Metal Mouth Message Board

Hey all, this is my first post. I have a pretty large lower jaw giving me an underbite. I am getting braces put on in august 2010 and getting jaw surgery done in 2011 to correct it. I haven't met with the oral surgeon yet (only the orthodondist).

This post is regarding my every day occurence of jaw pain making my whole face feel tired. I wanted to ask if the underbite is causing it? I get constant headaches and I feel tired in my face a lot, especially after lunch until I go to bed. I believe the headaches are just the aftermath of the jaw pain. I don't even feel like talking sometimes. I don't have any jaw locking or clicking or anything like that.

I also get a ton of saliva buildup in my mouth. Is this from the underbite too?

Thanks to anyone who responds!

Yes Joe. I have the exact same problem. I just got my braces on 2 weeks ago in preparation for the lower jaw set back. Prior to deciding on getting surgery I was getting headaches and tiredness and I found out that coffee and advil was a daily solution. It was my number one reason to get his fixed ASAP. I'm only 23 so I figure it's worth a lifetime of benefits.

Thanks or the response schwin. The orthodontist told me most likely my upper jaw is undergrown and needs to be moved forward a bit.

How have you adjusted to braces? Does the orthodontist take xrays before putting them on? Did you get metal braces and if so what color(s)?

I had headaches and bad migraines for many years. About six months before I got my braces, not only did I have headaches but neck and shoulder pain too! Since I have been braced, I get the occasional headache, mainly related to treatment and stress from work. I noticed a difference within the first month. I can't tell you how great it is to just have a "normal" headache. You will be very happy once you begin your treatment.

I had a cross bite, don't know if that makes a difference. I was also in the early stages of tmj.

joe984934 wrote:Thanks or the response schwin. The orthodontist told me most likely my upper jaw is undergrown and needs to be moved forward a bit.

How have you adjusted to braces? Does the orthodontist take xrays before putting them on? Did you get metal braces and if so what color(s)?

I was taking 4-6 advils per day and drinking ensure or slim fasts. There were days where I either craved a burger or pizza and I had to man up and eat it. It was quite ache-y afterwards but well worth it. Now I can eat those foods with mild aches, but I'm adjusting. I'm still drinking meal replacements and eating soup every now and then to balance it out. I'm anxious to have the surgery, but not looking forward to the recovery since I have to go back to work within 2 weeks.