Chronic Jaw Pain that has lasted for four years... any treatment suggestions?

[DayKel]

I have an open bite. I was in braces for 10 years and the only way to fix the bite at this point is orthoganathic surgery.  I have post poned this due to the fact that the insurance company considers it cosmetic.  But since the fact (its been four years)  I have developed horrible jaw pain.. it causes huge headaches.. and makes it difficult to eat.  The pain never really goes away, its very consistent.  I technically have only four teeth that touch (the back four) so I think I have over worked the joints and muscles in my jaw.  I am to the point where I have to get cortisone injections in my jaw joint every three months to try and ease the pain.. and that doesn't fully take the pain away.. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help this terrible terrible pain??? I have tried cortisone injections, hot packs, splints, pain relievers, muscle relaxers.. nothing has worked!! PLEASE HELP

[TMJDoc]

Orthognathic surgery will change your bite, but most likely not change your pain.  Your teeth and how they 'match up' are seldom the cause of pain.  Your pain is most likely from adverse loading of the TMJoint or disc displacement in the TMJ.  Either way the source of the pain needs to be diagnosed and treated before any orthodontics or surgery.  The research literature backs me up on this one.  Find a good TMJ specialist that works closely with an orthodontist or is an orthodontist (there aren't many of us unfortunately).  Physical therapy is only part of a good team, not the answer by itself.  I use PT's with 90% of my patients to help shorten treatment times.  Hope you find some help.  TMJDoc

[madgeOwens]

See your doctor and ask if you can have physical therapy, they have those that specialize with TMJ

[theMRS25]

i tried a splint called the "aqualizer".. it helped, temporarily (see link below).. i see you have tried muscle relaxers.. was magnesium one of them?

also, assuming that you have seen an ENT.. is your ear health in check?  what about possible teeth needing filling.. etc.. sometimes dental problems and ear problems can manifest themselves in the jaw.. it is all related.. as i am sure you are well aware..

do you suffer from allergies?  i notice that any time my sinuses are inflamed, my jaw feels sore..  the pressure is felt in the entire region.

http://www.aqualizer.com/index.html

[scottma]

Seeing an orthodontist and tmj specialist is advised.