Biting Bracket Question

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epiphany7
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:23 pm
Location: NYC

Biting Bracket Question

#1 Post by epiphany7 »

Hello, Folks.

So, I've been in ceramic self-ligating braces for about a week now - and thankfully feel like the worst is over! I'm actually able to chew again (for the most part, with one caveat below), and I've stopped feeling like all people see when they look at me is my braces. I've even had quite a few friends (and - get this - strangers!) tell me that the braces are kind of funky and sexy! Score :).

However, I have one problem. I have ONE ANNOYING BRACKET on my left lower canine that my left upper canine bites into - HARD - every time I bite down to chew. I bite down on this one bracket so hard when I chew that I'm starting to feel an AWFUL creaking and lots of pain in my left jaw joint, accompanied by what feels like a loosening bracket (or worse, a loosening tooth).

I went back to my orthodontist to talk to him about this on the second day - I had already sensed that this might be a problem. However, at that time, he said there wasn't much he could do, that any discomfort should pass and that my bite would be changing soon enough anyway. At the time, I took his word for it because he obviously has more experience with this than I do. However, almost a week has passed now, and while everything else has gotten better, I feel that this issue is becoming more of a problem. Besides, I've never had TMJ problems before and don't want to start developing them as a result of this one SILLY bracket.

All that said - is it reasonable for me to request that he either move or remove the bracket on or before my next visit? I don't want this simple issue to misalign my jaw or cause me to break a tooth, either of which would prolong my treatment... and make me miserable besides. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much, and happy Labor Day to those of you in the US!
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Bekah
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#2 Post by Bekah »

When I first got my braces on my bottom teeth, they put a "bumper" on one tooth to keep me from biting the bracket off. My teeth moved pretty quick so I didn't need it by my next adjustment.
2 Years 4 months 3 weeks and 4 days in full metal braces!

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dezlorelle
Posts: 43
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:23 pm

#3 Post by dezlorelle »

I also got molar build ups on my back bottom teeth to keep me from biting my bottom brackets because of my overbite. They're only scheduled to be on approximately 6 months to give my bite time to change. I'd ask him about something like that, or bite turbos.
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KimC
Posts: 57
Joined: Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:47 am

#4 Post by KimC »

Epiphany,

I just wanted to comment on the strangers saying your braces look sexy. It was verystrange for me the first few times it has happened, but I have to say, over the course of my treatment that it has happened fairly frequently. The comments have made me feel so much better about myself with braces and have really had a very positive impact on how I feel about my treatment. I know it may seem strange (someone commenting on something you are probably self conscious about) but take it as a compliment. t has helped me tremendously
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epiphany7
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:23 pm
Location: NYC

#5 Post by epiphany7 »

Thanks for the input, folks. My jaw is actually aching less, so I'm a little less freaked by the whole ordeal today. However, I'll still bring it all up to my ortho on my next visit.

I've seen quite a few people talk about build ups, bumpers or bite turbos, but I'm not entirely sure how they work. Will wearing/using either of those things make it so that my back teeth don't come together entirely? Won't that make it impossible for me to chew? I feel like that sensation would drive me bonkers!

Thanks again :)
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dezlorelle
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Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:23 pm

#6 Post by dezlorelle »

The first day I called my ortho and asked "How do I chew with these things on my teeth?" And he advised to cut everything up and chew on the back teeth only. Your teeth do not come together with build ups, turbos, etc on. But that's the point. I thought it would be impossible to eat, but after the soreness went away the initial week, I've figured out how to eat almost anything even with the molar build ups back there. I think it would be a good idea to ask. Without them, I'd be biting off the front 6 brackets on my lower teeth daily! I think the annoyance of the build ups are much less than the annoyance of the agony and pain you're going through biting off the bracket.
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