I used the Therabite. Insurance paid for it, which is a good thing, because that seemingly simple device cost many hundreds of dollars. I credit its use with my being able to open my mouth now. I kept it on the table beside my tv chair so that I could grab it many times a day. If my surgeon had not recommended that, I would now be left with an opening hardly wide enough to insert a baby spoon. I used it religiously, and yes, I tightened up between uses.

Now, I no longer use the appliance, but I do stretch my mouth open, even using my hands, many times a day, and I can open to about 2 1/4 fingers. That's probably about as much as I could open before surgery.

Stay with it....and good luck.