TMJ has recently gotten worse. My lower left molars ache but dentists X-ray and TMJ specialists X-ray and scan were normal? Please read can anyone relate

Hi everyone I had a middle ear infection a few weeks back and since then I feel like my TMJ has gotten worse. I am 29 now and had braces from age 15-17. I noticed my lower right jaw clicking since shortly after my braces removal in 2014. I’ve had loud clicking since then but a few months back I noticed it getting worse to where my right cheek feels tense and now sometimes the left side will click. I have anxiety so idk if it’s causing it to get worse but I’ve always been an anxious person. My neck, shoulder, and trap muscles are extremely tight and my jaw has been hurting more. Certain foods will stop the clicking and I have to kind of like stretch my mouth/jaw out again for it to click/loosen up.

I’m not sure if it’s remaining from the ear infection(ear infection is cleared up from antibiotics) but it’s starting to affect my mental health. My teeth have shifted a bit since my braces removal in 2013. My Dentist can make night guard but it is 400 dollars and I’ve seen mixed things about them.

It now hurts to chew and talk and I noticed that sometimes at night I bite my tongue in my sleep as well. I had molds taken in case I get a night guard but I’ve noticed a Blood taste in mouth recently although there is no bleeding. I have an appointment with an orthodontist tomorrow for a consult and saw a TMJ specialist today who said he could make me a custom orthotic for $2,400 (which I likely can’t afford) that I’d wear for 24 hours at first and eventually wean off. Which is the better option in this case?? Thank You for reading.

Edit to add: I also work at a desk 8 hours a day with bad posture. The TMJ specialist showed me that my upper cervical spine is off as well. I’ve gone through some trauma the last few years and am considering getting back on anxiety medication or seeing a new therapist. I’m hoping it may help.