TMJ and alternative mouthpieces

[zboss]

All-

I know I have read threads about this subject in the past - but I've searched on TMJ, JAW, FATIGUE... etc... and I can't find anything on the subject; so I'll just repeat it here...

I'm looking for an alternative mouthpiece for my Mares MR-II primary. I have extremely bad TMJ to the point that I sometimes need to hold my regulator in my mouth towards the end of a long dive because my jaw hurts so bad. I've looked at the SeaCure and I'm not really sure that would address my issue very well. Of course - I haven't tried it yet. I've also seen "The Manta" and I am willing to give that a go...

I am wondering if anyone knows of other mouthpieces...

Thanks!

 

[Boogie711]

Have you checked out the Comfo-bite mouthpieces found on the Aqua-Lung and Apeks regs? I love 'em.

 

[zboss]

Have you checked out the Comfo-bite mouthpieces found on the Aqua-Lung and Apeks regs? I love 'em.

I'll look...

 

[pink_fins]

I too have jaw problems. I am on my third secure in 10 years. And my second regulator set up.
I dive with a 7ft hose and just had the secure mouthpiece on that in my mouth. But thought about it and when practicing with my buddy sharing air I realized the bungeed octo around my neck only had a reg mouthpeice. Ugh. I couldn't hold on to the reg. And in a ooa situation I don't want to have to work with an ill fitting mouth piece. Well they both have the secure now.

Purchase it and follow directions. I had to cut the length down. It did sorta gaged me.
The others just didn't work for me.
Also tried the comfo-bite on the Aqualungs, since it came with my new reg.

gail

 

[Boogie711]

Gail - just a thought...

If you don't like diving with a regular mouthpiece, how is the stressed out-of-air diver going to feel diving with a mouthpiece that doesn't fit inside his mouth?

At least consider trimming the length of the overall mouthpiece so it will be more of a universal fit, if you haven't already.

 

[Firefyter]

I agree with Boogie on this one. I have the comfo-bite mouthpieces on my regs, and I wouldn't use anything else. They're so comfortable that I get slackjawed, and have to remind myself to keep my mouth closed. Absolutely no jaw fatigue.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I agree with the idea of using the comfo-bite mouthpieces. They are a universal fit but take nearly all the strain off the jaw. A custom mouthpiece can present a serious problem to an out of air buddy.

A major thing that is often overlooked is hose lenght. If a second stage hose is too long or too short, it increases the force needed to keep the mouthpiece in place. A couple inches longer or shorter can make a great deal of difference. This is often as big a factor as the design of the mouthpiece itself

If you are using a long hose, adjusting the routing slightly can be important to ensure the reg is not pushed or pulled with head movement.

 

[zboss]

I agree with the idea of using the comfo-bite mouthpieces. They are a universal fit but take nearly all the strain off the jaw. A custom mouthpiece can present a serious problem to an out of air buddy.

A major thing that is often overlooked is hose lenght. If a second stage hose is too long or too short, it increases the force needed to keep the mouthpiece in place. A couple inches longer or shorter can make a great deal of difference. This is often as big a factor as the design of the mouthpiece itself

If you are using a long hose, adjusting the routing slightly can be important to ensure the reg is not pushed or pulled with head movement.

I think I have a 24 on it and I'm thinking about bring it down two inches. Currently, it pushes to the left while looking forward... forget looking right. Maybe a combination of changes is in order.

 

[carol moody]

I wear a night guard for sleeping, & SeaCures for diving. In addition, I have a swivel mount below the mouthpiece, which helps to reduce the pull on the hose. It's also a nice feature to swivel the hose to the opposite side when wall diving.
It helps me to check periodically, if I'm clenching, relax & enjoy the scenery!

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Hi gang,

You've already mentioned nearly all the commercially available mouthpieces. The ComfoBite is not held by the teeth so theoretically, it should reduce muscle strain. SeaCure and JAX mouthpieces are heat moldable. When done properly, an even, non-stressed bite is created and this ought to minimize muscle spasm.

There is a catch however. In my opinion, the instructions, when followed properly, DO NOT generate something called centric relation. If you are experiencing TMJ symptoms at the time you are shaping the bite, you will, very likely, generate a bite pattern that mates with your teeth when your bite is "out of whack." You learn to posture your jaw in the most comfortable position. If this position doesn't allow the jaw joints to seat properly, then this will strain the muscles. You will end up positioning your jaw to the learned position rather than the centric position which bite guards are supposed to be fabricated to.

There is a way around this but it is rather complicated to explain in print. If your dentist is willing, he might be able to manipulate your jaw into centric while shaping the bite.

One of the triggers to TMJ is to have heavy individual tooth contacts far back in the mouth. For this reason, you should certainly trim any extensions of the mouthpiece that are farther back than the first molars. Be aware that different regulators have different diameter openings in the second stage. Make sure that you purchase the correct size mouthpiece for your model.

I personally use the SeaCure and find that it works well.

Other ways to reduce strain on the jaws is to use an appropriate length hose, use a smooth functioning swivel, use a light weight second stage, make sure that you have a "dry" breathing regulator. A proper fit to the mask is also important. It it presses too tightly on the upper lip, it can displace the mouthpiece and you have to work harder to keep it positioned in your mouth. A full face mask, even with its bulk and bouyancy, is another method to reduce jaw strain and therefore TMJ symptoms.

It is even possible for improper weight distribution to exacerbate TMJ. If you are swimming in a awkward position and straining your neck, you can also contribute to general head and neck fatigue. If you already have TMJ problems, you swimming posture can affect you jaws.

In one of my posts in the past, I tried to describe a method of fabricating the SeaCure in the centric position. Keep looking on the board and perhaps you will find it.

Hope this helps.


Laurence Stein, DDS