Metal Mouth Message Board

I am so happy to read about everyone's linguals-but is anyone else still having trouble eating with theirs? I have upper linguals and lower damon's and the first week of linguals I could barely even swallow water without pain because my tongue was so cut up. I've have my linguals just over a month now and have already seen movement (yay!) but seriously, I cannot eat more than mush. I popped the back wire out the first week and then eating some mushy cut up pizza I almost popped the wire out of the other back bracket. I was able to push it back into place, but the orthodontist has already repaired the loose wire once, and without even eating, just brushing-it came loose again. I'm afraid to chew anything for fear that more wires will come loose. Plus, flossing has been impossible-I purchased a water pik and also these little in-between teeth bristly-brushes in the meantime. Can anyone else eat like normal? I know I can't have hard foods in general because of my jaw joints, but I would love to be able to actually bite into something (right now it's a challenge to bite into food with my front teeth) without having to cut it up into mini pieces. Plus it takes me forever to eat...
I do have to say though, I completely do not regret my choice to get linguals. my speech was barely effected, it's just I need to eat and protein/breakfast shakes can only fill me up for so long.
thanks!

Hey there,

Sorry to hear you're having trouble

I've had my upper linguals for a year now and to be honest eating is the only thing that still annoys me every now and then - but not because it's painful or I'm worried anything will break, just because food sometimes gets stuck!

I'm not sure re the wire popping out etc - this has never happened to me so it may be an issue to sort out with your ortho? As a customer you should be entitled to something that doesnt break!

I haven't really been able to bit 'into' anything with my front teeth since I've had the braces...but thats okay, I just tear bits off sandwiches and eat burgers with knives and forks. Have to say I'm looking forward to chowing into a huge subway when they come off!

Sorry I cant help but the problems you're experiencing may be an issue with your brace rather that you not coping with it...hope you get sorted soon

I have had mine since Dec. 17, and eating has gotten easier, but it still is not great. Have you tried drinking with straws? It helped me in the first few days. Small bites helps too. The only plus I see in eating slowlier is that I am losing weight. Hang in there! We will survive this!

thanks for the replies! It's good to know that I am not the only one who can't actually "bite" into something. I don't mind cutting things up or breaking it into pieces-I just wish it wasn't difficult still to chew. The doctor did fix the loose wire, but it came loose almost right away after, so they said most likely it is because the archwire is flexible the first time, but it won't effect the movement so I can wait till my next appt when they change my wires. I'll hang in there! I am happy that there's movement already. The brightside is after all us this, we all will have great mouths right?!