I wanted to write about it, even though the pics are embarrassing, because the splint is not something I could find a lot of information on through Google. Apparently, it's not all that common. So, I hope this post helps out anyone else who has to go through this.
The splint has a fancy name. It is a maxillary anterior guided orthotic, or "MAGO." It's an "active" splint, which makes it a bit different from a regular night guard. It's purpose is to give you a simulated correct bite so that your muscles can relax, allowing your TMJ to move into it's most stable position. It's supposed to help relieve headaches and muscle tension. In order for it to work properly, you have to wear it ALL the time, even while eating. You should only take it out to brush. It has to be adjusted about every week to accommodate your constantly changing bite as your joint moves into position. It's a huge commitment.
Once your TMJ is stable, it helps the orthodontist and oral surgeon know the best position for your jaw placement, because your joint head is in its most natural position (i.e., it's not being dislocated by your muscles in trying to chew, find your bite, etc.).
Well, that's the basic goal/hope. Let's just say it did not work that way for me. I never had true relief of my joint tension. Everyone involved in the splint treatment seemed genuinely surprised by this. But, they insisted that this was the way to go, before I could get top braces, even knowing that once I had braces everything would just shift around again anyway.
Well, FINALLY, it will be over. Tomorrow, I get my top braces. I am so freaking excited to be rid of this awful thing.
271 days. Over.
My smile with splint in...not too bad.
Lips "relaxed." Lips closed. Ugghhh.
Oh my god Ellie I can't believe you've had a splint for 9 months! Being pre-surgery I have no idea what it must feel like, but I know that everybody who has it hates it. Poor you :( So happy for you that you're getting it out tomorrow! :D I've also found that you can't find that much about splints on Google, but from all the bloggers and people on the facebook group it seems to me that the majority of people have them. Good luck tomorrow! x
ReplyDeleteSarah, I'm pre-surgery too! I had to wear this splint before my ortho would even let me get braces... I can't wait to be done with it! :)
ReplyDeleteI know your pain with the splint- I didn't have to wear it to prepare my bite for braces, but I did have one that I got 4 years ago to help with my TMJD (My discs are constantly out like yours too). Unfortunately, it didn't help, because even while wearing it, my open bite somehow grew, and I my teeth wouldn't fit into the splint after a while. Enjoy getting rid of that thing!
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