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Teeth grinding /clenching
Few months ago i started clenching my teeth (not at night but at day) intentionally for moving my lower jaw forward so that I can touch my lower front teeth with upper front teeth as I had an overbite problem. I have given some pictures of my overbite problem in the below. But after clenching for few months i felt heavily pain from my jaw and then I stopped clenching. But the results of clenching heavily affected me. The shape of my face has been changed probably due to the contraction in muscles in face for teeth clenching. And i feel several jaw joint problems. What are the effects of excessive teeth clenching on my tm joint? How Can this problem be cured?
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Usually the TMJ joint can be affected due to long standing habit of clenching. Since you did not do it for a long period you should be fine
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As evident from the photos provided by you, you are already undergoing orthodontic treatment. Anyhow your forcible clenching of teeth does not much affect the pattern of your jaw or alignment of your teeth except injuring your muscles of mastication and other allied muscle(s) and even the TM(jaw) joint to some extent. So stop any unnecessary habits immediately and follow the advice of your doctor (orthodontist).
It seems you might have spasm in the muscle(s) or related pain in muscles/ joint which may be relieved my warm dry compress on the TM joint/ ear region on both sides. Also you may take some muscle relaxant medicines as advised by your doctor.
Next Steps
Soft diet, relief to the TM joint by not opening mouth wide or frequently.
Warm saline mouth rinse 3-4 times a day for 7-14days.
Warm dry compress on the TM joints 3-4times a day for 14days and consult your doctor immediately.
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Hello Sir, I would advise you to consult with your orthodontist about your condition since during the course of treatment you might feel discomfort since it’s a myofunctional appliance( it takes support of your muscles to move your teeth). Inform him about your tmj issues.
Next Steps
Consult with your dentist
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Well,as you are undergoing orthodontic treatment,you have to wait till it finishes after which you may be needing a night guard to overcome grinding problem.Moreover this habit doesn't solve the problem of bite correction,so better to quit it asap.Also take as soft diet for few days.See an oral medicine person.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.