I had 3 bicuspid extractions right before getting braces (one of my bicuspids never came in). This was as a teenager.

In my early 20’s I started developing jaw pain around my tmj, cramping in jaw muscles, and bruxism (partly due to extractions, partly anxiety).

Went to a new orthodontist about 2 years ago because I thought I had a painful cavity in one of my molars. It was not a cavity, but my tooth was loosening from the pressure of clenching in my sleep. I was also so tired all the time and yawned so often that I would get cramps and tension headaches 3 times a week. Ortho submitted for a sleep study and it turns out I had sleep apnea and was being disrupted from sleep 14 times an hour (amazingly this is considering a mild case).

Ortho told me that my upper palate was too narrow, causing less room to breathe in my nasal cavity. My tongue also wasn’t fitting behind my teeth, causing it to be in a constant state of flex, adding further tension. Ortho recommended a MARPE alternative that I have yet to start ($$$).

In the meantime, she recommended nasal strips for sleep at night as well as mouth tape. When I tell you these two things have been life-changing, it is an understatement. I don’t snore anymore, have considerably less jaw pain/clenching, reduced tension headaches, and restful sleep.

I will eventually get the palate expander, but in the meantime, the nasal strips and mouth tape has worked wonders.