Hello forum;

I haven't posted in some time, but can pass on some information about the Therabite system.

First of all, it requires a lot of discipline and in order for it to be effective, it will have to travel with you at all times.

I found it very effective. At the outset of treatment, I could open my mouth 19mm unassisted, and 23mm assisted (by the Therabite...). After 3 months, and a very aggressive treatment plan, I could open my mouth 27mm unassisted, and over 30mm assisted! I understand the normal opening is no less than 36mm.

The device started to irritate some exposed bone in my lower mandible that had suffered osteoradionecrosis, and I had to curtail the use of the device until the irritation abated (about 2 months...)

Unfortunately, in my case, the 2 month lay-off resulted in the loss of the gain I had achieved which was most disappointing.

Although there are conflicting reports out there, I believe a Therabite user will have to continue using the device indefinitely in order to retain any improvement in jaw opening. In other words, once you start you will have to continue forever.

This has been my experience, but it is by no means conclusive. I wish you every success with the Therabite system, and hope that any gain you achieve is permanent.

I still use my device on and off, and realize I will need it for the balance of my days on the planet, otherwise I would offer it to another good home.

All the best,
JT2

Why do you say that it is so darn expensive? Some one sell it for $300 on Amazon. Sears sell it for $399. Atos (manufacturer) said
after Medicare and my secondary insurance my cost would be $62.

Shirish

Uh...not many people here are eligible for Medicare and many insurance companies will not cover it at all. Consider yourself lucky that you have those coverages.

And with reference to the price...many of us think that $300-400 is a lot of money.

Deb

I think $300 is alot of money. Even an unexpected bill for $62 in the wrong month can be alot for me. In my previous life, those amounts werent significant to me but now they are.

If anyone is able to help out another member with a piece of durable medical equipment that they no longer use it could make a big difference in that person's life!

Sorry I did not want to ruffle feathers but compare to what I had to pay in thousands to Hospital, Doctors and Dentist that was not covered by insurance in past 4 years this cost to me was fair.

Ken had one of these and if there is anyone who needs one I would be happy to clean it and send it out.

Thanks Jill...someone will be thankful for your offer.

Special hugs to you and your baby girl today...I can't possibly know how sad you are.

Deb

I am sending Ken's out this week to someone. So glad we could pay it forward!

Thank you ...thank you. Hugs, Deb

Hugs that sooo amazingly generous of you!