I just want to look like myself again - is there any hope?
I have been dealing with TMJD for about 10 years and it's gotten significantly worse in the last 2 years. I just got the results of my MRI, which showed arthrosis in both joints, both discs displaced/subluxation, and significant limitation of anterior translation, but there is also immediate recapture. Both sides have flattened condylar heads, small bone spurs, thickened pterygoid tendons, and the discs are displaced forward and laterally when mouth closed, with the right side being worse. I'm not a medical professional so I don't really know how advanced or serious my case is, just repeating the MRI results.
I deal with pain, teeth issues, posture problems, and all of the other complications, but I know there are still treatments I can try for those (for context I have already done PT, nightguard, masseter Botox, etc). My OM surgeon suggested a stabilizing splint next, likely followed by arthrocentesis. I'm hoping to do Invisilign and dental bonding after that to try to fix my smile.
However, my biggest concern is how it's changing my overall facial appearance, and I've been feeling hopeless about it. I used to be objectively very pretty, even just a couple of years ago, and I'm only 32. But I don't recognize myself anymore. I've lost my chin and my jawline, my teeth and smile are totally warped, my cheeks are misshapen, and my right eye pulls and droops downward. I hate seeing pictures of myself and looking in the mirror. I know it's vain, but I tear up over this frequently. Is there any hope for restoring my appearance? i just want to look like myself again and gain a little confidence back. I've scoured this thread for success stories and have been pretty depressed by what I've read, so I'm wondering if anyone has had any success and feels content with how they look after treatment.