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Hey there! I have been wearing top braces for 8 weeks, up until yesterday, when I had lower braces put on... My jaw is so sore...really the only way I can think to describe it, is that it is TIRED... I've been reading through the forum and found a couple of mentions of this problem, but would really like to know if there are others out there who have experienced the same type thing. Thanks...
Yeah, that's been a familiar feeling. I think it's due (personally) to the fact that you actually have muscles on your lower jaw, so it may unconsciously be tense, while your upper jaw couldn't do that. This might be causing the "tired" feeling.
Thanks for the insight! Your reasoning makes sense! It sure helps to know that someone else understands what I'm talking about, thanks for taking the time to reply! ... Donnala
I have always clenched my jaw, especially when stressed. But I find that it is worse now that I am in braces. I tend to "chew" on my back bands. I think at first it was because the excess cement bothered me but now I think it is a habit. I have to consciously make myself relax my jaw. It is exactly a tired feeling in my jaw. I also get headaches from it. It is almost like I am fighting against the change in my bite. Like I am trying to force my bite to stay the same.
yes, I know exactly what you mean. The irony of it all, for me anyway, is that one of the reasons that I am in braces is that I was beginning to exhibit signs of TMJ. Anyway, I am just going to continue to take Advil and hope that I eventually forget about the ache in my jaw or it goes away, whichever comes first.