When an Injury Affects the Jaw, Support Comes First
Marty first came in for a smile makeover. Then she fell on her chin while on vacation. In her words, her jaw shifted to the side, she couldn't open her mouth, and the pain was significant.
She went back to Dr. Fernandez, who placed an appliance and adjusted it over time so her jaw was supported all the time. Marty says she did not need to take pain pills.
A blow to the chin can strain the jaw joints and the muscles around them. After an injury like that, an evaluation comes first, and a custom oral appliance can be one conservative way to support the jaw while it settles.
Marty says that after wearing her splint she was able to eat again, and it did not take long before she had no pain. Today she says she can eat bread, even crusty French bread, with no clicking, no noises and no pain. Results vary from person to person, and every case starts with an evaluation.
Marty puts it simply: "look at me now. I still have my beautiful smile." Her closing line: "I'm a happy girl."