Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi
I am new here to this site and would like some encouragement. I just turned 50 (wow, I am old). Top braces were put on Feb. 18, 2011 and a lower removable bite plate. The braces are fine but the plate is a killer. It's been 5 days and I lost 2 pounds. Eating is not easy task! It feels as if I have a ceramic tile in my mouth and then try to eat something! Yeah right, I dont think so. I am surviving on protein drinks, mango, avocados and pudding. I also have pain in the masseter muscle with pain up into the ear. The Ortho will get a call from me tomorrow.
Any thoughts?
Gizzy

First, congrats on your braces ;) I got mine on 2 weeks ago with a non-removeable upper bite plate so I feel your pain for sure :( I've actually never heard of the lower bite plate but it sounds awful :( My upper plate is making my talk funny and it's very hard to eat because none of my teeth touch to chew. My speech was absolutely HORRIBLE the first couple days and I cried a lot but it has gotten much better, and so has the eating. Over time you will figure out more stuff you can eat as the pain subsides. I've been OK with pasta cut up small, soup, rice, cottage cheese, yogurt, soft bread, etc. How long are you stuck with the plate? My ortho told me 4 months and I am counting down every last day of it!! Good luck, it will get better ;)

I can relate, too - had a biteplate behind my uppers for 3 months - non-removeable. I cried a lot cuz it was miserable. Lost some weight, too. Finally the end of the 3 months came and he cut it out. Did your doc tell you how long you would have it? It's a little better knowing there will be a time when it can come out. Hang in there and keep drinking those shakes and smoothies!!

Thanks for your support. Just came from the Ortho and he adjusted it for me. I think it will be much better after the pain subsides. The plate is removable only to brush. It will be in for about 6 months.
This bite plate covers the entire bottom teeth and you only see the bottom front. Have a good weekend :).
Gizzy