Metal Mouth Message Board

3 or 4 days after my first adjustment, I woke up to find that I had become a “clencher”. I have never done this before. I don’t think I was grinding my teeth but I found that clenched position pretty comfortable but different. I’m not sure what this means and I’m not sure if I did it last night.
Any thoughts?

You were always a clencher -- you just never noticed it before.

I know I used to wake up clenching on occassion before braces. I have had them on for 5 days now and at least twice I've noticed clenching in the middle of the night--it just hurts more now!!

Fortunately it doesnt hurt when I clench.

I'm a clencher too. Don't know if my open bite has anything to do with it (?) Woke up this morning with teeth marks down each side of my tongue too. Ow ow OW

(We are talking about clenching jaws/teeth, right?!?)

Boohill, I do love your avatar by the way

Thanks Essdee Yes we are talking about teeth unless you have something else you want to share. . I do notice my toungue between my teeth sometimes but I dont bite enough for it to hurt. I know now I'll probably bite my tongue off now that Ive said that.

Unfortunately, I am a serious clencher/grinder and have been for years. Prior to braces, I wore a custom night guard to help protect my teeth. I got really spoiled by that.... now I wear a Splintek night guard, and it drives me crazy! Don't get me wrong - it's far better than nothing, but it's so different than what I was used to, and I still haven't adjusted. I hope none of you develop any serious clenching/grinding issues - they can be very painful, and terrible for your teeth!!

Yeah I'm a clencher/griner have been forever. But since putting my braces on I haven't noticed myself doing it. I asked my ortho if I should wear my night guard and he said don't even bother because I would have to get a new one every couple days because of teeth movement. It always worries me that I am going to go back to clenching and bite off my bottom brackets.
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