Comments on: Should I Get Braces For Cosmetic Reasons And Tmj (pictures Included)?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:30 +0000

Eh… its a personal call. I wouldn’t, because I am very conservative, and braces cost a heckuva lot of money. With that smile I would not worry about it, invisalign might be a more practical choice, they might be cheaper.

By: Dr Matt W (Australia)

Dr Matt W (Australia) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:30 +0000

As the orthodontist says, it’s for cosmetic reasons, so he can’t suggest that you do it – it’s a personal choice that is up to you. 90% of braces are for cosmetic reasons, and only 10% are for people with functional problems that really do need treatment.
Usually the metal braces are cheapest, the ceramics next (but not by much), and then Invisalign is most expensive. All will do the job if the orthodontist says so.
For your TMJ the ortho will not help at all. Since you’ve only had pain/clicking within the past 2 weeks, then with a bit of care it will settle down again. Don’t start ortho until it has settled!
1. Avoid any actions that make it click or pain e.g. eating apples or bread buns. Or wide yawning, laughing;
2. Try some warm packs to the side of your face;
3. Take ibuprofen if the TMJ causes you continual pain without provocation. Sometimes for acute cases I prescribe diazepam (Valium) which can be helpful as a muscle relaxant.
4. If these do not help, then see your dentist about a possible occlusal splint therapy. Don’t buy DIY splints from the pharmacist.

By: Yeah Right

Yeah Right — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:30 +0000

Hey
Ive had braces before and I would be soooooo lucky to have teeth like yours and not have braces. Your teeth are not bad at all and really nobody cares about the bottom because your top would be shown more.
Im not sure what tmj is but it sounds uncomfortable so you should get it checked it out and see whats going on.

By: rockstar

rockstar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:30 +0000

braces will only make your TMJ worse, it would be less painful, and more effective to just get lumineers.

By: The mom

The mom — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:30 +0000

If an orthodontist tells you that braces would be only for cosmetic purposes, you would be smart to listen. What the person is telling you is that braces probably won’t make a big difference in your teeth. TMJ is not related to that, it’s related to jaw clamping, usually in your sleep. The dentist can help you with that by providing you with a bite plate to wear in your sleep. Nobody except you sees bottom teeth, and the braces won’t do much at all for the canine. You might have better luck as the first person suggested with lumeers. You had the advice of the expert, and taking polls here on YA is really not a good way to make decisions like this. The expert gave you advice, and isn’t likely to be swayed by the opinions of a group of folks on the web. As far as the TMJ, that’s a different ball altogether. Get a bite plate made by your regular dentist, and take some ibuprofen for the pain. If that doesn’t help, go back to see the dentist, and then your regular doctor. It’s not the teeth alignment, it’s your gringing and jaw clenching doing that.

By: fdmeagan

fdmeagan — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:30 +0000

If you get braces now, you’ll thank yourself later.
and you have the offer of Invisiline, so it’s not as bad as metal braces, and much less hassle.