TMJ Forum - Tmj For 17 Years

I am looking for any help!!

Age 11 - 13: Full braces, headgear, rubberbands, retainers (corrected an overbite)

Age 15: Jaw started popping...both sides. Talked to my dentist - he recommended my wisdom teeth come out. All four were fully impacted and did not cause me any pain. But I had them removed (surgery).

Age 15 - 18: Jaw continued to pop...started getting louder

Age 18: Jaw got stuck and I could only open it 1/2 for 1 month. Got my first splint. After one month of wearing the splint - my jaw opened. (only time I've ever experience any pain)

Age 18 - 22ish - Jaw continued to pop. I saw approximately 3 different dentists...all putting me in different splints.

Age 22-ish: My jaw will only open in the morning after I pull it open with one finger (later that year/next year - two fingers).

Age 22 - 32 (current): My jaw continues to pop. Through the last 10 years I've settled into a patter that has remained for about 7 years. I pull my mouth open first thing in the morning (takes 2 fingers). The sound it makes is pretty horrifying and is only on the right side. Many dentist/doctor are SHOCKED at how loud it is. Throughout the day - it may pop...by just opening in (not even chewing). It may also pop when I get home and lay down on the couch. But it ALWAYS pops in the morning.

What have I done to help myself:
1. I've worn 5-7 different splints in the last 17 years...none have helped completely (only the first one actually helped for a short amount of time).

2. I've talked to every dentist about this.

3. I've seen a holistic TMJ specialist who didn't help at all.

4. I've seen a TMJ specialist in Chicago who, after 6 months of treatment (including wearing a split 24 hours a day, electrode therapy and a form on accupuncture) refused to treat me anymore because it was doing absolutely nothing.

5. I've seen an oral surgeon (still have my MRI) who said he would not do surgery because even though it would help me...my problem is clenching (not grinding) and if I can't control my clenching I'll be back in his office in 10 years with the same problem. So he put me on sleeping pills (I have no problem sleeping) and sent me to a physical therapist. The physical therapist would work for the next morning...but the next morning I'd be popping again.

6. Finally, I saw an orthodontist who told me while it sounds bad - it's fine. There isn't anything he can do (outside of another splint which at this point I refuse to wear).

Who the heck can help me??? How do I stop clenching if I'm doing it in my sleep? How do I stop it during the day if i don't know I'm doing it! How do I know I'm doing it if I don't know I'm doing it (does that even make sense!!)??

I'm so frustrated! I went to the ortho today and after he told me I was fine and there is no reason for concern...I was just upset. How can I not be concerned that my jaw pops so loud you can easily hear it across the room every single morning!! This cannot be right!!

Oh and finally...I HAVE NO PAIN WITH THIS!! not one ounce of pain...nada, zilch, zippo...nothing.

thanks for reading!!!

Tmj For 17 Years - Help!! (long)