I've been dealing with this annoying jaw clicking and occasional pain for a couple years now, and it's honestly driving me nuts. Dentist mentioned it's TMJ related, suggested a few treatments like a mouthguard, physical therapy, or even injections. But I'm kinda skeptical, you know? Heard mixed things from friends—some say it helped a ton, others say it was just money down the drain.
I'm leaning towards trying the mouthguard first since it seems least invasive (and cheapest lol), but I'm curious if anyone here has actually gone through any of these treatments. Did they genuinely make a difference? Or did you end up feeling like it was just another gimmick? Really don't wanna waste time and cash if it's not gonna help much.
"I'm leaning towards trying the mouthguard first since it seems least invasive (and cheapest lol)"
Totally get your hesitation—TMJ treatments can feel like a gamble sometimes. But honestly, I've seen many patients significantly improve with mouthguards, especially if clenching or grinding at night is a factor. Physical therapy can also be surprisingly effective, teaching you exercises to relax and strengthen jaw muscles. I'd say give the mouthguard a fair shot first; it's low-risk and often makes a noticeable difference.
I was pretty skeptical about mouthguards at first too, tbh. Thought it was just another gimmick my dentist wanted to sell me. But after dealing with jaw clicking and headaches for months, I finally caved. Surprisingly, it did help a lot. Took a couple weeks to notice a difference, but eventually the clicking eased up and mornings felt way less painful. Worth a shot at least, especially since it's not too pricey compared to other options...
Glad you're finally seeing some relief. Did you find it uncomfortable at first? Mine felt super weird for the first few nights, but now I honestly can't sleep without it... hang in there, it gets even better over time.
Mine felt super weird for the first few nights, but now I honestly can't sleep without it... hang in there, it gets even better over time.
Initially, I was quite apprehensive about the mouthguard due to discomfort and difficulty adjusting. However, after several weeks, there was a noticeable decrease in jaw clicking and tension. It's reassuring to hear others experienced similar improvements gradually over time.