I'm 14 years old and I had braces on top and bottom for just around 6 months maybe more, I had them taken off around 5 months ago and I've been getting really bad jaw ache on a night time. I already wear retainers top and bottom and I just don't know where or how to actually place my teeth together so I can sleep without the pain, in a morning my jaw will pop in and out of place when I have breakfast or bite together too hard on an object or a food substance. I don't know what to do or who to see about the problems I've being having but I was wondering if anybody had a suggestion that I could go through with?? I've already gone to the dentist and they haven't suggested anything helpful to be in the slightest and they can't tell if I grind my teeth due to me wearing retainers. Help!!
I have experienced the same problems you explained. My dentist explained to me that I had TMJ syndrome. It causes discomfort in the jaw and the pain is right infront of the ear.
Ask your dentist about a 'biteplate'
It's possible it could be in need of a root canal,but it's strange that the x rays didnt show any infections or anything.Ive had two root canals and I still remeber the severe pain of the first.I couldn't move,I had to keep my head down all the time.And I took lots of pain medicine everyday till I got it fixed.
My cousin has the same problem you do,with her jaw popping. They told her it was from grinding her teeth as well.BUt they also said she may need braces or soemthing like that.
Hopefully your probloem will be solved soon.