Metal Mouth Message Board

Well, I got one problem resolved (flossing) only to encounter another problem. For some reason when I talk or laugh my top lip is hanging on my braces. I haven't noticed it until today. My braces are feeling a little looser today and I was thinking maybe that's the reason. Has anyone else experienced this before?

I have that same problem. My top lip gets stuck on the hooks. I've had this problem the entire 3 months I've had braces. I don't think there is anyway of fixing it other than using wax. I wish I didn't have to have the hooks until I'm ready for the elastics.

I also use chapstick, that helps it stick less.

Same here when I smile big. Chapstick helps.

Yep, me too...

or if I am trying to talk while running.

It's a total pain in the butt, I recently created a beginning running group so I would have people to run with, and we are all chatting and getting to know each other during the runs.... only it's nearly impossible to chat while doing an easy run because my mouth is dry from breathing and my lips get all stuck on my braces.

oh well, they seem to like running with me anyways!

Hi pokergirl,

The same thing happened to me my first few weeks, but on the bottom. I just used a lot of wax on those bottom braces.

I just had my first adjustment and for whatever reason, my lips are no longer getting stuck on those brackets. So, it's probably just a temporary thing!

KK wrote:This is an annoying one pokergirl ... I've found the main things to help are lip balm and keep your body well hydrated.

Good luck with finding ways to make this better!

Hydration is definitiely an important part. I know I have the most problems when I haven't been getting enough water (or have been drinking things that decrease my water content).

I've still got the same problem, and I'm over a month and a half in.

I'm hoping that when my wire and brackets get straighter it will help. I'm optimistic that it's my upper laterals being too high that are causing some of it.

The lip catching thing and the awkward way I have to close my mouth after smiling is half the reason I'm not smiling more.

Same here. I only have that problem on one of my canines that has a hook on the bracket...very annoying but I notice it less now. I remember the first few weeks I was so self-conscious of this...

Yep, same problem here.

Thanks everyone for the tip on hydration, never thought about not being hydrated enough as contributing to the problem.

I already have a 12 mm overjet and when you add ceramic brackets to that....major problem!!!
I'm pretty annoyed with that since it's in my job description to talk a lot and smile all day long... (I'm a rep)
My lips got sore yesterday just after a long coffee with a friend, I can only imagine what will happen when I'll have to do it during the tourist season... I'll just keep a bottle of water at hand and hope for the best...

I had this a LOT at the start. Use masses of lipbalm, the oilier the better. (I find LUSH lipbalms very good for this, and tasty!)

Now I get it mainly over my temporary wire hooks - the ones my ortho created with wire ties for the extra elastic - but I then just bend the hook back a bit.

The inside of my lip gets stuck on my lower brackets. I just laugh at myself. I find that my lips stick especially after I've been sleeping.

i'm only on my 11 day and i'm finding that this is the most annoying thing about braces. you're having a conversation, you smile or laugh and you can't disengage