Hi,
It’s been less than one day since I have gotten my braces, and I am hungry but reluctant to eat. The greatest issue are my molar bands (is that what they’re called?). I understand that they have vertical hooks on the outside to hold the elastic bands in place, but they also have pieces of metal (smaller horizontal hooks) protruding my tongue top and bottom, left and right, making it difficult for me to swallow let alone eat . Is this normal? If it is, how can I overcome this and bear it for the next two years? Replies deeply appreciated!
Worried,
She Waits.
A Newbie' Question - Molar Bands
Moderator: bbsadmin
Welcome to the board. This is a great website with tons of information and support.
As for your molar bands, it's normal. They are cleats. I have them on mine and they drove me nuts. Ask your ortho if he/she is going to use them. If not, ask if they will either grind them off or put a ligature around them. I had my bottom ones ground off and still have the top ones. I'm sure your ortho will help you out on this.
Try some soft foods or soups to begin with. Before you know it, you'll eat just about everything you did before you got braces.
Good luck.
As for your molar bands, it's normal. They are cleats. I have them on mine and they drove me nuts. Ask your ortho if he/she is going to use them. If not, ask if they will either grind them off or put a ligature around them. I had my bottom ones ground off and still have the top ones. I'm sure your ortho will help you out on this.
Try some soft foods or soups to begin with. Before you know it, you'll eat just about everything you did before you got braces.
Good luck.
3M Clarity up front, rest metal--20 Jan 2006
Debraced 20 Apr 2007, 15 months total in Braces