Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi, I'm looking for advice on picking a TMJ treatment provider. It seems like TMJ treatment is the wild wild west!

I've been wearing an orthotic 24/7 for TMJD since November. I've broken 4 of them!!! The craniofacial specialist doesn't seem to think this is a problem and is condescending while holding back on discussing details about future phases of my treatment. I'm out nearly $4k with this doctor and frustrated, so I've started seeking new opinions.
Doctor #2 is an LVI dentist and recommended a new splint based on physiological bite, a night time appliance if a sleep study indicates necessary, and then phase 2 of orthodontics, which could potentially include an anterior growth guidance appliance if necessary to push my upper jaw forward, followed by moving my lower jaw forward with braces; but, he says he doesn't know yet if I need that. I would have to pay more (it was $150 just for his consultation) before I would know if all these things are necessary. It would be $27k in total if I need all the things he said I may.
I saw doctor #3 today. He is not an LVI dentist, but has studied with Dr. Mike Mew. (I still can't tell if LVI is a scam). He gave me two options: 1) a large splint all day with a bionator at night. I'd wear this splint for the rest of my life. Cost: $3800 2) A schwarz-sagittal combination with 3 way expansion screws that will bring my upper jaw forward followed by a Biobloc on top for about a year or so. I would need upper braces for approx 8 months while wearing the schwarz-sagittal combo. He said he'll do lower braces for free if I want them; but, he thinks my lower teeth are pretty straight. Total: $6k, approx 24 months est.

I'm leaning towards this third doctor. Both doctor 2 and 3 seem to see the problem the same way but use different appliances to move the jaw the same direction. I have a few more consultations scheduled. Unfortunately, most TMJ consultations in my area are not free (although today's was!) I believe they'd both do a better job than my status quo. I quite frankly can't afford doctor 2. My insurance doesn't cover TMJ, of course!

Any advice as I continue with consultations? Please help me to make a better decision than I did last time.

Thank you!

I was trying to say M.E.W. as the doctor's name; but the system marks that name as spam. Could someone please tell me if his school of thought is legitimate? Thanks!

I'm in the same situation in regards to TMJ issues. I went to two orthodontists on top of my regular dentist and they all wanted to begin Orthodontic treatment to see if braces would help the situation first before taking drastic measures and doing a surgical approach in correcting my TMJ Issues. I will update when I have more info and good luck with your treatment.

Thanks for your reply. Did the orthodontists refer you to get your TMJ checked out before they could treat you? I've had two orthodontic consultations and both said I needed to have TMJD treatment that they couldn't provide themselves first.
I thought my TMJD was mostly better after 9 months of 24-7 splint wear; but, last week I had a severe flare up.
I'm getting impatient because my top front incisor is chipping away frighteningly fast and I understand this will stop being an issue once I get my bite fixed.

If anyone else sees this thread; I've realized the extremely expensive treatment I asked about earlier is inadvisable after reading the sticky thread on holistic dentists and other quackery.

I wasn't referred to anyone other than the orthodontist. They did say however after treatment is over they will re-evaluate and let me know if I need to seek further treatment plans. I will be sure to try and keep you informed of what the Ortho and dentists say.

Thanks for getting back to me. I hadn't checked in awhile (whoops). I'll be interested if you find out anymore info on this.

I think TMJ is, as you say as bit of a dark art. If its bad you need to try with the one you believe in the most - best of luck. I just have a night splint and it help.

Do you wear a night splint while getting Ortho treatment? Thanks.

That's a negative, they told me they don't think I would need it while in treatment.