A Young Wife’s Tale

TMJ Disorder is a very broad diagnosis. Dr. Bender has actually diagnosed me more specifically with a sleep disorder and facial pain and some other medical jargon that I can’t remember now. For more information about TMJ Disorder, check out The TMJ Association website.With our current health insurance, we do not get to select our own dentist. The new dentist actually asked me, “Why do you think you have TMJ Disorder?” After I explained my situation to him, he tried to sell me orthodonics to correct my open bite and “infantile swallow” which he said would cure me. I explained that I’ve had two sets of braces, a bite guard, multiple retainers and a recent consultation with an orthodonist who confirmed that it was not in fact anything orthodonically causing my TMJ Disorder.I’ve noticed recently that it’s becoming harder and harder to whistle. It’s not such a horrible thing. I don’t need to whistle. It’s just an example of how my jaw and mouth isn’t working properly. Also, I’ve been having trouble enunciating the past week or so. I’m sure it’s just because David has been in such bad shape and I’m stressed. I just don’t want anyone to think I’m slurring my words ’cause I’m drunk.

Here’s a picture of me wearing my night guard. It doesn’t prevent me from clenching or grinding my teeth, but it minimizes the damage.

It started when I was in college. My jaw would just lock up and I wouldn’t be able to move my mouth. It started happening more and more frequently and for greater lengths of time. Then I started having a little pain. I went to my dentist who made me a night guard.

I got worse. The pain became so bad that it was difficult to eat things like sandwiches, pizza, steak, apples, carrots and anything you have to bite in to. My parents’ health insurance did not cover any treatment of TMJ Disorder, so every doctor visit and even the night guard they paid for out of pocket.