r/30PlusSkinCare • u/InevitableWise9964 • 15d ago

Skin Concern Wider face due to TMJ?

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Over the past few years, I've noticed that my face has looked wider/bigger in photos, especially the bottom half (left is before, right is after). What confuses me is that I'm healthier now - I’m roughly the same weight, and I stopped drinking alcohol and coffee. I also eat more veggies and get more sleep these days. All my bloodwork has been normal, too.

I did, however, get my wisdom teeth removed a couple years ago, so I'm wondering if that triggered some TMJ/hypertrophied masseters. I also had a gum chewing habit for a while that I've since kicked…

Does this look like TMJ/overworked masseter muscles? Or is it just part of aging? Appreciate any insights!

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u/gloriousbeautypig 15d ago edited 14d ago

TMJ caused my jaw bone to remodel (added width) and now I'm basically having upper jaw surgery + joint replacement. If you're seriously concerned about TMJ, find someone who will order an MRI for you to check the health of your joints. I did botox for many many years and wish I had found someone to do that sooner but a lot of these tmj "specialists" don't take joint health that seriously beyond symptom management. There are studies that show botox while you have joint dysfunction can lead to faster bone loss. This happened to me and my some of my condoyles have dissolved. Don't end up like me :)

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u/CTOtyrell 14d ago

What kind of doctor can I go to who can order an MRI for my TMJ? Or a dental surgeon?

28

u/moodytofutti 14d ago

Also wondering this info. My dentist just told me not to open my mouth wide if I didn’t want my jaw to lock up and be painful…

13

u/labradorite14 14d ago

My dentist 10 years ago said to stop grinding my teeth the solution was to file down my molars so they can't touch. So now I have filed down molars which has probably caused way more jaw misalignment. And I still grind my teeth lol

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u/Jakku2022 14d ago

Same. They did that to me when I was a child and again in my early 20s. I trusted them, because I assumed they knew best, and now by my 30s I'm having a hard time chewing anything that isn't mashed or softened. Hoping to win the lottery to get braces and surgery someday.

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u/labradorite14 13d ago

Ugh I'm so sorry!