how long did you wait to chew?

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#1 Post by **lilc290** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 2:40 pm

Hey everyone-just a quick question!

I got my braces on Monday, and while the pain isn't nearly as bad as I was expecting, I cannot chew whatsoever! Not only does it hurt, but my ortho has a build up on my back teeth of some kind so I cannot close down completely (trying to correct my class III). I know everyone is says that chewing helps the pain, but i can't even close my mouth!

Should I bring this up with my ortho next time? Has anyone else experienced this same problem??

Website · #2 Post by **alexa** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 4:43 pm

Not to depress, you, but I waited a whopping hour after getting braces before I was eating a regular meal. A cheeseburger from a really great place by my house, which sadly is no longer in business.

I never had severe soreness...just some sore areas that needed wax.

I would say, take some tylenol, advil or whatever OTC medicine you prefer, then try soft things...eggs, pasta, really soft breads...just things that are easier on your teeth.

You'll be back to scarfing down food in no time.

ETA: I had bite turbos right from the start, as well, so eating really is totally possible with those things.

#3 Post by **Clairey Fairey** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 4:58 pm

Pasta is good for the first couple of days, mashed bannanas are too!!

Cake is a good option......not that I'm recomending you eat junk food of course!!

#4 Post by **joney** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 5:13 pm

It took me about five days on one side and about another five days before I could bite properly on both sides. I didn't have any molar buildups. I was so happy when I could bite properly (even just one side). It will happen but it may take a while, in the meantime just keep trying.

#5 Post by **Meloho** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 5:18 pm

I tried chewing during my first meal w/ braces (yesterday) but couldn't. I knew ahead of time, my ortho warned me I'd have trouble, but that's cuz my molars don't meet yet. They will in a couple months though...

#6 Post by **minlou01** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 5:48 pm

I'm in the same situation. I was braced on Monday and had no difficulty eating on that day....but, since then I have been very sore and have struggled to make myself chew food. I keep trying but find myself simply swallowing the food rather than chewing. Not the smartest idea

I'm sitting here wondering if I should go out and get something to eat (as my stomach is growling) but the thought of going through the whole brushing, flossing...etc routine is such a pain!

#7 Post by **kirjax** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:05 pm

I chewed food the first day. I was more worried about breaking something the first day. Then I hated chewing only bc everything felt wierd. But as far as pain - nothing. Except for rare occasions when I get a sore tooth then I have to avoid chewing in that spot.

#8 Post by **Genie** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:53 pm

Hi! I was already chewing noodles on the first day, few hours after bracing! I'm actually looking forward to braces because I can't chew at all with the spacers. I only had upper braces n all 4 molar bands on my first molars. It feels weird because all I feel is metal hitting each other but I get used to it with time. Now, 5 days after bracing, I eat almost anything except really hard or sticky stuffs.

lilc290, I hope things get better for you as the days go on... good luck!

#9 Post by **zilmarshall** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:47 am

Hello--
I got my braces on Tuesday, and they put in those weird molar build-ups... I still can't figure out how to chew anything with them. They just feel really uncomfortable. I've been eating soup with noodles but have found myself swallowing the noodles whole. The brackets aren't too bad, and the pain is tolerable, but eating seems like a nightmare so far!

I believe you guys when you say it will get easier, but so far it's been WAY harder than I expected.

Thanks...
L

#10 Post by **MissDiana** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 11:10 am

I don't think I chewed anything until about three days after I got my braces, and even then I stuck to really soft things like scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes for about a week.

However, I made sure to have plenty of things you don't need to chew (like chicken broth with crackers crushed up in it, veggie juices, yogurt and pudding) in the house, or else I would have gone crazy with hunger.

Good luck, and I promise it gets better!

#11 Post by **Lisa65** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 11:24 am

I had a Chinese takeaway the same night. It's amazing what you can eat without much chewing if you're hungry enough.

#12 Post by **alliphd** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 3:14 pm

I've got new braces with buildups as well. At first I thought it was going to be impossible, but it's definitely doable. I've just been taking small enough bites that I can use the one tooth on each side that does touch to chew with. It's annoying, and it takes a lot longer to eat, but it can be done! I refuse to let mine get in the way, so in the week that I've had mine on, I've eaten pizza, a hamburger, sandwiches, and more. Try some things out, you'll get used to it. Good luck!