The jaw joint stands as the most frequently utilized joint in the human body. When the jaw doesn’t operate optimally, it can give rise to a myriad of problems. Issues such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, back pain, fractured molars, neck discomfort, and headaches can all stem from a misaligned or malfunctioning jaw.
I grappled with many of these issues for numerous years until I discovered a treatment that would profoundly alter my life.
During my early childhood, I had healthy teeth, encountering only a single cavity in a baby tooth. However, as I aged, I became no stranger to orthodontic treatment. I experienced my first set of braces at the tender age of 8, and then again from 13 to 15. When my second set of braces were removed in 2002, I envisioned a future with a perpetually radiant and beautiful smile. After all, my teeth were straight and healthy, weren’t they?
At the age of 20, I recall visiting my childhood dentist in my hometown. I was advised to use a mouthguard to safeguard my teeth. At the time, I didn’t fully comprehend the necessity, but in retrospect, I must have exhibited signs of nocturnal jaw clenching, placing undue stress on my back molars. I gave the mouthguard a try for a few weeks, but its discomfort proved too much, and I reluctantly discontinued using it.
Fast forward to 2016, during a routine dental checkup, I received unexpected news of a cracked molar on my lower left side. Perplexed about the cause, I simply assumed that molars may crack occasionally. Opting for a crown installation, I went on my way.
Then, in 2018, after having my younger daughter, Elin, I began experiencing intense tightness and pain in my jaw. I visited yet another dentist and learned of second cracked molar, this time with an infected root, on the opposite side. Additionally, it was revealed that the crown installed on my left side in 2016 was not fitted properly, leading to an infected nerve. The solution involved undergoing two root canals and the placement of two crowns, procedures that came with a hefty financial burden.
The considerable expense of these interventions failed to address the root cause—I was unknowingly power clenching my jaw for over 7 hours every night as I slept. Another mouthguard was prescribed with the promise of preventing clenching, yet it paradoxically intensified the issue. Seeking an alternative, my dentist suggested Botox as a potential solution, injecting 25 units into each of my masseter muscles. While it did reduce clenching, the unintended consequence was a temporary distortion of my facial appearance. For about 6 months, my lower face was basically paralyzed and I was unable to smile. This left me extremely disheartened.
Without intervention, the trajectory seemed grim—continual molar cracking and persistent pain. One specialist even foresaw the necessity of a jaw joint replacement within a decade. Surgery to fix the current problem was also not a feasible option due to its invasiveness and limited success rate. The recovery process, including having one’s mouth wired shut, posed an additional challenge. The thought of being unable to communicate with my girls during that time added to the complexity of the decision.
Finally, in 2020, a glimmer of hope emerged when I discovered a treatment option right here in town. Credit goes to a local news anchor who shared her similar journey on Instagram.
Over the past 30 months, I’ve undergone an extensive jaw treatment to address the fact that my jaw was underdeveloped during childhood. Limited space in my upper jaw joint meant that each conversation or bite of food caused the joint to rub against itself. This friction, coupled with the joint opening up when I clenched, explained the persistent nocturnal clenching that had been plaguing my sleep.
Embarking on this transformative journey, the initial phase involved wearing an orthotic on my bottom teeth. Crafted to mirror the optimal position for my jaw, this orthotic was installed and worn for three months. Additionally, weekly sessions for “tensing” were essential. During these appointments, electrodes were strategically placed on various muscles of my face and neck, working to reprogram the muscle patterns in my brain.
Following the orthotic phase, a growth appliance was installed on my upper teeth. Although this marked the most uncomfortable segment of the entire treatment, the outcome proved unparalleled. Growing my upper jaw by 4.5 mm forward created additional space in the joint. Surprisingly, the impact extended beyond functional improvements. The transformation in my jawline was undeniable (refer to the images above). What was once a boxy and swollen appearance evolved into a softer, more oval-shaped jawline. The unexpected bonus? My cheekbones appeared higher and more defined, prompting my mom to remark that I resembled someone who had received cheek fillers—in the most flattering way possible.
Following a four-month stint with the growth device, the next phase was a full set of braces. Surprisingly, they proved to be significantly more comfortable compared to the growth device. However, navigating the realm of braces as an adult in their 30s wasn’t exactly a delightful experience. Fortunately, I opted for clear, ceramic brackets, offering a less conspicuous alternative to the all-metal braces of my youth.
The primary goal of the braces was to reposition the teeth forward and close the spaces after the growth of my jaw. Marking the lengthiest phase of the treatment, I wore them for just under 30 months.
Finally, I’ve entered the home stretch of my transformative journey. I bid farewell to the braces on November 14, 2023 (such a happy day!), and I am finishing up the final phase of treatment in Invisalign. The purpose behind this stage is to gently guide my teeth together after deliberately keeping them apart using bite tabs for an extended period. This gradual process is crucial to safeguard the newfound tissue that developed throughout my treatment.
Expressing immense gratitude for stumbling upon this life-changing treatment and for the exceptional team at World Class Dentistry in Sarasota, I can’t help but commend their fantastic support throughout the entire process. Despite the journey being lengthy, demanding, and undoubtedly expensive, opting for this treatment was unequivocally the best decision for me, boasting the highest efficacy rate. The results speak volumes—I am genuinely thrilled. My overall appearance now exudes a softer aesthetic, complemented by a radiant, beautiful new smile.
If you find yourself resonating with any of the symptoms I’ve shared and harbor an interest in the treatment I underwent, I’m here to address any inquiries. Without a shadow of a doubt, I can affirm that the journey was exceptionally, unquestionably worthwhile.
