Memory foam pillows were tricky for me too, especially when I first got braces. I kept waking up with this weird soreness around my jawline and temples. Thought it was just anxiety at first, but switching pillows actually helped a lot. Have you tried those softer down-alternative pillows or even the shredded memory foam ones? I'm wondering if maybe it's not just about softness but also how moldable the pillow is to your head and neck position.
Also curious—did your orthodontist ever mention anything about sleep posture affecting your braces treatment or jaw alignment? Mine didn't really bring it up, but I've noticed on nights when I sleep on my stomach or side weirdly, my jaw feels more tense in the morning. Maybe it's just me overthinking things (I tend to do that a lot, haha), but I'd love to know if anyone else's ortho has given them specific advice about sleep positions or pillow types.
It's honestly surprising how much these little details matter. Like, who knew pillows would become such a big deal when dealing with dental stuff...
"Have you tried those softer down-alternative pillows or even the shredded memory foam ones?"
Honestly, I found shredded memory foam pillows even trickier because they're so moldable that I'd end up shifting positions constantly throughout the night, which actually made my jaw soreness worse. Weirdly enough, a firmer pillow gave me better support and kept my head steady. My ortho didn't mention sleep position either, but after experimenting a bit, sleeping on my back definitely reduced morning tension for me... might be worth a shot if you haven't tried it yet.
Totally get what you're saying about shredded memory foam pillows—had the same issue myself.
"sleeping on my back definitely reduced morning tension for me..."
This is spot-on advice. Back sleeping really helps ease jaw strain, especially during orthodontic treatment. Hang in there, it does get better eventually.
Definitely agree about sleeping positions making a difference. When I had braces for my underbite, I noticed that side-sleeping put extra pressure on my jaw overnight—I'd wake up feeling like I'd been clenching all night. Switching to my back was a huge relief, even though it took some getting used to at first.
Another thing that helped me was being mindful of daytime habits too. Like, I didn't realize how often I rested my chin in my hand while reading or watching TV. Seems harmless, but that subtle pressure can add up over time and make soreness worse. Once I started catching myself doing it and stopped, the tension eased noticeably.
Also, orthodontic wax was a lifesaver for me early on. My brackets used to irritate the inside of my cheeks pretty badly, especially when adjustments were fresh. Applying wax before bed made mornings way more comfortable. If you're not already using it, might be worth giving it a shot.
I know it feels like treatment drags on forever—been there myself—but eventually you'll get past the halfway point and things start moving faster. Hang in there...the results are totally worth the wait.
Interesting points about sleeping positions, but honestly, switching to my back never really worked for me. I tried it for weeks, but I'd always wake up halfway through the night feeling restless and uncomfortable. Weirdly enough, what helped me more was getting a softer pillow that molded around my face and jaw better. Guess everyone's different...but yeah, orthodontic wax was definitely a lifesaver—can't argue with you there.
