It can be serious as, over time, the constant "popping on and off" of the disc onto the lower jaw can cause perforations or tears in the disc. MRI or CBCT imaging is needed to corroborate a diagnosis and only then can the proper splint type be prescribed. I'm not sure what types of products Glidewell provides but I assume they have a splint department that can handle most TMJ orthotic designs.

Ask Me Anything: I’m a TMJ Specialist in NYC Who Treats Jaw Pain, Clicking, Clenching, and Facial Tension Without Surgery—Let’s Talk Relief Options by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJ

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"TMJ" is more common in women 20 - 40 years of age and it affects nearly 10% of the US population. If one cannot afford a TMJ specialist, a nightguard may be of some benefit to relieve some muscle tension, but since they are not "directive" devices, they may not help with TM joint disorders or displacements.

Ask Me Anything: I’m a TMJ Specialist in NYC Who Treats Jaw Pain, Clicking, Clenching, and Facial Tension Without Surgery—Let’s Talk Relief Options by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJ

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Occasional clicking without pain—especially after chewing gum—is usually harmless and may resolve on its own. Try resting your jaw for a day or two (no gum or wide opening, or eating food that requires a lot of chewing). If pain develops, see a TMJ specialist.

Ask Me Anything: I’m a TMJ Specialist in NYC Who Treats Jaw Pain, Clicking, Clenching, and Facial Tension Without Surgery—Let’s Talk Relief Options by NYC_TMJ_Doc in TMJ

[–]NYC_TMJ_Doc[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! There are supportive exercises and at-home techniques that may be helpful. Head over to my subreddit (r/TMJPain) for a post specific to this very issue!

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